A View From The Cliff

Thursday, November 8, 2007 11:37 AM EST

‘Gypsy’ Bows in Bayside

BY CLIFF KASDEN

The biography of famed burlesque superstar Gypsy Rose Lee is retold as the musical fable “Gypsy” at Theatre by the Bay in Bayside.

Producer/Director Lawrence F. Bloom continues to utilize his theatrical formula for success. First, showcase community hopefuls from school age to golden years. Next, select projects that are well known and well liked by mainstream audiences. Finally, attract talented veterans to help maintain quality and to inspire the newest actors.

On opening night, more than 50 performers sing and dance to popular melodies including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and “Some People.” It is another outstanding job by Musical Director Alan Kingsley, Adam Forman (drums), lovely choreographer Jennifer Badamo and co-producers Barbara Koenig and Martha Stein.

In Act I, the school kids take the spotlight. We watch Baby June (Samantha Kalinsky), Young June (Janina Salorio), Baby Louise (Juliana Chimenti) and Young Louise (Rebecca Cushman) musically reveal the early years of Rose’s show biz family with their brightest, most infectious smiles. Other vaudeville kids in the ensemble beam, bow and belt their tunes with unwavering exuberance.

In Act II, the adults take center stage. Community theatre veteran Jean Ann Kump plays the demanding role of the quintessential stage mother, Momma Rose. She appears in almost every scene. Her character hides her own thwarted dreams for stardom behind blistering bravado. The victims of her false pride are those who love her most. Ultimately, they choose to stand their ground or escape. Poor Herbie (Mark Solkoff) is constantly shunned by Rose despite his most sincere vows of devotion. Will he be the one who finally turns away? Dainty June (Roni Laytin) and Tulsa (Tom Albano) may need to concoct their own plan of action to escape Momma Rose’s smothering grasp.

Unassuming Louise refuses to buckle under the weight of Momma’s manipulations. This paradoxical combination of self-respect, obedience and rebellious anger propel her to stardom as the legendary burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee. Portrayed by Kristin Kessel, it is a difficult role, which she navigates with elegance.

The unexpected show stealers send the audience into loud applause. They are the “interpretive dancers” played by Fran Geier, Sherry Markowitz and Sharon DeCoursey. Their unabashed performance in “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” proves that family audiences will respond to their friends onstage when the result is honest, talented and not taken too seriously by the performers themselves. Absolutely amazing!

Unfortunately, apologies are offered in advance to the dozens of enthusiastic performers and support staff both younger and older who are just too numerous to acknowledge individually.

The troupe makes their home at the Bay Terrace Jewish Center, which is located at 13-00 209th Street in Bayside. Call 718-428-6363 for tix. There are just a few shows remaining in this limited run.

Please refer to The Queens Courier for their next project. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.

FSFCTG presents ‘Oliver!’

The classic novel by Charles Dickens is presented by the FSF Community Theatre Group in their version of the award-winning musical, “Oliver!” The Sunday matinee featured dozens of performers using every inch of the stage and every aisle with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.

Directed and staged by veteran performer Mark Lord, the cast takes us to 1850’s London where crime and friendship become strange companions. Hungry Oliver Twist, energetically and ably played by Jackson Shain, dares to ask the orphanage overseer for more gruel. Mr. Bumble (Arthur Levy) and his grotesque girlfriend, the Widow Corney (Suzanne Haehnel) are outraged.

They sell the hapless lad to self-righteous undertakers (Danny Maldonado, Nelson J. Rocha and Cathy Cosgrove). It is not long before Charlotte (Kimberly Pogorelis) watches the orphan flee to the streets. He is befriended by a very tall, talented delinquent nicknamed the Artful Dodger (Paul Regan).

The shadowy underbelly of London society is a gang of teenaged and even younger pickpockets led by Fagin. Ironically, the thieves are likable and resourceful. Playing Fagin is community legend Rich Weyhausen who has appeared in close to one hundred local productions. He is both surrogate father and thankless taskmaster as he sings, “Pick a Pocket or Two” and his street urchins sing “Consider Yourself (at Home!)” True evil takes the form of Bill Sykes, played by Jimmy O’Neill. He is a cold- blooded killer who generally plays good guys in his dozens of appearances on Queens stages. His long-suffering companion Nancy has followed a life of crime but possesses a heart of gold. Portrayed by often seen community trouper, Amanda Doria, she performs with a well-received combination of angst and affection. Her solo “As Long As He Needs Me” earns sincere applause.

“Who Will Buy (This Beautiful Morning?)” sings Oliver after he has been rescued from a dismal future behind bars. A series of incidents reveals his identity and foreshadows a complicated but happy conclusion. Reaching this climax requires help from Andrew Farella, Alexandra Gulyan, Pauline Baratta, Denise M. Rogers, Steve Morisi, Adrienne Star, Steve Ackerman, Anthony E. Faubjon and Rob Castriotta. Production Coordin ator/Choreographer/Scenic Designer Maryellen Pierce has captained the FSFCTG for years. It is clearly her genuine labor of love. Kudos as well to musical director Paul L. Johnson and his musicians (Richard Shapiro, George Cortes). Backstage dynamos also include John Baratta (technical director/scenic designer), Cookie Knisbaum (stage manager), Pauline Baratta (costumes), and Michelle Shain (artist).

However, the real stars of the show are the dozens of school-aged children who light up the stage with their smiles, personalities and especially their dreams. Our borough’s community theatre thrives with these youngsters. Thanks to each one. The troupe conducts performances at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Boulevard. There are just a few more performances. Call 800-260-6789 or 516-354-3017, email fsfctg@aol.com or click on Charlene Greenberg’s web site at www.spotlightonstage.com/fsfctg.htm.

Peter Pan is the group’s next project. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.