FOLLOWING East Berkshire Operatic Society’s (EBOS) last show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the group will be setting its sights on American vaudeville for its next offering.
EBOS will present Gypsy, in May, at South Hill Park.
The Broadway classic is based on the autobiography, Gypsy: Memoirs of America’s Most Celebrated Stripper, published by Rose’s real life daughter Louise.
Director Stuart Hayllor, said: “The show features some fabulous music, but it’s not just a vehicle for songs, as some musicals can be.
“It’s also a brilliant piece of writing, and challenges its cast to bring to life real characters, within a real living, breathing environment.
“It’s performed less often than some other musicals because it’s so character driven, which makes it a huge challenge to put on – it’s a juggernaut of a show.
“There are tears, but there are really funny moments too.
“And when the actors burst into song, it really is because words just aren’t enough, and when they dance it’s because singing can’t contain the emotions any more.”
Set in the 1920s, Gypsy tells the story of Mama Rose as she strives to lead her daughters to stardom in a country on the brink of depression.
“Anyone who ever felt that they were pushed too hard by a parent will recognise some powerful emotions in this story,” continued Mr Hayllor.
“Rose does bad things, but she’s not a bad person.
“She does questionable things, with good intentions, and that’s something that we all do.
“Laura Thain who plays her is exceptional, and she’s supported by an amazing company of actors.
“It’s a small cast, of around 15, and they have all really searched for the depth of the show’s meaning and characters, right from the first rehearsal.”
Featuring well-known songs, including: Everything’s Coming Up Roses; Let Me Entertain You; Rose’s Turn; and You Gotta Get a Gimmick, Gypsy is considered by some to be one of the greatest American musicals of all time.
EBOS’s performance of Gypsy includes a chorus of children.
“It’s such a great ensemble,” said Mr Hayller, “and a privilege to direct them all in this show.
“I last directed at EBOS when we did our best to present Chicago during the pandemic.
“We put every effort into getting it on stage, with 100 actors auditioning on zoom, and rehearsals held outside, in groups of six.”
People then were starved of creativity, and desperate to see the show performed, says Mr Hayllor, but in the end lockdowns made the performance impossible.
“Getting people back into the theatre has been tough since the pandemic,” he said.
“Many of our shows have been aimed at tempting the whole family back, but this is very much a grown up show.
“We’ve got a live band playing wonderful music, led by musical director Bridget Biggar.
“The musicians are as much a part of the piece as the actors, and interact with them through the show.
“It’s intimate, and it’s very real, and I genuinely hope that audiences will enjoy it very much.”
Gypsy can be seen from Tuesday, May 7, through to Saturday, May 11.
Doors open at 7.45pm each evening, with an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost from £21 to £23.50 depending on the date chosen.
For tickets and information, visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk
