Reston Community Players Opens 50th Season with GYPSY

It's known as one of the most classic American musicals of all time. Broadway productions have starred legends ranging from Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. While, the motion picture versions were led by Merman and Bette Midler. Now, Gypsy takes the stage at Reston Community Players October 21-November 12 in an exciting opening to the company's 50th season. Loosely based on the memoirs of the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy focuses on the story of her mother, Rose, called "the ultimate stage mother."

Theatre critic Clive Barnes described the character of Rose as "one of the few truly complex characters in the American musical..." and Frank Rich wrote, "Gypsy is nothing if not Broadway's own brassy, unlikely answer to 'King Lear'." With a smart, funny and gripping script, unforgettable characters, and some of the best music ever written for the stage, GYPSY is must see theatre!"

"There is simply no better way to open our 50th season than with Gypsy," said Jolene Vettese, President of RCP and assistant director of the production. "Gypsy is a classic in the world of musical theatre. Our audiences are simply going to love these familiar songs and amazing characters to celebrate a half-century of community theatre in Reston."

The cast of Gypsy features Jennifer Lambert (Rose), ElizaBeth Gillespie (Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee), Blakeman Brophy (Herbie), Abigail Jamison/Sarah Kathryn Makl (Baby Louise), Avery Daniel/Kylee Hope Geraci (Baby June), Shaina Murphy (Tessie Tura/Miss Cratchitt), Jaclyn Young (Electra), Karen Kelleher (Mazeppa), Evie Korovesis (Dainty June), and Erich DiCenzo (Tulsa). The ensemble includes Lucy Breedlove, Sean Cator, Sydney Crutcher, Craig Goeringer, Fred Lash, Jake Lefler, Allie Lytle, Brooke Nyren, Sawyer Makl, Ryan Muha, Jordan Rees, Kieran Romano, Soren Romano, Taric Romano, Maggie Slivka, and Emma Smigielski.

The creative team includes director Paul Tonden (Director), Jolene Vettese (Assistant Director),

Andrea Heininge (Choreographer), Mitch Bassman (Musical Director), Beth Atkins (Vocal Director),

Christopher Dore and Cara Giambrone (Producers), Bart Healy (Set Designer), Kathy Dunlap (Costume Designer), Ken and Patti Crowley (Lighting Designers), Joshua Redford (Sound Designer), MaryJo Ford (Properties), Annie Galvin (Stage Manager) and Gary Bernard DiNardo (Assistant Stage Manager).

Gypsy plays from October 21-November 12, 2016 at CenterStage at the Reston Community Center in Reston, VA. For tickets, call the box office at (703) 476-4500 x3, or online at www.restonplayers.org. CenterStage is accessible and offers listening devices for the hearing impaired.

Gypsy is produced by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10022

Reston Community Players (RCP) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been producing quality theatrical productions since 1966. The Reston Community Players has brought to the public a variety of theatrical experiences over the years and is committed to theatrical excellence and professionalism through the promotion of diverse, creative experiences for the education and cultural enrichment of the community. Partially funded by grants from Fairfax County, in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County, RCP welcomes all and offers something for everyone. Visit RCP online at www.restonplayers.org.

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