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     July 4 was the opening night for The Oswego Players’ take on the classic musical “Gypsy.” 

     Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the story of “Gypsy” is about a mother struggling to get her daughters famous on the Vaudeville circuit. A great song and dance show, The Oswego Player’s version of “Gypsy” was wholly unique. 

     Starring Cathleen O’Brien Brown as Mama Rose, she gave a powerhouse performance as the iconic character. At times an overpowering stage mother and others a vulnerable woman in love, O’Brien Brown showed all aspects of the characters expertly. Belting out famous songs like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn” with her amazing voice, she gave an incredible performance. 

     Co-starring with O’Brien Brown was Scott Bandla as Herbie and Kate Crawford as Louise. Bandla gave a performance that was equal parts funny and heartbreaking, getting quite a few laughs in the role of the girl’s manager and Rose’s love interest. 

     Crawford was sweet as a younger Louise, singing the lullaby-like song “Little Lamb.” She then transformed effortlessly from awkward Louise into the confident Gypsy Rose Lee, a burlesque star. Crawford played both aspects of the character well in Louise’s effort to be noticed by her mother. 

     With the band on stage, it gave a real feeling of a behind-the-curtain look at show business. The show opened with Hayley Bandla and Brooklyn Saternow giving adorable performances as Baby June and Baby Louise. It was a great introduction to the characters that grew over the course of the show, including Mama Rose. 

     Other highlights were “All I Need is the Girl,” a great tap number performed by Crawford and Ryan Sparkes as Tulsa. It was a funny and charming number about Tulsa’s idea for a two person act. Also, the amusing number “Dainty June and Her Farmboys” performed by Olivia DeLorenzo as June, opposite two actors in a cow costume. 

     The real showstopper was “You’ve Gotta Get a Gimmick” performed by Bridget O’Donnell as Tessie Tura, Rita Worlock as Mazeppa and Tammy Lynn Wilkinson as Electra. The three women were hilarious in their parts and the song was a riot. 

     “Gypsy” was a lot of fun, with a new take on the classic show. The talented cast gave a great performance. The show was charming and funny with a few heartbreaks in between. The show will be performed again July 11 and July 12, with a matinee on July 13 at 2 p.m. at Francis Marion Brown Theater.