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www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008 19 Sheridan students shine in Gypsy By Mark Andrew Lawrence SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER T he quintessential Broadway musical Gypsy is an ideal show for anyone writing a new musical to study. The tight, fast-moving book by Arthur Laurents makes each plot point then dovetails into another brilliant song. Stephen Sondheim's lyrics are loaded with character insights. Jule Styne's melodies are rich in show business pizzazz. It's no wonder so many of the songs have become standards. Ostensibly based on the early life and career of the famous exotic dancer, Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical actually tells a dark tale focused on her obsessive mother, Rose. The Rose in theatre Sheridan's production is Kate Etienne, who dominates the stage from the moment she makes her entrance hollering Sing Out Louise from the back of the theatre. She emphasizes Rose's single-minded drive and ambition. Etienne is given top-notch support. Jeremy Lapalme as the hapless agent Herbie develops terrific chemistry with not only Etienne, but also all the others in the company. As Louise, who later becomes RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER CLASSIC CONFRONTATION: Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee (Kendra Braun), chats on the telephone oblivious to the glare from her mother, Rose (Kate Etienne) in Theatre Sheridan's production of Gypsy. Gypsy Rose Lee, Kayla James and Kendra Braun alternate in the role navigating the difficult transition from shy insecure tomboy to confident star with great subtlety. The final confrontation with Rose is a powerfully played scene. It is also crucial to the show's resolution as the balance of power shifts from mother to daughter. Katie Edwards as Dainty June sings and dances well enough without displaying the "polish" that one would expect from a true star. That's the point: June is not a true star, at least not yet. The ensemble members likewise played Stephen Findlay's (purposely) awful vaudeville routines with the appropriate number of miss-steps and gaffes. This production co-directed by Marie Baron and Terry Tweed is perfectly paced and allows each performer a chance to shine. In the role of Tulsa, Colin Lepage displays style and flair to his solo number in Act One. Midway through the musical's second act, Caitlin Goguen, Alicia Toner and Romina Cortina play three cynical strippers who milk every laugh from their routine You Gotta Get a Gimmick, earning a well-deserved ovation. The biggest ovation happens at the very end with Rose's Turn where once again Kate Etienne displays her star power. To quote one of the songs, You'll have a real good time! Gypsy continues performances at Theatre Sheridan, 1430 Trafalgar Rd., until Saturday, Feb. 23. Performances are nightly at 8 pm, with a 2 p.m. performance on Saturday. For tickets call the box office at 905- 815-4049.