Theater Works will present ‘Gypsy’ September 8-24

Theater Works will present Gypsy from September 8-24.

Director Rusty Ferracane says of Gypsy: “It really is the perfect musical!” Gypsy takes us back to the 1920’s and 30’s, a pivotal time for performing arts in America, when the vaudeville circuit was dying and audience tastes were changing. Gypsy brings the memoirs of entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee to life through the book by Arthur Laurents (West Side Story), music by Jule Styne (Peter Pan), and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd). Considered by many to be one of Broadway’s all-time triumphs, Gypsy tells the story of ambitious showbiz mother Rose, who travels across the country with her daughters June and Louise, in search of success with their homespun vaudeville act. As times change, Rose is forced to accept the demise of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque, as well as her daughters’ desires for autonomy.

Gypsy features many of the most adored songs in the entire musical theatre canon, songs that launched Sondheim’s career in musical theater: “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and “Rose’s Turn”. You will leave the theater singing, this much is certain.

The part of Rose has been played by many brilliant actresses over the years with many garnering awards for their portrayal: Ethel Merman, Rosalind Russel, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bette Midler, Betty Buckley, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Imelda Staunton and now, Arizona’s own Broadway star – Kelli James!

Kelli James, who plays Rose in theater Works’ production of Gypsy (appearing courtesy of Actor’s Equity) brings an irresistible fury to “Mama Rose”! Kelli James started her career as “Eponine” in the Original Broadway production of Les Miserables and was recently nominated for Best Director/Youth Musical ariZoni Award for her recent YouthWorks production of Les Mis. We couldn’t be more proud of her as a director and as a performer; as Rose she’ll give you goosebumps and knock your socks off! She has also announced that this will be her final starring role on stage as she focuses on teaching the stars of tomorrow!

Gypsy will be presented in the Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts: 10580 N. 83^rd Drive, Peoria, AZ 85345. Performance dates are September 8^th– 24th, 2017. Show times are 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights (September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23), Sundays at 2pm (September 10, 17, & 24), two Saturday matinees at 3pm (September 16 & 23), and one Wednesday matinee at 2pm on September 13^th.

Single tickets are $38; discounts available for seniors, students, and groups.

Season tickets (until Sept. 8th) and Flex passes are available for the 2017-18 Season. To purchase tickets or find out more about Theater Works productions, contact the Box Office at (623) 815-7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY INC.