Baylor University Theatre Opens Season with Performance of "Gypsy"

Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMediaCom

Baylor University department of theatre arts' season will open in Jones Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 29, with the Tony Award-winning musical "Gypsy" and run through Sunday, Oct. 10.

The musical is based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist. The story focuses on Lee's mother Rose, the ultimate show business mother, and her efforts to raise two daughters to be star performers on the vaudeville stage.

The play will be directed by Dr. Marion Castleberry, Baylor University professor of theatre arts, and Meredith Sutton, professional director.

"'Gypsy' was chosen because the show fits beautifully the talent pool we have in our department at this moment. Our students are quite talented and impressive, and the play requires performers who can play the central roles in the play with a sense of authenticity and believability," Castleberry said.

The planning of the production started in May with auditions and design, but the final cast has only been rehearsing for nearly six weeks.

The lead role of Rose will be played by junior theatre performance major Hannah Brake. Brake has been involved in theater since age 6 and plans to move to New York after graduation to pursue a career in theater.

"I hope that the audience first and foremost comes away from 'Gypsy' feeling a love for theater that maybe they hadn't had before," Brake said. "Seeing a live musical can be such a special, memorable experience, and I hope to spark that love for theater in even one person that comes to see the show."

The event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased for $15 online at or in person at the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center at 60 Baylor Ave.

For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/theatre.

by Alison Higgins, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805