1972-1977

'Gypsy' -A Hit For ECJC (Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the following articles are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Meridian Star.) By Bill Whitworth President, Meridian Little Theatre no less than a half-dozen minor roles, playing everything except the French Maid, who was cutely done by another Ballard, Beverly. (Chowsis, the cat, was done by Aris ~allard) . Mike Sanders first appears with the Newsboy 's (who appear progressively as the Farm Boys, all played by Douglas Reynolds, Alan Baker, Speedy Calvert, Al Brock and Chris Harris) , But appeals to the audience with his (Tulsa) "All I Need Is A Girl" soft-shoe and vocal. Also, emerging from this group are Chris Harris (Yonkers) and Alan Baker (Angie) in speaking parts.

An able successor to such hits as "My Fair Lady," "Camelot ," "Picnic" and others this reviewer has seen on the super Fine Arts Building Stage and at Dinner Theaters at East Central Junior College, "Gypsy" opened Monday night to a damp, dressed up 65% house in whose minds danced threatening tornadoes and heavy rains. The musical version by · Styme and Sodheim is a difficult vehicle, as are most musicals which must start laboriously building characters in the first acts, only to end with our hearts in its hands and a glow that keeps coming back. Aided by the fine set design by Bruce Guraedy, costumes in the hands of Pam Nance, make-up headed by Julie Latham, property work directed by Bonnie Hatcher, several commendable jobs stand out in the character and plot development. Decatur's Cheryl Baucum and Harriet Vickers take on the forminable task of introducing two strong characters, Baby June and Baby Louise (Gypsy Rose Lee) , respectively, and do an admirable, dedicated job. Meritorious Award goes to Richard Ballard who appears first as Uncle Jocko, then dashes valiantly and confidently on an~ ?ff stage in

The glue in this production is Marian Whinnery, of course, who has the super-difficult role of Mother Rose, dominating, perservering and incorrigable. The apple-of-mothers-eye, June, played by Ginny Clark, demands attention as she skillfully milks her part . Almost stealing the opening night audience were the strippers with lights, bumps and bugles. "Gypsy" is portrayed by Kathy Polk of Starkville. Kathy comes close to stealing the show with this most exciting part and receives the "Gutsey Award" for her first solo, which was done with a real lamb in her lap, and a cardboard fish hanging from her neck. She did a beautiful job, dancing, singing and speaking her way into our hearts. Even above the lamb's lines, which were "Baa! " Super credit to you, Bruce Peterson, Bob Heritage, Vocal Director, Paul Geiger, Musical Conductor, R. G. Fick, Head of Fine Arts. and many others (Cont'd On Page 4-B>

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