Mon River Arts staging classic musical ‘Gypsy’

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
The actors of the Mon River Arts group are gearing up to tell a musical fable about “the ultimate show biz mother.”
Mon River Arts will present “Gypsy” Friday and Saturday, as well as May 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Theater on South Second Avenue in Elizabeth. Sunday matinées will be at 2 p.m. Sunday and May 12.
Regarded by many theater professionals as the greatest musical ever created, “Gypsy” is the tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success while secretly yearning for her own, according to Tams-Witmark, the organization Mon River Arts has arranged the show with.
Set all across America in the 1920s, when Vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents’ landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart and sophistication.
The show was adapted from the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, an American burlesque entertainer and vedette. She was also an actress, author and playwright.
The celebrated score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim boasts one hit after another, including: “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “You’ll Never Get Away from Me,” “If Momma Was Married,” “All I Need Is the Girl,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “You Gotta Get A Gimmick,” “Small World” and “Together Wherever We Go.”
The Mon River Arts show is ​directed by Seamus Ricci. Musical director is Aubrey Garvin and Chelsea Fredrickson is the choreographer.
The cast comprises: Colleen Boatright, Thelma/mother/Renee; Jillian Cerilli, Mazeppa/Miss Cratchitt; Alexandra Davis, Young Angie; Ed Gergerich, Uncle Jocko/Pop; Abigail Gindlesperger, young L.A.; Alexis Hawk, Agnes/mother/waitress; Kathy Hawk, Mama Rose; Tori Heckbert, June; Laura Hermann, cowgirl/Goldstone; Morgan Johnston, Young Tulsa; Caitlyn Kelley, Baby Louise; Katie Beth Kirby, Electra; Bethany Kirk, Yonkers; Riley Konesky, Louise; Diane McClintock, George/Patsey/offstage announcer; Geralyn McMullen, Dolores/mother/cow/Weber; Kambria Mossburg, balloon girl/Bourgeron-Cochon/cow 2.1; Christine Pittman, Tessie Tura; Aurora Rechichar, young Yonkers; Matthew J. Rush, Herbie; Erik Thompson, Tulsa; Jess Ulher, Marjorie May/mother/L.A.; Zoe Ulmer, Baby June; Jordan Yuhas, Angie.
The production staff comprises Lori Kolodziej, Courtney Chaplin, Katelynn Reist, Lynetta Miller, Clarence Hawk, Al Weigand, Rikkilee Rose, Jane Huff, Sean Haney, Elora Boyd, Sean Michael Haney, Kevin Provins Jr. and Samantha Parks.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for students and seniors. Order tickets at monriverarts.ticketleap.com.
For special seating or group pricing call 412-405-8425 or email MRAboxoffice@gmail.com.
The show contains mature themes. Parental guidance is suggested. The show is not recommended for children younger than 13.
For more information about the show or Mon River Arts programs and classes visit www.monriverarts.org or the Mon River Arts Facebook page.