Photo Flash: First Look at Michele Ragusa as 'Mama Rose' in Hangar Theatre's GYPSY
Broadway actress Michele Ragusa (Young Frankenstein, Urinetown, Ragtime) is no stranger to taking on major roles in the world of musical theater as she did when she took over for Megan Mullally in Young Frankenstein or when she was a replacement in Urinetown covering the roles of Penny and Hope. But now, Ragusa has taken on an iconic role that not only seems to suit her, but one that critics are raving about. The role, made famous by the legendary Ethel Merman is of course Mama Rose in Gypsy. Ragusa is currently playing the "ultimate show business mother" at The Hangar Theater (which took home 9 awards at the 2012 Broadway World Awards) through this weekend. Scroll down for a first look at her in action!
It's no wonder that Ragusa is hoping she will get to play the role again, especially after only one week of rehearsal this time around! She had this to say about the show stopping number Rose's Turn: "We didn't tech that number until the morning of our first preview. Once I got over the horror and fear of that, it left me remarkably able to just leave myself alone to experience it in the moment. There's no one else on stage that you need to think about - just Rose and her journey. I also relished the name 'Rose's Turn' - many different ways to look at those words."
Gypsy, a musical fable with Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is directed by Stephanie Yankwitt at The Hangar Theatre through July 20th. For tickets call 607-273-8588 or online HERE.
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