North Carolina Theatre Announces Cast for November Production of GYPSY

North Carolina Theatre, the region's premiere nonprofit professional theatre, is proud to announce casting for the first production in its 2017-18 season, "Gypsy," playing November 14 through 19 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

"Gypsy" is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughter's success while secretly yearning for her own. Set in the 1920s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, the show is packed with hits, including "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," and many more.

Starring as the indomitable Mama Rose is Christine Sherrill. Most recently, Sherrill portrayed Kate in "Kiss me Kate" at Washington D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre Company. Previously, Sherrill originated the role of Elise in the pre-Broadway run of "First Wives Club" for director Simon Phillips. Winner of the 2013 Joseph Jefferson award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard," Sherrill also received accolades for her depiction of Donna in "Mamma Mia!" in Las Vegas.

Stage and screen actor, Martin Moran, will take on the role of the legendarily put-upon Herbie. Moran recently completed the Off-Broadway run of his one-man play, "All the Rage," which received the 2013 Lortel Award. Additionally, he is a 2004 OBIE Award recipient and two-time Drama Desk nominee for his solo show "The Tricky Part," based upon his memoir of the same title. Moran has appeared in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including "Spamalot," "Cabaret," "Titanic" and "Bells Are Ringing." He has also made several appearances in film and television including "The Newsroom," "The Big C" and "Law & Order."

Playing Rose's daughters are Mary Mattison (Louise) and Tanisha Moore (June), who are both making their North Carolina Theatre debuts. Mattison recently worked on the musical, "Superhero" at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center; additionally, she was featured in Theatre Raleigh's "August: Osage County" and The University of North Carolina School of the Arts' "Side Show." Moore was recently seen on stage in the world premiere of Disney's "Freaky Friday" and the national tour of "Flashdance the Musical."

Fresh off a run on Broadway in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," Sidney Dupont joins the "Gypsy" cast in the role of Tulsa. DuPont was previously featured in North Carolina Theatre's 2014 production of "A Chorus Line." His other credits include the national tours of "Memphis the Musical," "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" and "A Chorus Line," as well as regional productions of "Man of La Mancha," at The Shakespeare Theater and "In the Heights."

Playing a trio of strippers educating Louise on the burlesque business are Lynda Clark (Electra), J. Elaine Marcos (Tessie Tura) and Amma Osei (Mazeppa). Clark, has graced regional stages for over 25 years and was previously seen on the North Carolina Theatre stage in "The Wizard of Oz" and "Grease." She is also an accomplished actress with television and motion picture credits including "Crazy People," "Matlock," and "I Know What You Did Last Summer," among others. Marcos' extensive Broadway credits include starring as Lily St. Regis in the Broadway revival of "Annie" opposite Jane Lynch, and as Cynthia in "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," which earned her an Astaire Award Nomination for Excellence in Dance. Osei's was previously featured as Justice in "Rock of Ages" on Broadway. Additional she's been part of numerous national and international tours including "Dreamgirls" and "Fame." Her extensive regional credits include, "Saturday Night Fever" (Candy), "Gypsy" (Mazeppa), "Seussical" (Sour Kangaroo) and "Big River" (Alice).

The cast is rounded out by Christopher Neill Bailey, Sr. (George/Weber/Stagehand), David F. Bartlett (Pop/Mr. Goldstone/Pastey), Dirk Lumbard (Uncle Jocko/Cigar/Phil), ElLen Mackenzie Pierce (Baby Louise) and Skyla I'Lece Woodard (Baby June).

Among the ensemble are Malik Akil, Chanda Branch, Edward Cuellar, Elise Dwenger, Destiny Diamond McNeill, Scott Mulligan, Joseph Sammour, Sean Seymour, Gabby Simone, Christy Soeder and Cassidy Stoner.

Native North Carolinian, Eric Woodall, will return to North Carolina Theatre to direct "Gypsy." Woodall most recently directed the theatre's spring production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Other directing credits include North Carolina Theatre's productions of "Disney's and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins," "Billy Elliot," "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Steel Magnolias." Additionally, Woodall has served as resident director of "Mamma Mia!" on Broadway.

"Considered by many to be the greatest American musical of all time, 'Gypsy' has something for everyone! Through Grammy Award-winning songs and rousing dance numbers, this dynamic story gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to make it in show business. At the core of this story, a parent is trying to provide the best life possible for her children; at all costs. Though our motives and actions may vary, we can all relate to that," said Woodall. Further adding, "I'm excited to bring this timeless classic to life through a fresh, contemporary approach. Our diverse cast is comprised of amazing Broadway performers and Raleigh's best!"

"Gypsy" will open on November 14 and will run through Sunday, November 19, at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets visit nctheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. For groups of 10 or more, call 919-831-6941 x6949.

About North Carolina Theatre

Established in 1984, North Carolina Theatre is Raleigh's premier, non-profit professional regional theatre. With its successful formula of producing top quality musicals with top national performers and local talent, North Carolina Theatre has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Raleigh over the years. Through its conservatory, it has provided exceptional arts training to hundreds of local youth. By offering broad access to live theatre, while strengthening economic growth, the organization continues to fortify the cultural vitality of the region.

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