by Rebecca Osborne
It appears everything’s coming up roses at Poulsbo’s Jewel Box Theatre. Playing now is Gypsy, directed by Gwen Adams and based on the book written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Gypsy follows the story of a young girl named Louise, played by WSA junior Sophia Parkhurst. As Louise rises to stardom in burlesque productions, her mother, played by Barbie-Jo Smith, controls everything from behind the scenes.
Sophia has been in plays for five years. She has previously performed for Kitsap Children’s Musical Theater and CSTOCK. This is her first production at Jewel Box. “It’s a very professional theatre that’s been really easy to work with,” she says.
The magic of Gypsy truly hypnotizes the audience from the moment Rose, Baby June, and Young Louise come onstage. Barbie-Jo Smith easily steals the show as soon as she opens her mouth to sing. Her portrayal of the powerful and exuberant Rose leaves the audience gaping. Louise, too, is excellently rendered. Sophia Parkhurst flawlessly captures the young woman’s spirit.
The singing is easily the best part of the play. From Herbie’s melodic baritone to June’s dulcet voice, each song encroaches on the barrier between audience and actors, transporting them back to the 20th century. This fully makes up for the otherwise average acting. In fact, it makes the play worth seeing, because after you’ve been transported back to 2013, you’ll find yourself humming the tune to “Let Me Entertain You.”
Gypsy runs from Sept. 13 to Oct. 13. The Jewel Box Theatre is located on 225 Iverson Street in Poulsbo. Admission is $17 for adults and $15 for students.
Sophia has been in plays for five years. She has previously performed for Kitsap Children’s Musical Theater and CSTOCK. This is her first production at Jewel Box. “It’s a very professional theatre that’s been really easy to work with,” she says.
The magic of Gypsy truly hypnotizes the audience from the moment Rose, Baby June, and Young Louise come onstage. Barbie-Jo Smith easily steals the show as soon as she opens her mouth to sing. Her portrayal of the powerful and exuberant Rose leaves the audience gaping. Louise, too, is excellently rendered. Sophia Parkhurst flawlessly captures the young woman’s spirit.
The singing is easily the best part of the play. From Herbie’s melodic baritone to June’s dulcet voice, each song encroaches on the barrier between audience and actors, transporting them back to the 20th century. This fully makes up for the otherwise average acting. In fact, it makes the play worth seeing, because after you’ve been transported back to 2013, you’ll find yourself humming the tune to “Let Me Entertain You.”
Gypsy runs from Sept. 13 to Oct. 13. The Jewel Box Theatre is located on 225 Iverson Street in Poulsbo. Admission is $17 for adults and $15 for students.