Hillbarn Theatre Concludes 69th Season With GYPSY May 7-30

"Let Me Entertain You" is not only the motto of Hillbarn Theatre, but also a song featured in the last production of Hillbarn's 69th Season, the Broadway classic Gypsy, performing May 7 – 30.  Further, Hillbarn is thrilled to debut its new air conditioning system during the May months for all their "cool" customers.  For information visit HillbarnTheatre.org.  Gypsy is the last show of Hillbarn's 69th Season titled "Next of Kin."

Based on the memoirs of legendary stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, this classic musical follows Louise ("Gypsy") and her sister June as they are pushed into the world of show business by their domineering stage mother, Mama Rose. With music by Jule Styne (Funny Girl) and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy features such hits as "Together, Wherever We Go," "Small World," and the tour-de-force "Rose's Turn." Cited by the New York Times as one of the greatest American musicals, Hillbarn's production is directed by Broadway veteran Bill Starr, with musical direction and conducting (with a live 15-piece orchestra) by Greg "Suds" Sudmeier."
 
Hillbarn's Gypsy cast is lead by three-time Bay Area Theatre Critics nominee Annmarie Martin (from San Jose) as Mama Rose and Dan Kapler (from San Lorenzo) as Herbie.  Rachel Share-Sapolsky of San Francisco and Nicolette Norgaard from San Carlos will play "Babies" June and Louise, respectively.  Their adult counterparts will be played by Lindsey Meyer (San Jose) as "Dainty June" and Milly Boyce (San Mateo) in the title role as Gypsy.  The three hilarious strippers will be played by well-known local talents Patti Appel of El Granada as Tessie Tura; Annie Larson of San Francisco as Electra; and Cheryl Ringman of Redwood City as Mazeppa.  Topping off this fine list of actors are many, many children from the Bay Area and from Hillbarn Theatre's Conservatory.
 
Premiering in 1957, Gypsy took Broadway by storm, mainly due to its leading lady, the legendary Ethel Merman. Producer David Merrick had read an excerpt of Gypsy Rose Lee's memoirs in Harper's Magazine and approachEd Jerome Robbins to direct and choreograph.  In addition, both Irving Berlin and Cole Porter were approached to write the music, but both passed. The original production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, but won nothing. It has been revived on Broadway four times starring Angela Lansbury (1974), Tyne Daly (1989), Bernadette Peters (2003), and Patti LuPone (2008). Lansbury, Daly, and LuPone all won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for their performance as Mama Rose.
 
Gypsy runs at Hillbarn Theatre from Friday, May 7 through Sunday May 30.  Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. The Friday, May 7 performance features a fantastic Opening Night Gala, with food provided by Baba Khan. Tickets range from $17 to $34 and can be purchased either online at HillbarnTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 650-349-6411.  Bring your "woolies" to enjoy the air conditioning. Hillbarn Theatre is located at 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd in Foster City.
 
After Gypsy, Hillbarn will present its 70th Season titled, "To Die For."  The shows in the 2010-2011 Season include:  Chicago (September 2 - 26); Dial M For Murder  (October 21 - November 7); A Wonderful Life (December 2 - 19); Holes (January 27 - February 13); Separate Tables (March 10 - March 27) and The Drowsy Chaperone (May 5 - 29) Subscriptions are available for either a six show or three show package which saves you over 26% off regular ticket prices and ticket exchange privileges. In addition, subscribers will receive Hillbarn Theatre's new Encore! Card, which entitles you to special subscriber only discounts at local restaurants and businesses.  For more information go online at HillbarnTheatre.org or call the Box Office at 650-349-6411x2. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter under HillbarnTheatre.