GYPSY Opens Fulton Theatre's 160th Anniversary Season, 9/11-30

The historic Fulton Theatre in downtown Lancaster launches its 2012/2013 season with Gypsy, often held up by critics as the best book musical written in the 20th century. Gypsy is loosely based on the memoirs of vaudeville and burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents. It features some of the best-known and loved musical songs, such as "Everything's Coming up Roses," "Some People," "Let Me Entertain You" and "Rose's Turn."

This production, directed by Marc Robin and choreographed by Samantha Hewes, stars Denise Whelan as Rose, who returns to the Fulton after recent turns in Sunset Boulevard, Hairspray and Sweeney Todd. "I am so thrilled to be opening this 160th Anniversary Season with Gypsy," said Marc Robin "because it's one of the greatest musicals ever written, truly meant to be shared from generation to generation. And being a show about vaudeville, I've long wanted to see it come to life again on our stage, which was the Queen of the vaudeville houses back in the day. And I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Denise Whelan back to the Fulton in this iconic part."

In the role of Herbie, Philadelphia audience favorite Greg Wood returns after last season's God of Carnage. Playing Rose's adult daughters are Kim Carson as Louise (and Lyndsey Nedrow as Baby Louise) and Lara Hayhurst (Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray) as June (and Kaitlyn Mueller (Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Baby June.) The second act's infamous strippers ("You Gotta Get a Gimmick") are Charis Leo (Sunset Boulevard) as Elektra; Chicago stage veteran Iris Lieberman (42nd Street, Spitfire Grill) as Tessie; and Philadelphia's four-time Barrymore Award winner Mary Martello in her Fulton debut as Mazzeppa.

The Cast also includes Randall Frizado as Jocko and Mr. Goldstone, Matt Raftery as Tulsa, Cary Ann Miller (Penny in last season's Hairspray) as Agnes, Michael Phillips as Angie, Bill Van Horn as Pop and Cigar, and Chaz Wolcott as Yonkers. Rounding out the ensemble are Kate Cherichello, Sam Hewes, Andrew Kruep, and Theresa Walker.

Musical Director: Aaron McAllister; Set Designer: Tom Ryan; Costume Designer: Beth Dunkelberger; Lighting Designer: Nick Cyr; Sound Designer Jacob Mishler; Props Designer: Katelin Walsko; Stage Manager: Tim Markus.

Important Dates:

Sept. 11: Pay-What-You-Want Preview

Sept. 12: Fig Preview Night

Sept. 14: Opening Night

Sept. 20: Thirsty for History Night

Sept. 21: Wine Tasting Night

Sept. 22: ASL/Open Caption/Audio Description matinee

Sept. 25: Open Caption/Audio Description

Sept. 26: Asides Pre-Show Presentation (evening only)

Sept. 30: Final Performance

Single tickets and subscription packages are available through the Fulton Box Office at 717-397-7425 or online at www.thefulton.org.

The Fulton first opened its doors in 1852. 160 years later, this National Historic Landmark Theatre continues to entertain, educate and delight audiences, bringing live theatre, music, and more than 120,000 patrons into downtown Lancaster annually. Since its inception, some of the brightest stars of theatre, music and film have appeared on its stage, including Sarah Bernhardt, Mark Twain, Lionel Barrymore, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, W.C. Fields, George M. Cohan, Treat Williams and Lancaster's own Jonathan Groff.

Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Marc Robin and Managing Director Aaron A. Young, the Fulton Theatre produces a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals, employing the talents of professional directors, designers, playwrights and actors from the local community, New York and across the country. The Fulton also offers acting classes for children, teens and adults as well as outreach programs for at-risk youth, including Youtheatre, which received the prestigious Coming Up Taller Award at a 2008 White House presentation.

Fulton Theatre is located at 12 N Prince Street, P.O. Box 1865, Lancaster, Penn.

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