‘Gypsy,’ ‘Mame’ ready to entertain you

Everything’s coming up roses for Tim Nelson, director and musical director for the Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School. Nelson, who directed an award-winning production of “Gypsy” for the APA a couple of seasons ago, is bringing the musical story of the stripper back to the stage this weekend.

And though the stage this time isn’t the one at HBHS, a number of local performers will be involved. Nelson’s latest “Gypsy” will be urging audiences to let her entertain you at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. The show runs two weekends, closing Nov. 12.

Kathy Beaver, a veteran actress in New York musical theater, will be playing Mama Rose, with locals Dale Jones and Jill Morrison also starring.

“Gypsy” first hit Broadway in 1962 with the incomparable Ethel Merman in the leading role, then became a screen gem with Rosalind Russell filling Merman’s shoes.

Tickets for “Gypsy” are $17 for general admission; $12 for students and senior citizens. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. Reservations: (714) 793-1150, ext. 1.

The Huntington Beach Playhouse and Golden West College open their latest productions this weekend. The playhouse revives the comedy “Auntie Mame” and Golden West features”Red Noses.”

“Mame” plays weekends through Nov. 19 in the Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach Reservations: (714) 375-0696. “Red Noses” also runs through Nov. 19 in the college’s Mainstage Theater. Tickets: (714) 895-8150.