The New Candlelight Dinner Theatre presents Gypsy

Theatre: The New Candlelight Dinner Theatre
Show: Gypsy
Opened: May 30, 2008
Closes: July 27, 2008
Scene: May 30, 2008
Submitted: June 5, 2008
Reviewer: Kellie Lynne Leach

Gypsy tells a story of a mother who never got her big break, living through her two daughters. She pushes them until one runs away and gets married and the other less talented becomes bigger than she ever imagined.

The show opens with a talent show audition with Uncle Jocko, played by Patrick O’Hara, which was absolutely adorable. O’Hara played the curt Uncle Jocko wonderfully; he also plays the roles of Mr. Goldstone and Cigar. He has exquisite comedic timing and really stands out in the cast. The other “stand outs” are Lyndie Moe who plays Baby June (the role is double cast with actress Anastasia Korbal) and Gina Santare as Baby Louise (also a double casting with actress Daisy Zimmerman).

As the show progresses and the girls mature, Beth Wheeler takes over the role of Dainty June. Ms. Wheeler is another actress that truly stands out in the production with her dancing as she belts out the songs she sings with her “Newboys”. Rebecca Schall takes over the role of Louise, she plays the role very genuine. She has great connection with her cast mates.

After Dainty June runs away to marry Tulsa, played by A.J. Garcia to start their own career. Momma, played by Martina Vidmar, pushes Louise into the business as the featured talent with her back up girls, “The Hollywood Blondes”. The girls get booked into a burlesque club and Louise gets serenaded by three strippers giving her the “lay of the land”. Mezzeppa; Kathryn M. Lyles, Tessie Tura; Amy Walton, and Electra; Gerri Weagraff give a colorfully, bumping, and grinding “You Gotta Get A Gimmick”.

The show ends with Momma Rose becoming jealous of her daughter Louise’s success, with a frantic “Rose’s Turn”. Louise becomes the nurturing mother she never had to her own mother.

The cast is rounded out with a strong male and female ensemble, and you can’t forget Chowsie.

Gypsy runs until July 27, 2008. The New Candlelight Dinner Theatre is a not-for-profit Equity Dinner Theatre. For tickets call 302-475-2313 or website www.newcandlelighttheatre.com