The Gallery Players Celebrate 50 in Brooklyn with GYPSY!

October 7, 2016 by Dominique M. Carson

devon-hatch-james-david-dirck-chris-gillette-pam-zazzarino-adam-fontana-richard-lisenby-and-sean-dearing-photo-by-bella-muccari

The Gallery Players perform Gypsy / photo by Bella Muccari / courtesy of The Gallery Players

The Gallery Players, an elite theatrical institution in Brooklyn, celebrated their 50th season by presenting the legendary musical, Gypsy . Brooklyn natives were given an opportunity to see previews in September, with performances that conclude on October 9th, 2016.

Because of its’ iconic status, theater lovers were eager to see this musical , which depicts an overbearing stage mother who is trying to live out her dreams in the arts through her two daughters.

Rose, the mother of Lady June and Louise, also known as “Gypsy Rose Lee” , explained to her children the “hair-raising” realities of show business at a young age. They learned about earning respect as an actress, making ends meets, compromising your values for a quick buck and separating business and personal relationships.

Elizaebeth Nestlerode as GYPSY / photo by Bella Muccari / courtesy of The Gallery Players

The musical also featured some of the most popular songs from the original play such as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”, “Together (Wherever We Go)”, “Some People”, “Let Me Entertain You” and the finale, “Rose’s Turn.”

Victoria Bundonis and Dave Konig/ photo by Bella Muccari / courtesy of The Gallery Players

Overall, the musical expressed several positive subliminal messages for day-to-day living such as self-confidence, overcoming rejection, knowing your worth and making peace with your past digressions.

Five decades later, The Gallery Players still showcase new talent and produce a wide-range of plays and musicals. They earned their reputation as “New York’s Kept Secret,” because of their ongoing mission to bring inexpensive and enjoyable theater to Brooklyn.

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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