Aspire's 'Gypsy' opens April 26

Aspire Community Theatre's production of "Gypsy" will open at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, at the Midge and Pepper Smock Family Theatre at the Kroc Center.

Regarded by many as one of the finest musicals ever created, "Gypsy" is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughter's success — while secretly yearning for her own.

Set across America in the 1920s and '30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurent's landmark show explores the world of two-bit showbusiness with brass, humor, heart and sophistication.

The celebrated score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim boasts one hit after another, including: "Everything's Coming up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," "Some People" and "You'll Never Get Away from Me."

"Gypsy" tells the story of ambitious showbiz mother Rose, who treks across the country with her daughters, Baby June and Louise, in search of success with their homespun vaudeville act.

Callie Cabe, a local actress who has performed professionally for over 40 years, plays the infamous Mamma Rose.

"She's an intimidating role based on a very strong personality, whom is deeply flawed but she will stop at nothing to make her dreams come true," Cabe said in a news release.

Ashley Cleveland plays the fictional version of Baby June, the star of the vaudeville circuit and Rose's muse.

"It has been super fun researching and getting to know not only the June in the script, but also what she was actually like in real life!," Cleveland said. "Learning new facts that the script doesn't show helps me connect with dainty Little June so much more! I can't wait to play such a loved character in a crowd favorite musical based on the real story."

The catalyst for the musical was Gypsy Rose Lee's memoirs written in 1957. Laurents took from the pages of Lee's memoir and seasoned the details to write the show as it is now known.

"Gypsy" runs through May 5.

Tickets and info: aspirecda.com