“Gypsy,” a musical that originally debuted on Broadway in 1959, is loosely based on the memoirs of the burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee and the relationship between her and her mother, Rose. The musical explores various themes of family dynamics, ambition for stardom and fame as well as what the real cost of chasing the spotlight is during the time of the 1920s Vaudeville Circuit.
In 1947, The Stage Coach Players made their mark under the official name in a loft barn owned by the Ellwood family where they first began performing in DeKalb, having eventually found their permanent home at their current venue in 2001.
To mark their 25th anniversary as a community theater organization, The Stage Coach Players prepare to bring back classic Broadway musicals back to the stage, including “Gypsy,” the very first show performed at the venue.
Courtney Jo Newby, marketing chair for The Stage Coach players and leading character Mama Rose, talked a little bit more about “Gypsy” being an ode to not just their roots, but the true Broadway classic itself.
“Twenty-five years ago we moved into this building and ‘Gypsy’ was the very first show that we did, and we thought what a great way to honor our anniversary then to do this show again,” Newby said.
While Newby said the actors have big shoes to fill she believes they have a capable cast to live up to the show’s legacy.
“We have an incredible cast. And yes, it just left Broadway,” Newby said. “There’s some real big shoes to fill, but that was the main reason why we decided to do this show. It’s a very family show.”
At the heart of the story is Rose and Louise, a mother and daughter duo who struggle in their relationship with near toxic ambitions for success and acceptance in both characters, while still having to face the facts of reality of a time period where women were often seen and not heard.
“It’s been very tricky because the gender roles even back then were men were always in charge, right? And this was the first time you saw a woman finally not stand behind a man, and she (Rose) went out and got what she needed and what she wanted to help her children, especially in the line of business as you get into burlesque dancing,” Newby said.
For the Stage Coach Players, this production challenges the cast members’ creativity in capturing the attention of 21st century audience members with a classic production from the 1920s.
“You cannot take this show into the 21st century if you really think about it. To keep the originality, you really need to go back in time, and I think with the lighting and the costumes and the makeup and the hair, hopefully it will transcend and take you back into time for two hours,” Newby said.
With its powerful music, emotionally driven story and the relatable conflict of balancing what you want with others expectations, the company hopes that both new and longtime audience members join them in experiencing all that comes with “Gypsy.”
Newby shared a final comment about what she hopes audiences take away from the musical.
“Any flaw can be looked at as an embrace,” Newby said. “It’s OK because you’ve got family there to help you pick up the pieces.”
Opening night for the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 126 S. Fifth St.
Tickets are $23.95 for adults and $21.85 for students and seniors and available for purchase on the Stage Coach Player’s website.
