Celebrating 160 years, Croswell’s second 2026 production was the 1959 Broadway smash Gypsy. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the script written by Arthur Laurents, the show features classic songs like “Let Me Entertain You,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “You Gotta Have A Gimmick” and “Rose’s Turn.”
Successful musicals combine singing, dancing and acting to create magic on the stage. Gypsy, for the most part, accomplished that. The singing was outstanding, and the choreography was fun, with the ladies in “You Gotta Have A Gimmick” being the highlight of the show. But it was the acting that elevated this production. Julia Spanja Hoffert played Rose with energy, bringing the character, with all of Rose’s flaws, to life. Her singing was powerful.
Emma Skaggs, playing daughter Louise, had a dominating presence on stage, even when she said nothing. Skaggs’ facial expression communicated so much emotion. Her transition from a young, awkward, plain-looking girl to the superstar queen of burlesque was inspiring.
Young June was played by Cece Underwood and sister Louise by Giuliana Kozak, who with a nine member youth ensemble, delighted the audience.
Baby June (Cece Underwood) and her Newsboys. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.
Mama Rose is bossy and overbearing. Her life’s mission is to find the spotlight, through her daughters. June (Abigail Lipsitz) was the focus of Rose’s attention. After years of being pushed and performing in run-down joints, June broke free and eloped to have a life for herself, without mama.
Abigail Lipsitz as Dainty June and Caroline the Cow. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.
The character Rose is not a likeable character. Her overbearing nature can be difficult to accept and Hoffert is masterful in bringing that character to life. Hoffert smoothly delivers funny lines that provides some comic relief.
It is Skaggs’ performance that shows the contrast between how attention is divided between the sisters that raises the emotional intensity. In a heart-breaking scene, during Louise’s birthday, lavish attention is heaped upon June while Skaggs’ Louise sits alone, in her bedroom, playing with stuffed animals and other birthday gifts. Skaggs’ face showed her loneliness and pain.
Emma Skaggs as Gypsy Rose Lee with feathers. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.
Emma Skaggs as Gypsy Rose Lee. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.
Jared Hoffert brought depth to the role of Herbie, providing balance between Rose and the crazy world of vaudeville. In a world full of glitter and disappointment, he was a decent man in an indecent world. And, in the end, his need to “be a man” required he become another man who walked out on Rose.
Julia Spanja Hoffert (Rose) and Jared Hoffert (Herbie) as he describes a dream. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.
The ups and downs of pursuing her search for the spotlight, Rose has a self-reflective moment, standing alone, singing the powerful Rose’s Turn. That number was a work of art.
Gypsy was directed by Erica Abrahamson, who brought her over forty years’ experience to the Croswell. Her direction was traditional but effective. The set design was functional and scene changes were fast and smooth.
Christopher Childers choreographed the show. The staging of “You Gotta Have A Gimmick”, featuring director Erica Abrahamson (filling in for a dancer who left the show), Stephanie L. Stephen and Cindy Eberhardt, was fun, up-tempo and delightfully raucous.
Mazeppa (Stephanie L. Stephen), Tessie Tura (Erica Abrahamson) & Electra (Cindy Eberhardt) singing “You Gotta Have A Gimmick.” Sitting in chair Emma Skaggs. Photo by Ashlee Sayles.
The lighting design had moments when actors’ faces were in shadows upstage, making it difficult to see them. Bill Hayes conducted a 16-piece orchestra which performed flawlessly. Vocal direction was provided by Bradley Baker.
The audience was enthusiastic throughout and gave a thunderous standing ovation during the curtain call. It was puzzling that the youth ensemble cast were not included in the final bows.
Gypsy is fun and receives two thumbs up.
Gypsy runs through Sunday, June 21. Tickets can be purchased at croswell.org or by calling (517) 264-7469. Croswell is located at 129 E. Maumee St. in Adrian.
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
