The University of Evansville Departments of Theatre and Music proudly present the classic Tony Award-winning musical Gypsy, opening at 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 11, in UE’s Shanklin Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. on November 12, 17, 18, 19 and at 2:00 p.m. on November 13 and 20.
From the first moment of its pulse-racing overture to the last note of its knockout finale, Gypsy is a true American musical that treats audience members to the theatrical antics of Mama Rose—the ultimate stage mother. As vaudeville is dying and the much sexier burlesque is sweeping the nation, Mama Rose embarks upon a whirlwind tour of the United States seeking stardom for her two young daughters. With book by Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim’s genius lyrics and Jule Styne’s soaring music are sure to sweep audience members into a full-fledged frenzy of musical theatre greatness with the show-stopping numbers “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,†“You Gotta Get a Gimmick,†and “Let Me Entertain You.â€
Gypsy is directed by R. Scott Lank, Professor of Theatre, and choreographed by Ricki Smith Newman. The musical features a 20-person student orchestra, led by musical director Gregory B. Rike, Professor of Music. Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Renschler serves as the scenic designer; Professor of Theatre Pattti McCrory is the costume designer; Assistant Professor of Theatre Stephen Boulmetis is the lighting designer; guest artist Richard Ingraham is the sound designer; and Austin Pettinger, a senior from Ottumwa, Iowa, serves as the associate costume designer.
The cast features Caitlin Taylor, a senior from Colleyville, Texas, as Mama Rose, and playing her daughters are Sarah Vogt, a senior from Floyd Knobs, Ind., as Louise, and Kelsey Miller, a sophomore from Evansville, Ind., as June. Other leading characters in the 39-member cast include Elvin P. McRae, a senior from Novato, Calif., as Herbie; and Nicholas Selting, a sophomore from Laramie, Wyo., as Tulsa.
In addition to the college theatre students, five child actors, ranging in age from 5 to 12, also play roles in the musical. They are Tyler Dugas, from Santa Claus, Ind.; Katrina Wilson, from Mt. Vernon, Ind.; Gracie Schmidt, from Haubstadt, Ind., and Jaylynn Lyons and Kate Dimmitt, from Evansville, Ind.
Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors, students, and UE faculty. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at 12 noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Three-play subscriptions for the Shanklin Theatre season are available for $25. Including the musical Gypsy, a season ticket also includes The Cripple of Inishmaan, by Martin McDonagh, February 17-26 and Once In A Lifetime, by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, April 13-22. Tickets may be purchased by calling 812-488–2031, Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
