Applause filled the auditorium Thursday night, as hundreds of students, teachers, parents and community members gave a standing ovation to the cast and crew of ‘Gypsy.’
‘Gypsy,’ the fall musical, continued the tradition of excellent drama productions, reflecting the hard work and dedication the entire drama club put into the show.
The musical centers around Rose, a mother who pressures her children, June and Louise, to become stars. The story follows the family dynamic of Rose, her daughters and Herbie, Rose’s love interest, as well as the hardships of show business during the 1920s and 1930s.
Both the musical numbers and the acting are superb, with especially notable performances from seniors Grace Laboy (Rose), Ani Carlson (Louise) and Jay Besch (Herbie).
“I think it went really, really well,” Besch said of opening night. “A lot of us were worried at the beginning of this week, but it really came together to be a great show.”
In addition to enjoying the music and acting, the audience seemed fully engaged in the plot, laughing at a subtle joke or a sarcastic punch line.
The costumes, which ranged from old-fashioned suits to ball gowns to leotards, gave the characters an even more realistic feel. The pit orchestra, conducted by instrumental music teacher Terry Alvey, successfully set the mood for each scene. The set and props also brought the show to life, complete with a spiral staircase and two levels of the stage.
One of the most memorable songs, “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” performed by seniors Lizzie Bartlett and Sasha Berger and junior Cassie Rabner, added some jazz to the show. Laboy’s singing in her grand finale, “Rose’s Turn,” also captured the audience and demonstrated her incredible vocal skills.
Sophomore Avery Witt said she felt the musical showed the talent of the performers.
“They did a really good job with the musical,” Witt said. “Grace’s big number at the end was really good.”
The show, which ends tonight, begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs for about two and a half hours. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults.
