Curtain Up Light the Lights GYPSY

ESHS Proudly Presents

Randyll Wendl, Editor

For the ambitious cast and crew that are putting up this spring’s extravaganza, everything really is coming up GYPSY! At this time the musical theatre department is working attentively to produce El Segundo High School’s third annual spring musical, GYPSY. The production is a musical that remains in the lights of Broadway today, and tells the story of Gypsy Rose Lee America’s most celebrated stripper. The cast and production crew has come together to complete the puzzle, which will transform into an accomplished masterpiece! The show plays May 21, 22, 28, 29 in the high school auditorium and tickets may be purchased presale for $6 and $8 at the door.

Since GYPSY is suggested from the lives of real people, writer Arthur Laurents and musician Steven Sondhiem were able to accommodate the script from the actual memoirs of Gypsy. In various books, Gypsy Rose Lee is even given credit for her contribution to writing the script. Although the musical is a celebration of the success of Louise Hovick (played by senior Maryann Colella), who becomes Gypsy after being overlooked while her sister Dainty June (also known as senior Hannah Hepworth) was in the limelight. It also reflects on the aspirations that Mama Rose (portrayed by Cayt’lan Wayt) has for her children, and the reality that her baby girls are no longer babies but shining stars. At the beginning of Louise’s fame, Herbie (played by senior Patrick Ory) who was a father figure to the children, an agent for their act, and Rose’s love interest leaves. Herbie says goodbye to Rose, and she beings to wonder why everyone in her life has to walk out.

Junior Tara Nazarian reflects on the production in progress. “The entire cast has been working very hard to bring this play together. Now that we are entering hardcore run-throughs, I can see how awesome this musical is going to be. It’s hard work, but the end result will be worth it.” The crew is also working hard to put together an appealing program for the show, which will include the casts headshots and bios. To earn more money the department is selling ad space to anyone interested.

The shows leading seniors truly give the show its sparkle, and their talent is well worth it for all spectators. If you get the chance to view the show you should expect to see some rather extraordinary sights. So when you find a tap dancing cow on stage, numerous animals roaming around, various slapstick numbers filling the apron, or maybe even some burlesque strippers flaunting their new gimmick, DON’T BE SHOCKED!

Prior to the performances of GYPSY on Saturday May 22 and 29 a dinner theatre and show will be hosted. Chef Hannas will serve a Gypsy cuisine meal at his restaurant on Main Street beginning at 5:50pm. You can make reservations by calling the restaurant at (310) 640-0164 and you may purchase a single ticket for twenty dollars from the high school. It’s a gourmet dinner and a live performance to support a good cause! If you would like to know more regarding GYPSY (purchasing ads for our revised program, tickets, dinner theatre, or show times) contact any of the cast or crew or reach director Jennifer Hedayat at (310) 615-2662 x 241. Let us entertain you!