When Tammy Jones takes the stage in the iconic role of Mama Rose in Axiom Repertory Theatre’s upcoming production of “Gypsy”, it will truly be the realization of a life-long dream. “I saw the movie with Rosalind Russell as a kid, and fell in love with the story” Tammy shared recently. In 2003, Tammy went to New York and saw a production of “Gypsy” starring Bernadette Peters “I turned to my friends and said ‘that’s my part’!”
A few years ago it seemed likely that a local theatre group might be doing “Gypsy” so Tammy started studying for the role in earnest. “I read several biographies, and did a lot of research” but the production never materialized. “Then, when I heard Axiom was putting it on this year, I was ecstatic.” In fact, Tammy chose “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” to perform in last year’s Bucket List show before she knew she would be playing the role. “I am still surprised that I got the part,” Tammy said (although anybody who has seen this talented lady onstage is not the least bit surprised). “This is a Cinderella moment for me. I’m savoring every moment!”
Tammy was in the very first play ever produced at the renovated Cascade Theatre in 2004 – “Rumors” – produced by the Jefferson Repertory Theatre Company, and this is her first time back on the Cascade Stage.
Tammy is reflective when she thinks over all the parts that came before this one. “Maybe I needed all that life experience before I was ready to play Mama Rose.”
In the title role of Gypsy Rose Lee is Redding native Nicki Bonura, whose only knowledge of the play prior to getting the role was that it was famous. “I originally auditioned for Newsies, and they asked me if I’d be interested in reading for a part in “Gypsy”.
“I said sure, but I didn’t know anything about it,” Nicki said. “When I got called back, I thought I better prepare, so I watched a version of the musical and fell in love with it!”
The story follows the transformation of Louise from an awkward, timid girl to a successful celebrity.
“It is so relatable, particularly for girls,” Nicki said. “Her mother had expectations for her outside of who she was, and pushed her hard. She eventually figured it out on her own.”
Nicki has been dancing since the age of four, and performing on stage for years, but this is her first turn at a lead role. Appropriately, Gypsy herself is experiencing the solo spotlight for the first time. When asked about the strip-tease portion of the play, Nicki said. “It doesn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable at all. I really have fun with it.”
Playing Louise’s younger sister “Dainty” June, is Rachael Lafferty, another dancer stepping into a lead role for the first time. Rachael reflects “The acting is coming naturally because June is a teenager who has some extreme mood swings, going from all smiles onstage to angry and pouty with her mom,” Rachael said. “I’m a teenager, so I can relate.”
Rachael has some parallels in her personal life, having a mom (backstage manager Nicki Lafferty) and sister (dancer/actress/singer and choreographer Hannah Lafferty) who are both in show biz too. “But my mom never pushed us like Rose did,” Rachael was quick to clarify. “It’s a really fun show. I wasn’t expecting it to be because it’s older, but it’s really very funny. “
Written in 1959, and set in that unique moment in history that saw the final days of Vaudeville, “Gypsy” seems just as relevant in 2019 as it follows the story of Rose – the mother of all stage moms – as she relentlessly pursues stardom for her daughters.
The 30+- member cast includes veteran actor Mat McDonald as the ever-patient Herbie, Kenneth Brandon Baumann as the handsome young Tulsa, Abby Claycamp as the young June, Hayden Oller as young Louise, Kris Dickey as Tessie Tura, Brandon Nascimento as Electra, and Jessica Cox as the trumpet-playing stripper Mazeppa.
Truly the Mother-of-all-Musicals, with the iconic songs “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You,” “Gypsy” will play at the Cascade Theatre from April 25th – May 5th. Details and tickets: axreptheatre.com.
