Barn Theatre

Gypsy

Starring Kim Zimmer

Directed by Scott Burkell

OPENING JULY 25 at 8:30

and playing through AUGUST 6

Produced by Brendan Ragotzy

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

AUGUSTA, MI July 14, 2006- On Tuesday July 25 at 8:30 p.m., the Barn Theatre opens the legendary musical “Gypsy” starring Kim Zimmer as Rose from the popular daytime television show “Guiding Light.”

Gypsy “Gypsy” marks Zimmer’s seventh appearance at the Barn. She starred in “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas,” “Jake’s Women,” and opposite Tom Wopat in “The Rainmaker” in 1993. She also joined the Barn company for “Damn Yankees” and “Lost in Yonkers” in 1994, “Shirley Valentine” in 1996, and “Blood Brothers” in 1998. Zimmer’s portrayal of Reva Shayne on “Guiding Light” has earned her four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Leading actress in 1985, 1987, 1990, and 2005 as well as the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2000 for Outstanding Lead Actress.

Also featured in “Gypsy” are Barn apprentices Amber Rees (Louise) and Alesia Lawson (June) as well as newcomers Hailey Jamann (Baby June) and Kelly Seech (Baby Louise). Barn favorites Joe Aiello (Herbie), Roy Brown (Uncle Jocko), Penelope Alex (Tessie Tura) and Eric Parker (Weber) are highlighted as well.

Based loosely on the memoirs of famous burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, “Gypsy” follows her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Mama Rose, a domineering stage mother who strives to make her youngest daughter June a vaudeville star only to have June leave to make her own career. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, the show is considered one of the most prominent musicals developed in the mid-20^th century. The original Broadway show opened on May 21, 1959 starring Ethel Merman and Jack Klugman and was choreographed by Jerome Robbins and Produced by David Merrick. In 1993 the musical was adapted for a television movie starring Bette Midler and was revived on Broadway in 2003 with Bernadette Peters as Mama Rose. Gypsy

“Gypsy” is directed by Scott Burkell and Choreographed by Jayme McDaniel. Matthew Smedal is Musical Director and Doug Blickle is Scenic Designer. Costumes are designed by Thomas J. Bernard. Frank J. Vela is Lighting Designer, James B. Knox is Property Master, Bradford Chapin is Sound Designer, Garrylee McCormick has designed wigs and hair. Technical Direction by Fred Gillette.

Performances for “Gypsy” run through August 6^th and are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Enjoy refreshments in The Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack of while being entertained by the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $29.00 for all performances and Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group prices available. The box office is open daily from 10:00 am-10:00 pm. For tickets or more information please call (269) 731-4121.

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GYPSY

Cast list

Uncle Jocko..................................................... Roy Brown

George, the stage manager................................ Joshua Pulos

Rose................................................................ Kim Zimmer

Baby June........................................................ Hailey Jamann

Baby Louise..................................................... Kelly Seech

Balloon Girl...................................................... Jenna Gillespie

Clarence and his Clarinet.................................. Sean Griffin

Young Ballerina............................................... Calli Ragotzy

Newsboys........................................................ Patrick Galizio, Samuel Matties, Jr.,

........... Luke Ragotzy

Pop................................................................. Howard McBride

Weber............................................................. Eric Parker

Herbie............................................................. Joe Aiello

Louise............................................................. Amber Rees

June................................................................ Alesia Lawson

Tulsa............................................................... Anthony Christian Daniel

Yonkers........................................................... Alston Brown

Angie.............................................................. Jeff Baker

L.A................................................................. Jamey Grisham

Kringelein........................................................ Jake Stackhouse

Mr. Goldstone.................................................. Gregg Rehrig

Miss Cratchitt.................................................. Alexandra Ausman

THE TOREADORABLES

Agnes.............................................................. Amy Shelton

Thelma............................................................ Laura Cook

Marjorie May................................................... Megan E. Haran

Edna................................................................ Courtney Reed

Dolores............................................................ Kelly Maier

Gail................................................................. Heidi VanSlambrook

Pastey............................................................. Steve Drapalski

Tessie Tura...................................................... Penelope Alex

Mazeppa.......................................................... Jana DeBusk

Electra............................................................. Mychelle Hopkins

Cigar............................................................... Nick Horton

Renee, the maid............................................... Cecily Smith

Caroline the Cow............................................. Haven Eaves, Betsy Holt

Gladys............................................................. Kate Ponzio

Mothers........................................................... Cecily Smith, Kate Ponzio,

Bethany Wood, Laura Cook

4 Strippers....................................................... Betsy Holt, Haven Eaves,

Bethany Wood, Alexandra Ausman

Various Folk, Stagehands, etc............................ Billy Lawley, Rick Coffey

GYPSY

Cast List

KIM ZIMMER, Mama Rose

Kim began her daytime television career with a role as a terrorist on ONE LIFE TO LIVE but achieved stardom as Reva Shayne on GUIDING LIGHT, a role she originated and continues to this day, facing such daytime dilemmas as year-long amnesia, apparent death by car accident, cloned alter-egos, and, new this past season, life-threatening illness. Through it all, Reva endures and earns Kim numerous accolades, such as four Daytime Emmy Awards (including her most recent Emmy win this spring). Other notable series TV appearances include MODELS, INC., BABYLON 5, SEINFELD, MACGYVER, DESIGNING WOMEN, and Jodie Walker on SANTA BARBARA, as well as TV movie roles in THE DISAPPEARANCE OF VONNIE, KEEPING SECRETS, and HELL HATH NO FURY. Kim’s film credits include BODY HEAT. A talented stage actress as well, Kim performed Off-Broadway in FOR DOGS AND A BONE and lists several starring appearances here at the Barn, first in THE RAINMAKER, followed by THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, JAKES’S WOMEN, DAMN YANKEES, LOST IN YONKERS, SHIRLEY VALENTINE, and BLOOD BROTHERS. She’s a native of Grand Rapids and studied at nearby Hope College as well as the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. Kim and her husband, actor/director A.C. Weary, have three children, Rachel, Max, and Jacob.

AMBER REES, Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee

Amber will be a senior musical theatre major at Ball State University this fall and is delighted to be working at the Barn for her first summer. Her most recent role at school is Sally Bowles in CABARET. Other credits include WORKING, ANYTHING GOES, and THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. In 2004 Amber made her professional debut in CINDERELLA at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. She was born and raised in Marion, IN. Amber thanks her family and friends for their constant support.

ALESIA ANNE LAWSON, June

Alesia is beyond happy to be spending her first summer in Augusta. Hailing from Ohio, she is looking forward to graduating in December from Ashland University with degrees in Theatre and English Literature. Alesia was recently honored with Irene Ryan Awards for musical theatre and classical acting. Favorite credits include Sally Bowles in CABARET, Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Ruth in WONDERFUL TOWN, and Sabrina in THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH. She has also sung the role of Gabrielle in LA VIE PARISIENNE as part of Ashland’s Light Opera Theatre. She sends love and thanks to her family and friends “and thanks to God for blessing me with wonderful opportunities.”

HAILEY JAMANN, Baby June

Hailey was plucked from our audience one night during the run of 1776 and debuts on our stage as Baby June. A resident of nearby Ceresco, Hailey is eight years old, loves to sing, and has performed at Newton Methodist Church and in Christmas programs. She is currently on a gymnastics team at Branch Gym and is entering third grade this fall at Endeavor Academy. Her folks are Frank and Dawn Jamann.

KELLY SEECH, Baby Louise

Kelly makes her Barn debut with GYPSY but is no stranger to the stage, having appeared as Molly in ANNIE and Gracie Shinn in THE MUSIC MAN, both at the former Battle Creek Junior Civic Theatre. She lives in Battle Creek with her proud parents, Jim and Susan Seech. Kelly is eight years old and is thrilled to play Baby Louise.

JOE AIELLO, Herbie

Joe returns to the Barn after celebrating his 25^th season last summer with acclaimed performances as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Harold in THE FULL MONTY as well as returning to a role he originated at the Barn, the infamous Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Season after season Joe has demonstrated his talent and versatility with such varied roles as Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, and Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS. A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LOST IN YONKERS, STEELMAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the latter two co-directed with Scott Burkell). Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

ROY BROWN, Uncle Jocko

Roy is very pleased to be returning to the Barn for his first season as an Equity resident. He’s gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, Lefou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, Da Jimmer in our hit productions of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT in ’03 and ’04. Roy’s professional experience includes a role in the Theatreworks USA 2004-05 National Tour of FREEDOM TRAIN and an independent film (working title: SUMMER DAZE) currently in post-production. A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles for all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy calls New York City home.

ANTHONY CHRISTIAN DANIEL, Tulsa

Anthony comes for a second season after a successful winter in New York, where he just finished a reading of the new Burkell/Loesel musical ELLA MINNOW PEA. Last summer Anthony may be remembered for his turns as Pappy Yokum in LI’L ABNER and Motel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as well as featured bits in THE FULL MONTY and HAIR. Other credits include a national tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, SIDE SHOW, THE DIVINERS, A CHORUS LINE, THE BOY FRIEND, INTO THE WOODS, THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND, GODSPELL, THE PAJAMA GAME, and THE FANTASTICKS. Anthony has a choreographic resume as well, and will be setting our popular Bar Shows this summer. A Mississippi native, Anthony makes his home in New York. “For DP”.

JEFF BAKER, Angie

Jeff is ecstatic to finally become a Barnie after “years of admiring from afar” as a Hastings native. A music theatre major at Grand Valley State University, Jeff has taken leading roles in GUYS AND DOLLS, STREET SCENE, STARTING HERE STARTING NOW, and THE SECRET GARDEN, as well as worked with both Actor’s

Theatre and Circle Theatre in Grand Rapids. Jeff sends love and thanks to his Mom, Alexis, Dale, and his supportive friends.

JAMEY GRISHAM, L.A.

Mr. Grisham hails from Tupelo, MS, and is currently a senior at Roosevelt University in Chicago, majoring in musical theatre at their Chicago College of Performing Arts Theatre Conservatory. Jamey’s excited for a second Barn summer. Last season audiences may remember his turns as Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Ethan in THE FULL MONTY. He also appeared in HAIR, LI’L ABNER, and THE GRADUATE. At Roosevelt his credits include Bill in KISS ME KATE and Valentine in the musical TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. He shared the stage with cabaret star Andrea Marcovicci in the ASCAP presentation SONGS OF OUR TIME in Chicago and was a featured singer at Jim Caruso’s CAST PARTY in New York. Jamey sends love and special thanks to his family for their unconditional support. “Psalms 108:1”.

ALSTON BROWN, Yonkers

Alston is thrilled to return Augusta way for a second Barnie season. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Alston is a 2005 graduate of Valdosta State University, earning a BFA in Theatre Performance. While at VSU, Alston appeared in productions of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, CHILDREN OF EDEN, THE VISIT, MACBETH, and THE PAJAMA GAME. Barn credits include Sasha in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Benjamin in THE GRADUATE as well as appearances in LI’L ABNER, THE FULL MONTY, HAIR, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.

PENELOPE ALEX, Tessie Tura

Celebrating her 20th season, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage. She has delighted audiences with a series of compelling performances… Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come immediately to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Nellie in SOUTH PACIFIC (with Tom Wopat), Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and at the head of the list, Annie Oakley opposite Tom Wopat’s Frank Butler in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season Penelope was seen FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde), LI’L ABNER, THE FULL MONTY, and closed out the season as Magenta in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Offstage and closest to her heart are her star roles of Mom to Luke (11), Calli (9), Jacob (6), and Melina (2), and wife to Barn producer Brendan Ragotzy. In addition to her full slate on stage and at home, Penelope serves as Publicist for the theatre and also coordinates the hiring of our apprentice company. Her work in this regard includes attending auditions, reviewing submitted resumes and audition tapes, and matching apprentices’ skills with departmental demands at the theatre. As busy as all this keeps her, Penelope still makes time for voice-over and commercial work throughout the region. Be sure to listen for Penelope on the Barn’s new TV commercials this summer! She is a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud San Jose State University alum.

JANA DeBUSK, Mazeppa

Jana is ecstatic to return for a second season at the Barn. Last year Jana’s credits include Stupefyin’ Jones in LI’L ABNER and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. While at Western Michigan University, where she just finished her sophomore year, Jana performed in University Productions of BRIGADOON, THE PAJAMA GAME, and played Kate in THE WILD PARTY. She is also pleased to announce she’s just been cast as the lead in the musicalized DEBBIE DOES DALLAS at Whole Art Theatre this fall. She would like to thank her family for their unending support and faith in her dreams. Jana hails from Kendallville, IN.

MYCHELLE HOPKINS, Electra

Last season’s audiences will undoubtedly remember Mychelle’s hysterical portrayal as Jeanette Burmeister in the Barn’s smash-hit THE FULL MONTY. Along with her many stage appearances in the area, she has directed numerous productions throughout the U.S. and in England where she received her M.A. from the Shakespeare Institute. Her acting credentials are extensive, having performed in the U.S., England, Monaco and Greece. While Shakespeare is her first love, anything Irish comes in a close second. Mychelle is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. She teaches Theatre at Western Michigan University and is Director of Education for the Whole Art Theater in Kalamazoo. Mychelle has also appeared at the Barn in the Barn’s 2000 production of MY FAIR LADY and was featured as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill. Mychelle is also the proud mother of Macready who is 20 months old.

CALENDAR NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2006

NOW PLAYING: July 25 – August 6, four-time Emmy award-winning actress Kim Zimmer from TV’s Guiding Light will seize the Barn stage as Mama Rose in the legendary musical GYPSY. Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous burlesque stripper, GYPSY tells the story of Rose, an overbearing stage mother who is determined to break into the big time by pushing the vaudeville career of her younger daughter June. After June escapes her mother’s hold, Rose turns all her attention to her other daughter Louise. Eventually Rose's dreams come to fruition when she successfully transforms Louise into the famous burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

NEXT: August 8 – 20 For the first time ever on the Barn stage!!! Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey to the Emerald City in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Penelope Alex stars as the Wicked Witch of the West in this colorful, classic gem. With a memorable score full of timeless treasures including “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, “If I Only Had A Brain,” “Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead” and “Follow The Yellow Brick Road”. This all-time family favorite will run August 8 – 20, just in time to take an enchanted trip down the yellow brick road with the whole family before the summer ends.

The Barn Theatre Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta.

Box Office Phone 269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm

Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

Ticket Prices $29.00 Each. Any day, any performance.

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre. Our 61^st season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed! Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage performances.

Brendan Ragotzy, Producer.