Review: ‘Gypsy’ kicks off Little Theatre’s 73rd season

Directed by: Beth Domann

Starring: Carol Reinert, Tara Lewis, Kylie Stack, Bill Stratton

Springfield Little Theatre opens its 73rd season with a production of one of the most well-known, best-loved musicals in American theater.

“Gypsy” – as the show is commonly referred to – is a bit bawdy and centers around a woman who epitomizes all that it is to be a “stage mother,” Gypsy Rose Lee’s mom, Mama Rose.

Many of the songs are now considered “standards,” including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and of course “Let Me Entertain You.” The latter makes an interesting journey in the show from being sung by a child act to being the signature number of the most famous stripper to ever slip out of a glove, and eventually more. Prudish theatergoers need not be concerned. SLT’s production is tastefully done throughout and a heck of a lot of fun.

By now, even those woefully unschooled in musical theater know the story.

Mama Rose and her daughters, June and Louise, travel the vaudeville circuit seeking stardom. At least, Mama is seeking it for the girls.

Young June is vivacious and outgoing, while the older girl, Louise, is more introverted. After knocking around for several years, June, no longer “Baby June,” tires of the acting life and runs off with a fella. This downsizes the act, and Mama and Louise end up on the Orpheum circuit (which, by the way, Landers Theatre was once a part of – then known as Landers Orpheum Theatre.) It’s while playing in Wichita, Kan., that Louise, who takes the name Gypsy Rose Lee, is schooled by a group of seasoned strippers in the art of seductive dance. Shy at first, Lee eventually becomes more confident, and the rest, as they say, is history.

SLT’s artistic director, gifted comedienne and longtime company actress Beth Domann does a great job directing this production. SLT presented “Gypsy” in 1992, and Domann, as well as star Carol Reinert, choreographer Scott D. Miller and musical director Susan Gravatt, were all involved in that production. Veteran Chuck Rogers – who did the production design for both presentations – directed the 1992 show.

It’s evident these people really know the material.

Most of the actors do triple duty: singing, dancing and acting. Everyone seemed confidently rehearsed at the first show on Sept. 13. Tara Scott Lewis in the title role has the most physically demanding role.

Domann has infused this production with a great sense of fun. On a technical note, I was amazed at the rapid, seamless set changes. It seemed the lights would come up just seconds after going down and, voilà – a new set.

“Gypsy” is a great way for SLT to begin the 2007–08 season.

The show runs Thursday–Sunday through September 30.

See SBJ’s Sept. 24 for a peak into “Gyspy” cast members’ lives off the stage and details of Springfield Little Theatre’s 2007-08 season.

Jim Wunderle owns Wunderle Sound Services and is a Springfield freelance writer and musician. He can be reached at info@wunderlesound.com.