Pitlochry Festival Theatre opens their 2023 Season in May with the first staging in Scotland for nearly 20 years of Gypsy.
Jule Styne, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim’s iconic musical is based on the comedic memoirs of famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee. It tells the amusing and sassy story of pushy showbiz mother Rose, who travels across America with her daughters, Baby June and Louise, in search of success with their homemade vaudeville act.
When Baby June leaves the act to elope, Rose vows to make introverted Louise into a star, and will do almost anything to see her daughter break into the big time.
Musical fans will know it features the iconic songs like Some People, Let Me Entertain You and the always show-stopping Everything’s Coming Up Roses.
Gypsy’s cast will feature Shona White who was in the West End version of Mamma Mia!, as Mamma Rose, Blythe Jandoo as Louise and Patricia Panther playing June.
Ben Stock who was in Grease in the West End is Herbie, Oliver Cookson plays Pop Rose/Mr Goldstone, Matthew Churcher is LA/Cigar, Rachael McAllister takes on Mazeppa, Robbie Scott is Tulsa, Joseph Tweedale plays Yonkers/Weber, Bridgerton’s Jack Ward plays Angie, Trudy Ward is Electra/ Agnes and Kristin Weichen Wong completes the cast as Tessie Tura.
Gypsy will be directed by Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Associate Director Ben Occhipinti, with choreography by Maggie Rawlinson.
“Gypsy is one of the most loved and powerful musicals ever written,” says Ben Occhipinti. “I have wanted to direct it ever since I discovered the film years ago. I can’t think of another musical that brings the combined elements of drama, song and dance together in such a clear and joyful way.
“The combination of Sondheim’s exquisite lyrics and Styne’s beautiful melodies make Gypsy an enduring, powerful story.”
Gypsy runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 19th May till 30th September. Tickets are now on sale from the Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office on 01796 484626 or online at www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com