Orange Park Community Theatre Presents
GYPSY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Theatre Review by DICK KEREKES
Entertaining U Newspaper, 6/24/04

On June 26th, OPCT (Orange Park Community Theatre) will close out its 33rd season, with the final performance of “Gypsy.” This is a blockbuster show in what has been a blockbuster year for OPCT in attendance, improvements to the theatre and quality of the shows. Before I get along to far, I need you to call 282-9558 or 276-2599, and with a little bit of luck, you may be able get tickets for one of the final performances of “Gypsy.”

Everyone knows the story of this popular l959 musical. Mama Rose is the notorious stage mother who tries to realize all her frustrated ambitions by pushing her two young daughters, June and Louise, into vaudeville. Her wish eventually comes true, in an unexpected fashion, when the adult Louise transforms herself into the stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

This fine production is the result of merging of the directing talents of Bob Wilson and Barbara Wells. I can see the influence of Wilson and his experience of directing several musicals for OPCT (Annie, Cinderella, Hello Dolly, South Pacific and The Wiz). Ms. Wells’ forte has been directing comedies and her comic touches are seen everywhere in this production. She directed the hit comedy “The Sensuous Senator” earlier in the season.

“Gypsy” has a lot going for it, starting at the top with the leading lady in a role that is one of the most coveted in theatre, Mama Rose. Gloria Miller is marvelous not only in the acting department but in singing all those Jule Style/ Stephen Sondheim songs like “Everything is Coming up Roses,” and “Together, Wherever We Go.” Ms. Miller could do this role at any theatre in the country. As the hapless Herbie, Joe Wilson certainly had all the audience and Rose’s kids pulling for him as he comes across as a real likeable guy in a fine performance by this relatively new actor.

As the young sisters, June and Louise, Gabrielle Verderese and Miranda Miller score high marks for their portrayals. Ms.Verderese stayed very much in character as the second-fiddle daughter while Ms. Miller seemed to be very sincere, never playing her up her cuteness.

It took a little getting used to seeing the show’s musical director, Michele Nugent, in a blond wig as the grownup June but she and Kelli Clevenger (the grown -up Louise) have wonderful chemistry, especially when the sing the duet, “When Mama Gets Married.” Besides playing with grace and elegance the role of the world’s most famous stripper, Ms. Clevenger also did an outstanding job as choreographer (assisted by Danielle Verderese).

No review would be complete without mention of the three old-pro strippers, Electra (Kathleen Andrzejewski), Mezeppa (Shelly Hayes) and Tessie Tura (Brenda Kumaskie).Their number was a show-stopper and one of the comic highlights of this musical.

Joseph Walz, fresh from a role in the Alhambra Dinner Theatre’s “Damn Yankees,” was impressive as “Tulsa,” the young man who runs off with June and changes the course of Louise’s life. Kudos as well to Steve Conrad, for his contribution of three small but important roles: Uncle Jocko, Patsey, and Weber.

The band did a wonderful job with the music, performing without a flaw on the night I was there. Playing saxophone and clarinet was well-known actor Leonard Alterman, a familiar face on stage with over 35 plays locally. You were excellent in your new profession, Leonard.

This show would not have been nearly as good were it not for the excellent costumes from Norcostco and Freckles Costumes. Their rental was made possible by the generosity of The Tom Nehl Fund of the Community Foundation.

The ingenious set design by Joe Wilson and David Wells made it possible for this really big show to go on this very small stage. Kudos as well to stage manager Pat Gorham, who managed to keep track of the 3l cast members and to the 3l members for managing to be absolutely quiet backstage.

My only suggestion for future musicals is to have a page in the program that lists the songs and who sings them.

Others in this cast include Ashley Almeida, Kara Barger, Susan Carcaba, Betty Detamore, Richard Hearten, Cady Herring, Zachary Herring, Tommy Hickinbotham, Brian Holy, Lindsey Kinard, Brenda Kurmaskie, Bob LeSage, Erin Long, Julie McCoy, Anthony Pauza, Gregory Brent Reams, Luke Sipka, Gabrielle Verderese, Jeanielle Verderese, Lindsay Waters, Kellie Michelle Wyatt and Kevin Michael Wyatt.

Thanks OPCT for a great evening of theatre with “Gypsy.” Are you an aspiring playwright? There is certainly a musical in the rest of the “Gypsy” story. Gypsy Rose Lee went on to become a movie star, to write novels and plays and do television. Mama Rose became a burlesque dancer and June went on to become a World Champion marathon dancer and then a movie star under the name June Havoc. Sounds like great material to me.

I am already looking forward to next summer’s announced musical, “Roberta.” Congratulations also to incoming OPCT president Barbara Wells, who has inherited 33 years of theatre tradition that keeps getting better and better. I am sure it will continue to thrive under her leadership. Folks, don’t miss “Gypsy.” It is a fabulous show!