Gypsy! on stage in Branchville

Branchville - Vaudeville is alive and well at the Ratsch Theater in Branchville from June 30 through July 2, as Little Lost Arts presents the musical, Gypsy!. With book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jules Styne, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy! remains one of the great musicals in Broadway history. Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, its songs include “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “You’ll Never Get Away From Me,” “Let Me Entertain You” and “Small World.” The story focuses on “Rose,” the most determined stage mother of all time. Vaudeville is at its peak and Rose is determined to make her multi-talented daughter, June, into a star. When June elopes at 13, however, Rose turns her sights to older daughter, Louise, who has no talent, or interest, in show business. And, with vaudeville slowly dying out, Louise realizes that her mother’s dreams may be short-lived. The coming weekend performances of Gypsy! will feature Nancy Bushman as “Rose,” and Tom Courtright as “Herbie.” The first weekend featured Kathy Ziemann and Dave Vorhies in the leads. Comprised entirely of Sussex County actors, the cast includes Don Thoenig, Una Lee Williams, Justine Collins, Sasha Hagan, Mallory Collins, Beatrice Cannavale, Peter Maris, Courtney Verrilli, Ellen St. John, Joe Mazza, Chris Prestia, B.J. Festa, Micael-Anne Verrilli, Samantha Bushman, Sarah Cannavale, Michelle Festa, Glenn Bischoff, AnnMarie Shafer, Julie Hoffmann, and Pat Knaust. Evening performances start at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1. There will be two matinees, at noon Saturday, July 1, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. All tickets are $12 and advance tickets are encouraged for this 50-plus seat venue. The show is not recommended for children under eight. The Ratsch Theater is located at 6 Broad St. in Branchville. For information, log on to littlelostarts.com or call 973-875-5111. Gypsy! is performed by special arrangement with the Tams-Witmark Music Library in New York.