Gypsy . Have The Whole World On A Plate

I have loved  Gypsy, ever since  Traci Hirtenstein , was draped in  Xmas lights as she protrayed the stripper  Electra in Camp Sequoia's version of the show.  Gypsy,  one of the most beloved show in American theatre comes to Bedford, NY.

A consummate show-biz musical suggested by the memoirs of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. She was once just plain Louise, the awkward daughter of an unstoppably ambitious stage mother. When her pretty sister runs away from the family's minor vaudeville act, Louise tries to fulfill her mother's dreams.   Not until trouping with Mama dwindles to appearing in burlesque, that Louise finally finds pleasure in the spotlight. The vibrant score includes “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Together,”and “Everything's Coming Up Roses”  .

I went to rehearsal tonight for Gypsy and was able to talk to a few people. I watched them rehearsing “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” with Amy Simmons as Mazeppa, Ann Peterson as Electra, and Maggie Thompson as Tessie Tura. Boy was it cute.

Amy Simmons (Mazeppa) is a 2nd grade teacher from Port Chester and this is her first show at BCT. When I asked her what it’s like to play a stripper, she said, “My kids are mortified and my husband is thrilled.” She learned how to play the trumpet for the show.

Ann Peterson (Electra), also from Port Chester, says “the quality of the production is high. I’m amazed at the cooperation and enthusiasm of the production team.” She’s excited to “light up” the stage.

Maggie Thompson (Tessie Tura) from Mt. Kisco says “this role is a fun contrast from my other roles. I get to strut my stuff as a burlesque performer. It’s a fun break-out role, and I get to be outrageous.” Maggie recently played the roles of Mrs. Darling in WBT’s Peter Pan and Mrs. Cratchit in BCT’s A Christmas Carol

Bedford Community Theatre presents “Gypsy” Nov. 12-21. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays at 3pm. At the Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills. $18. 914-244-0474. www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.