Still time to catch ‘Gypsy’

Did you miss “Gypsy” at Geauga Lyric Theater Guild last week? Well, don’t worry. You have two more weekends to catch it at the old movie theater on the square in Chardon.

“Gypsy” is a classic musical based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee and her years in vaudeville with a domineering stage mother. The show features lyrics by Stephen Sondheim with music by Jule Styne and music and book by Arthur Laurent.

Performances run through Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays at 101 Water St. Tickets range from $10 to $18 and are available at www.geaugatheater.org, or at the box office by calling 440-2862255. Geauga Lyric Theater Guild is grateful to their Marquee Sponsor, H&R Block.

Recognizable songs include “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” Certainly that is the case for 13-year-old eighth grader Izzy Glauser who appears in the ensemble. A student at Chardon Middle School, Izzy is a grizzled veteran of GLTG, having appeared in over 20 of their productions including summer workshops, classes, and main stage shows.

“I love working with Mark Cipra,” Izzy says of “Gypsy’s” director. “He is one of my favorite directors and his shows always stand out to me. Second, after I read that they were holding auditions, I listened to some of the soundtrack and absolutely fell in love, I knew I wanted to do the show.”

Izzy is an active swimmer and writer who is also a member of National Junior Honor Society and Junior Teen Institute, but she was happy to make room for this production.

“To me, the theme of this show is family — the craziness of family but also the love involved in it,” Izzy says. “Sometimes family needs to let go, sometimes they need to speak out but you are always connected.”

Izzy plays a younger version of the character of Louise.

“Louise is the daughter of Rose,” Izzy says. “Louise was in the background most of her life up until a change of events occurs and Louise is pushed into the spotlight. Louise does most of what’s Rose tells her, knowing that is what her mother wants and that is how they will make money. The show is filled with upbeat numbers as well as softer more vulnerable songs. The show includes topics like arguments as well as unfairness between siblings that are relatable for all ages.”

While Louise’s character takes some difficult turns as she ages, Izzy hopes to ground her in some positives.

“I have been working really hard on showing that Louise is more awkward then bad, and she really does have good intentions with people,” Izzy says.

Perhaps you should intend to catch Izzy and the cast on stage this weekend.

Young Thespians is a regular column that focuses on youth in theater. Do you have a production you wish to see featured? Email stevecouch@windstream.net, follow me @StevenRCouch on Twitter or join our “Young Thespians” Facebook group and post your show information.