Virginia Rep’s production of Gypsy started this past weekend and it is MUST see. It is the best 3 hours of theater, assured to have you walking out singing and smiling!
Based on the memoirs of burlesque queen, Gypsy Rose Lee, it tells the story of Mama Rose and her intense love and commitment to have her daughters, June and Louise, to be stars on stage.
Gypsy ’s story and songs are so well-known by so many, it was my first time seeing the story and it really covers it all. There’s drama, comedy, heartbreak, and dancing too!
The story takes place during the Depression and shows the decline of vaudeville. Mama Rose knows loss well, having her mom walk out when she was a child and 3 failed marriages. Most of her efforts are place on her daughter June, often leaving her other child, Louise in the background.
Mama Rose, played by Robyn O’Neill, succeeds at making you squirm in your seats with her aggressive and often embarrassing control of her kids. What comes through with no doubt, is her undying love for her children as well as her wish that she could be on stage herself.
After June walks out on Mama Rose and Louise to elope and start anew, Louise, played by Christie Jackson, becomes the focus accepting a new role as a burlesque dancer. She starts off as a fill in and quickly takes over the stage and rises to the top! Gypsy Rose Lee becomes the biggest superstar stripper.
I will say that one of my favorite scenes is in act 2- when Susan Sanford, Debra Clinton, and Nicole Oberleitner take the stage as the best 3 strippers you will ever see. You are sure to laugh when the martini glass is spoken to as well as the “Butterfly “ dancing. The scene was hilarious!
Nicole Oberleitner and Christie Jackson. Photo by Aaron Sutten.
Nicole Oberleitner and Christie Jackson. Photo by Aaron Sutten.
The whole cast and crew did an incredible job bringing this story to stage. The costumes, the music, the cast - it all goes together perfectly ! You will not be disappointed!
Gypsy is running through January 10 at the November Theatre. I would suggest ages 13 and up as it covers some topics that you may feel unsuitable for younger children.
Comment here for a chance to win a family 4 pack good for Dec 3-6 and you can get $10 off GYPSY with code TURKEY$10 Codes are valid for shows 11/27 through 11/29.
Editor’s Note- When Nicole O. is not on stage with Virginia Rep, she can also be found singing in the band MONEYPENNY RVA, The band my husband plays in, She is one busy girl with super talent.
