Geauga Lyric Theater Guild’s ‘Gypsy’ an absolute delight

Famed striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee — who died nearly 50 years ago — found herself sitting on a pile of money in the lucrative burlesque business around 1957.

The story of her morose journey to the stage was depicted in her 1957 memoir by Arthur Laurents. Geauga Lyric Theater Guild brings that story to life in a way that beautifully balances Gypsy Rose Lee’s heartache with her optimism in “Gypsy” at Geauga Theater in Chardon.

If you have trouble wrapping your head around a story this old, just imagine a musical that tells the story of the Kardashian family through the lens of Kris (Momma) Kardashian and you’ll understand this 1959 musical.

Mom-managers tend to make the most progress in showbiz. This story is no exception. This time, though, it’s the mom who shows off the talent.

Gypsy’s mom, Rose, is played by absolute powerhouse Trinidad Snider. Snider’s role in this show will have you double-checking your ticket stub to see if it says “Playhouse Square.”

It’s impossible to decide which is stronger — Snider’s acting or her singing. One thing is clear: She could perform the entire show by herself and still not be out of breath.

That’s not to say she isn’t surrounded by other talented souls.

Gypsy (whose real name is Louise) is played by two young actors — baby Louise by Izzy Glauser and a teen Louise by Kirstin Henry.

The first half hour or so of the show may give the impression this is a youth production. It’s not — it simply focuses on the childhood of Louise and her sister, baby June (Chloe Brewster).

The intention is to depict the neglect Louise felt as her sister soaked up all of their mother’s time and attention. The kiddie actors do a great job portraying the contrast of their upbringing all while adding humor to the sad situation.

Fast-forward and we have the teen versions of the sisters. Henry gracefully falls into the role as sweet and loving Louise. Her innocence is best captured in her solo “Little Lamb.” During this torturously sad number, Louise sweetly sings to her stuffed toy lamb about her birthday wishes.

This is heart-wrenching in a couple of ways.

The first is because her mother didn’t give much of a thought to her birthday.

The second is this freshfaced teen is tremendously childlike in this scene and, only a few scenes later, is pushed on stage — by mother Rose — to her first striptease.

GLTG handles Henry’s striptease scene in the most tasteful manner possible. Gypsy never technically takes any items off in this show. But it breaks your heart to see this character believe it’s her only option.

Despite the premise of the show, this is still a family-friendly production and gets lots of laughs throughout.

Continues through Feb. 4 at Geauga Theater, 101 Water St., Chardon. For tickets — $18 for adults and $15 for seniors/students, $10 for children 12 and younger — call 440-286-2255 or visit geaugatheater.org.