It’s time once again for … BLOG-ERVIEWS. Here’s your chance to meet some of our talented cast members for GYPSY. After you read these, we’re so sure you’ll want to see these dynamic actors in action that we’re adding the ticket link right here!
https://southbaymt.com/shows/gypsy2016.html
Show dates: Saturday, May 21 (opening night gala!) through Saturday, June 11
Venue: Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga
Got those tickets? Great! Without further ado, meet some Gypsies:
Molly Thornton, Mama Rose
Molly Thornton, “Mama Rose”
I get to play the role of a lifetime with a wonderful theatre company that always does first rate productions which are fun for the cast as well as the audience! This is definitely a bucket list role, and a thrilling challenge that I’m sure many actors dream of being able to tackle. I count myself as so fortunate to be able to do it here and now, with such an amazing staff, cast and company.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
The cast are all volunteers, doing it for the sheer joy and passion to perform….and we put it together in only 7 weeks of evenings and weekends. Most of us have other full time day jobs, or are students. We squeeze this into our busy lives in our “spare time.”
What attracted you to join an SBMT production? Why do you perform in community theatre?
I have been working with SBMT for over 15 years and can always rely on them to do high quality productions…both from the audience’s standpoint during the performance and from the actor’s standpoint during the process of getting the show on its feet. SBMT pulls in the best talent and staff, which make working with them a sheer pleasure.
I’ve been doing community theatre since I was 7. It is more a part of who I am than anything else. I love the diversity of people I get to work with and the great and lasting friendships formed in each show. That, and the joy of working toward a common goal and always meeting that one big deadline on time: Opening Night (being a Project Manager, meeting deliverable deadlines is part of my life). Theatre is something that you can be a part of for your entire life, tackling new and different roles in each phase of your life.
To strip, or not to strip – that IS the question. Would YOU?
At home or in public – and is there a pole involved?
Molly Thornton (Momma Rose) is thrilled and honored to try her hand at this iconic role. Memorable SBMT performances include Velma Von Tussle (Hairspray), Aldonza (Man of La Mancha), Matron Mama Morton (Chicago), and Babe Williams (The Pajama Game). Other favorite area roles include Pennywise in Urinetown (Sunnyvale Community Players); Mrs. Walker in The Who’s Tommy (City Lights); Kate in Kiss Me, Kate (West Valley Light Opera, ERMA Award); and Betty Blake in The Will Rogers Follies (Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Shellie Award). Love to my wonderful husband, James!
Elmer Min, “Yonkers”
Why are you excited to be in Gypsy?
I am exhilarated to be in this production because we have so many incredible talents – including children – and they will surely “entertain you” with their “versatile” skills. I’m excited to be on stage with the support of the wonderful staff and crew members as well.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
Everyone’s worked so hard on this show! Not only the cast members and the director but the vocal, musical, and technical director; dance captain; costume, stage, lighting, hair/makeup, sound designers; producers; house, stage, box office managers; and the child wrangler!
What attracted you to join an SBMT production? Why do you perform in community theatre?
As a new resident in the South Bay, I was looking for ways to contribute to the community and get in touch with performing again. SBMT was two birds with one stone! I also love making connections with excellent, talented people.
To strip, or not to strip – that IS the question. Would YOU?
Definitely YES… but don’t tell my girlfriend!!
[Uh oh – we think we just did!]
Elmer Min (Yonkers) is honored to be part of Gypsy with the wonderful company of SBMT! He has previously worked as a conceited Blues singer in Bye Bye Birdie (Conrad Birdie), a borderline snobby father in You Can’t Take it With You (Mr. Kirby), and a jolly Russian singer in Fiddler on the Roof (Sasha). He hopes to see you all again soon as a performer. He also wants to thank his family and his furry friend Tibbers!
Marc Gonzales, “Tulsa”
Marc Gonzales, “Tulsa”
Why are you excited to be in Gypsy?
I am excited about being in Gypsy because I have loved this show ever since I saw AMTSJ do it when I was in high school. I was dazzled by the performances, the costumes, the sets, and just about every aspect the show had to offer. I knew that, one day, I wanted to be a part of this show.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
I think the most important thing audiences should know is that this show is smartly written, and that these characters are based on real people. These are very real characters, and it’s an honor to be cast in a show where I get to depict one of them and aid in telling the story.
What attracted you to join an SBMT production? Why do you perform in community theatre?
I have always enjoyed SBMT as a theatre company, whether as an audience member or performer/choreographer. They embody what it means to be a community theatre while still holding up the highest standards of performance. The casts bond, the staff is supportive, making for an all-around fantastic time at rehearsals and shows.
I would TOTALLY strip! But the audience would need to be issued sunglasses so as not to be permanently blinded by my paleness.
Marc is thrilled to be back with SBMT! Previous SBMT credits: 42nd Street (Andy Lee), and choreographer of this season’s Forever Plaid. Other credits include: Kiss Me, Kate (Gremio) with BBBay; Grease (Kenickie) and Oklahoma! (Will Parker) with Playhouse Merced; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Frank Pontipee) and West Side Story (A-Rab) with Good Company Players; Once Upon A Mattress (Prince Dauntless) with Shoestring Theatre Company; The Wizard Of Oz (Scarecrow) with Bay Area EtC. Marc would like to thank his family and his friends for all their support.
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