BTG Hits The Boards In 'Gypsy, A Musical Fable' In The Baer Theatre

CHICAGO — The musical that made Gypsy Rose Lee a legend will leave you feeling swell and great when the Beverly Theatre Guild hits the boards in “Gypsy: A Musical Fable,” this weekend, at Morgan Park Academy’s Baer Theatre, 2153 W, 111th St., Chicago.

“Gypsy,” the classic Broadway musical with music by Jules Stine and lyrics by a then-young Stephen Sondheim, follows the relentless stage mother Rose as she pushes her daughters toward stardom in the 1920s and 1930s vaudeville circuit. When “Baby June” gets married to escape her mother’s control, Rose turns her attention to her shy, overlooked older daughter Louise, who eventually finds stardom in burlesque.

The musical features such iconic songs like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Rose’s Turn” and “Let Me Entertain You.”

Veteran director Patrick Tierney, hailing from Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, will lead this highly anticipated production. The grand finale of BTG’s 2024-25 season is a collaborative effort, co-produced by Katy Duffy Regalado of Mt. Greenwood and Joe Mackinac of Orland Park. Audiences can expect dazzling stage numbers, brought to life through the expert choreography of Sarah Beth Lipsman from Uptown. A hallmark of BTG productions is its dedication to live orchestration, and this tradition will be elevated by the combined talents of seasoned Music Directors Sharon Mason of Ashburn and Michael Barr-Schinzel of Beverly.

Starring as the infamous stage mom Rose is Erin Fitzpatrick of Lockport, with the titular character of Gypsy (Louise) being played by Joelle Singer Jensen of Hyde Park. In the role of Dainty June is Nora Wragg of Lansing, Baby June is Ava Rose Doty of Downers Grove, and Baby Louise is Callaghan Fagan of New Lenox. Featured roles include Scott Sowinski (Orland Park) as Herbie, Raymond Cam Truong (River North) as Tulsa, Erin Renée Baumrucker (Avondale) as Tessie Tura, Rose Murphy (Chicago-Loop) as Mazeppa, and Shannon Bracken (Oak Lawn) as Miss Electra.

The energetic ensemble will take on multiple roles in this fast-paced show, featuring the talents of Robin Bennett (Oak Park), Allison Córdova (Hyde Park), Apollo Davis (West Loop), John Gronkowski (Beverly), Lucy Hohenadel (Beverly), Carmelo Kelly (Oak Lawn), Lorenzo Kelly (Oak Lawn), Joe Mackinac (Orland Park), Bob McCaffrey (Joliet), Rika Nakane (South Loop), Leandro Pineda (Portage Park), Zola Pineda (Portage Park), Natalie Regenold-Grover (Uptown), Layla Robinson (Frankfort), Victoria Sanders (Ashburn), Daniel Walsh (Northbrook), Jessi Winston (Orland Park), and Billy Zabilka (Lemont). In a special highlight, Pepper O’Keefe (Beverly) will make her stage debut as Chowsie, Rose’s cherished canine companion.

“Gypsy” caps off BTG’s 2024-2025 season. The production features an astonishing 130+ costume changes, creating a dazzling visual spectacle to complement the show’s stunning musical orchestrations.

While the revival of “Gypsy” is captivating audiences on Broadway, you can enjoy this compelling story close to home, without the trip to New York. Performances are 7:30 p.m. May 2 and May 3, with 2 p.m. matinées May 3 and May 4.

Tickets can be purchased online at Beverly Theatre Guild Tickets or by calling 773-BTG-TIXS (773-784-8497). Tickets are $25 for adults; $23 for seniors/members/active military; and $18 for students. Group rates are also available.

To make your live theater experience even more special, BTG has partnered with Jenny’s Steak & Banquets in Chicago Ridge for an exclusive Dinner+Show package. For just $50 per person, savor a delicious entrée from a prix fixe menu and enjoy a ticket to the show. Reservations are required, so visit the BTG ticketing website for details and secure your spot today.