‘Gypsy’ struts its stuff splendidly

Tom Titus, For the Independent

No biographical musical -- be it “Funny Girl,” “George M” or any of

the other showbiz life stories -- has the dramatic kick, the sterling

score or the pure entertainment value of “Gypsy,” Arthur Laurents’

lyrical valentine to the queen of all the strippers, Gypsy Rose Lee.

Yet it’s only in the show’s last few minutes that the character of

Gypsy comes into her own -- with a vengeance. Most of the musical centers

on her mother, Madame Rose, who was determined to make stars of her two

daughters if it killed them both in the process. One ended up as actress

June Havoc; the other, of course, was Gypsy.

For a high school -- even one dedicated to nurturing stage performers

such as Huntington Beach’s Academy of Performing Arts -- to attempt such

a production with a teenage student in the role of Mama Rose is risky

business indeed. Yet Kellie Nitkin pulls it off superbly, erasing from

our minds early on that she’s actually not old enough to vote.

Director Tim Nelson has assembled a marvelous production with some

high-caliber young talent in this full-blown, fully orchestrated

rendition, and Nitkin isn’t his only standout performer. Katherine

McLaughlin as the ugly duckling sister who blossoms into the sultry swan

known as Gypsy Rose Lee is equally excellent, and David Harwell

contributes a splendid performance as Rose’s low-key lover, Herbie.

No corners are cut in this production. Some numbers, which usually are

shortened, are presented with all the music and lyrics that composer Jule

Styne and lyricist Stephen Sondheim (in one of his first Broadway shows)

originally created. And Greg Gilboe’s pit orchestra adds resounding

emphasis, surrounded by the ramp on which the strippers and dancers strut

their stuff under the finely honed choreographic eye of Diane

Makis-Colwell.

On the downside, the head mikes worn by the principals often sound a

bit scratchy, and the inclusion of a live “Little Lamb” turns what is

intended as a somber musical moment, defining young Louise’s character,

into an unintentionally hilarious segment. It seems no one told theanimal

that the song wasn’t a duet. If McLaughlin, rendered a little sheepish in

this number,has her way, there’ll probably be lamb chops on the menu at

the cast party.

Scene-stealing sheep aside, APA’s “Gypsy” is a terrific production and

Nitkin revels in the role of the ultimate stage mother -- dominating her

daughters, the hapless Herbie and everyone else who gets in her way. Her

interaction with the Chinese restaurant waiters is priceless and her two

knockout solos, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn,” are

rendered with resounding confidence and vocal power.

McLaughlin’s transformation -- not only physically, but also in

attitude -- is beautifully accomplished, and her showdown scene with Rose

in the dressing room is one of the best of the show. Harwell makes the

most of his eventual confrontation with the headstrong Nitkinand holds up

his end of the trio in “Together” with aplomb.

The plum supporting roles in any production of “Gypsy” are the veteran

strippers at the Wichita burlesque house, and actresses Mindy Patrick,

Rachel Scott and particularly Allison Gibbons revel in these over-the-top

characters who demonstrate how “You’ve Gotta Have a Gimmick” to succeed

in the exotic dancing business.

Other fine supporting stints are turned in by “D” Pull as Tulsa,

Nicole Weber as Agnes (a.k.a. Amanda), Jill Prout as the stern theater

secretary Miss Cratchitt and Evonne Sturm as the grown “Baby June.”

Sisters Madison and Melissa Mitchell capably render the younger June and

Louise.

“Gypsy” is one of those musicals that possesses all the elements of

superior entertainment, and Huntington Beach’s APA program gives it the

glorious treatment it deserves. Everything’s coming up roses for this

one.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.

FYI

WHAT: “Gypsy”

WHO: Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts

WHERE: Huntington Beach High School auditorium, 1905 Main St.,

Huntington Beach

WHEN: Closing performances 7:30 Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

COST: $8 & $10

PHONE: (714) 536-2514, Ext. 302 (during office hours)