One of the many things that area residents should be thankful for this Thanksgiving season is the Elmwood Playhouse. The premier Rockland County Community Theater of the past 62 years. the Playhouse has given us—between now and Dec. 18—a brilliantly produced retelling of the classic musical Gypsy.

Based on the autobiography of Gypsy Rose Lee (1911 - 1970), the legendary queen of the burlesque strip tease, Gypsy is a performance with music by Jules Stein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Ethel Merman played Mama Rose in the original Broadway production, which made its premiere in 1959. Over the years, a variety of actresses have essayed the role—on film, both Rosalind Russell and Bette Midler played the ultimate stage mother with dreams of a life in show business for her two daughters. In Nyack, Marian McCabe graces the Elmwood stage as Mama Rose, and brings a complex, yet human touch to the role. Although Mama may be misguided, her love for her children is real.

Serving as the voice of reason is Derek Tarson, who plays Herbie. His character reluctantly serves as the act's booking agent, but his heart belongs to the three-time divorcee. At every opportunity throughout the show, he offers Rose the chance for a life of happiness and contentment. He urges her to give up all ideas of show business and settle down to a normal, "ho-hum" life with a house, the proverbial white picket fence and a cow. (We can't forget the cow—you'll see why in the show.) 

Tarson expertly portrays the character's genuine love for Rose and her two children. The audience's collective heart is broken as they watch Herbie's own heart break when—on the eve of their long-awaited marriage—Rose instead chooses the bright lights for her oldest daughter, Louise.

Louise always played a subdued role to her younger sister, Baby June, whom Mama had built up as the star of the act. Emily Gardner, as the grown Louise, keenly displays the character's shyness and awkwardness. But—like the caterpiller who retreats into a coccoon and turns into a resplendent butterfly—we see Louise transform herself into a young woman with confidence in herself, and accept the love of her mother.

The audience will likely find itself singing along to the music—some of the show's classic songs include: "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Together Wherever We Go" and "Let Me Entertain Me," among others. 

The supporting players do a top-notch job in the production. We were delighted to see Michael Serpe—whom we had seen last month in November play L.A.—one of the boys whom Rose recruits to build up the act.  

We were very impressed at the agility of Mitchell Schneider, who plays Tulsa, yet another one of Rose's boys. Schneider aptly proved that a guy does not have to be a tall and thin Fred Astaire to make a mark on the dance floor.

The strippers, by far, are a sight to be seen. Katie Miller, clad in a gladiator's outfit, would certainly melt the heart of Ben-Hur, particularly when she bumps and grinds to the musical accompaniment of her horn. Liane Garzia, dressed as the Empire State building, has the lights of this world famous skyscraper illuminate in all the strategic places on her costume. Tanya Garzia, who plays Tessie Tura, is supported by butterflies who flap their wings in all her significant areas, as well.

During intermission, we were most fortunate to meet a real-life stage parent—we had the opportunity to speak with the father of Noah Marlowe. At the tender age of nine, Marlowe has already appeared in The Nutcracker Ballet and The Frog Prince.  We asked Mr. Marlowe what is was like to see the musical on the life of the ultimate stage-parent while being one in real-life—he said it was "amazing."

(And he should know—his 12-year-old daughter Rebecca is in the national touring company of Billy Elliott.)

--

Performances for Gypsy can be seen Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 2 p.m. between now and Dec. 18.

Tickets are priced at $23 each, $21 for students and seniors (except for Saturday evening performances). Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (845)-353-1313. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.