Dayton Playhouse Closes the Curtain on GYPSY, 5/23

Dayton Playhouse will close the 2009/2010 Mainstage Season, Gypsy on May 23.  Gypsy is the classic tale of the infamous Gypsy Rose Lee adapted from her 1957 autobiography. The Gypsy libretto is by Arthur Laurents with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and music by Jule Styne. The Dayton production is directed for The Playhouse by BrIan Sharp with musical direction from Ron Kindell, choreography by Chris Erk, lights by Anita Bachmann, sound by Tony Fende, costumes by Marilyn Johnson, stage management by Wade Hamilton and set design by Chris Harmon.

Gypsy tells the musical story of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous burlesque star, and focuses on her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with "the ultimate show business mother." It follows Rose as she struggles to raise two daughters to become performers and lift the family out of their shabby life in Seattle, Washington. The character of "Louise" is based on Lee and the character of "June" is based on Lee's sister, the actress June Havoc. Gypsy features many songs that went on to become standards, with show-stoppers like "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Wherever We Go" and "Let Me Entertain You."

Gypsy remains one of my favorite musicals," says Director BrIan Sharp. "In this production, look for a wonderful interpretation from Renee Franck Reed as Momma Rose and breakout performances by Playhouse newcomers Mary DeMatteo, Susanne Payne and LucIan Smith - not to mention the exciting chorus and dance ensemble in several big production numbers."

The complete cast of Gypsy includes: Renee Franck Reed, LucIan Smith, Mary DeMatteo, Susanne Payne, Dave Nickel, Amanda Farrow, Olivia Raypole, Tommy Zimmerman, Shannon Eastman, Mary Farrow, John Cyphers, Joe Meyer, Maddie Callaham, Jack Armentrout, Joseph Rivetti, Robert Martin, Kyle Himsworth, Kyle Bowers, Nick Boyer, Cathy Morningstar, Ginger Hubbs, Stacey Ward, Betsy Feeser, Gabrielle Farrow, Cindy Farrow, Marabeth Klejna and Kimberly Koehler.