Iowa State University
INDEX
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
E-Mail & Phones |

NEWS RELEASE
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa State University
www.las.iastate.edu

4-3-09

Contacts:
Brad Dell, ISU Theatre, (515) 294-0184 (dellbrad@iastate.edu)
Steve Jones, Liberal Arts & Sciences Communications, (515) 294-0461 (jones@iastate.edu)

‘GYPSY’ HITS THE STAGE FOR ANNUAL
STARS OVER VEISHEA PRODUCTION, APRIL 15-19

AMES, Iowa – One of the greatest of all American musicals, “Gypsy,” will be on stage at Iowa State University for the annual Stars Over VEISHEA (SOV) production.

“Gypsy” will be performed by ISU students at Fisher Theater on campus April 15-19 during VEISHEA week.

The story is about the quintessential stage mother, Rose, who pushes timid daughter Louise into the burlesque spotlight. Rose is reborn as the notorious Gypsy Rose Lee, whose memoirs inspired the musical. Living vicariously through her daughter’s success, Rose lusts for stardom of her own.

“This story is incredibly timely and remarkably 21st century,” said director Brad Dell of the ISU Theatre Department. “Rose is trying to succeed in vaudeville as vaudeville is crumbling around her. The present is uncertain; the future is a big question mark.”

“‘Gypsy’ is a story for all of us.”

Dell, who has directed three previous SOV productions, said the story also focuses on mother-daughter and sibling relationships, love and loss of love, and on unrelentingly chasing one’s dreams.  “There’s also plenty of dazzling dancing and singing,” Dell said.

“Gypsy” has been called “the greatest of all American musicals” by The New York Times. It has starred Ethel Merman, Rosalind Russell, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters and Patti Lapone. It features some of Broadway’s most recognizable tunes including “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” “Together” and “Let Me Entertain You.” The music is by Jule Styne, the lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim and the script was written by Arthur Laurents.

Work on the SOV production began one year ago and features a very talented group of actors, Dell said. Mama Rose is played by ISU senior Mariana Seda of Gurnee, Ill., and Louise (Gypsy) is played by sophomore Meghan Sigwarth of Dubuque. Other major cast members are Steve Goedken, a freshman from Hiawatha as Herbie, and Jessica Hay, a senior from Fort Dodge as Louise’s sister June.

The production is at 7:30 p.m. April 15-18 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. Tickets are $12 for students and children and $19 for adults and are available at the Iowa State Center Ticket office at 515-294-2479 or Ticketmaster at 233-1888.

-30-