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In the days of vaudeville, Northeastern Pennsylvania was a prime stop. Word had it that if the acts could please the audiences here, winning over the hardworking folks, they could succeed anywhere in the country. Of course, that was years ago, and other areas have usurped NEPA’s “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere” reputation. But a bit of vaudeville will be returning to Wilkes-Barre as the Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming Seminary brings the hit musical “Gypsy” to life under the direction of Bill Roudebush.
With a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styre and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, “Gypsy” tells the story of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. Based on her memoirs, the musical opens in Seattle as pushy stage mother Rose tries to make stars of her daughters, June and Louise. Their act, “Baby June and her Newsboys,” takes the trio across the country with manager Herbie in tow. As the girls grow, traveling from Omaha to Buffalo, the act becomes “Dainty June and her Newsboys.” When June elopes, Rose turns her attention to the timid Louise. As vaudeville’s light begins to fade, Louise becomes Gypsy, an elegant striptease artist and one of burlesque’s rising stars. “It’s the heartbreaking story of a woman who is raising her kids through the Depression and the tenacity, determination and moxie that it takes her to make it through,” says Roudebush.
While the title is Gypsy’s, the show belongs to Mama Rose. Since “Gypsy” premiered on Broadway in 1959, the list of who have brought the determined mother to life reads like a who’s who of theatre. Ethel Merman. Angela Landsbury. Tyne Daly. Bernadette Peters. Patty Lupone.
“Every actress wants to do Mama Rose. It’s the ultimate role for an actress,” says Roudebush. And apparently, the ultimate show for plenty of audience members. “Many people say it’s the best musical ever written,” says the director.
With four revivals, a host of Tony Awards and nominations, and both big-screen and television versions featuring crowd-pleasing tunes including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Together, Wherever, We Go” and “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” it’s hard to deny “Gypsy’s” appeal. Roudebush believes part of that appeal, and the very thing that makes the musical a good fit for the PAI program, is the youthful spirit that pervades “Gypsy.” Even the hard-driving Mama Rose is a kid at heart, refusing to take “no” for an answer and never giving up, displaying just the kind of determination required for a life in show business. “It’s the perfect choice, because the play is about kids and dreams,” he says. “Every character has a childlike quality about them.”
But make no mistake, the youthful atmosphere of “Gypsy” does not mean the production has been mere child’s play. Everyone involved has been challenged by the material. From Devon McFadden, who, at 18 years old, has the chance of a lifetime, playing Mama Rose. To guest artist Austin Pendleton, television, movie and stage actor, starring as Herbie. To Roudebush himself, a veteran director and long-time instructor at PAI. Because the show is so well-written, Roudebush feels a great responsibility to do it well. And because many of these students are pondering a career in the arts, he feels a responsibility to push them to their limits.
“For me, the show is about each student achieving something they didn’t think they could achieve,” Roudebush says.
Then there are the technical requirements. “Gypsy” is using every one of the 38 different fly positions on the Kirby stage. The costume plot is incredible as well, with costumes needed to cover a 12-year time period and show plenty of vaudeville-style flash.
“Costume-wise and scene-wise, it’s a very large and immensely challenging show, especially on a tight budget,” says Roudebush.
But at the same time, making sure that “Gypsy” is ready for opening night has been unbelievably satisfying.
“The positive side is, once you get through the challenge, the reward is more than worth the work that got you there.” And no matter how grueling the process, Roudebush wouldn’t have it any other way. “This is without a doubt the most important thing I do every year, these six weeks,” he says proudly.
But before everyone can bask in the spotlight and take their final bows, there are a few more challenges left — holding long technical rehearsals, making last-minute costume adjustments and getting audience members in the seats.
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“Gypsy,” produced by the Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming Seminary, Thurs. Aug. 6, Fri. Aug. 7, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts (Public Square, Wilkes-Barre). Tickets: $16 general admission, $8 students and seniors. Info: 570.270.2186