“Gypsy,’ one of Broadway’s storied musicals, will be the I’m a Bright Kid Foundation’s summer attraction at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.
The show, currently in a hit Broadway revival starring Audra McDonald, is a monumental theatrical creation, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It is considered the mother of all musicals about mothers. It is a fable loosely based on the memoirs of striptease performer Gypsy Rose Lee, about her mother Rose, who aspires to help her daughters become stars. Clearly, the term “stage mother,” refers to Rose’s unbridled quest to bring the fame and stardom that eluded her to her daughters.
“Gypsy” boasts such legendary hits including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People” and “Together,” as it glorifies the struggles of seeking the American dream.
Ahnya Chang, who choreographed IABK’s hit musical “Newsies” last year, will direct and choreograph this stage classic. Clarke Bright will be musical director and others on the creative team will be announced later.
The musical will run Aug. 8 to 24, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket sales will begin June 1, with further details to be announced.
Online auditions begin May 1, with tryouts set for Aug. 9 and 10 at Paliku Theatre.
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In other news, IABK will again present its cornerstone Summer Musical Theatre Arts Education Program this summer, from June 16 to July 20 at Paliku Theatre. The program provides a supportive environment for students in grades 3 to 12 to gain confidence in performing arts techniques, learn vital teamwork and communication skills.
Registration is under way online at https://imabrightkid.org/summer-program/
The culmination of the program will be a show, “Junie B. Jones Jr.: The Musical,” set for 7 p.m. July 25 and 2 p.m. July 26 and 27.
And that’s Show Biz…