Meet More Gypsies: Michael and Oscar!

The GYPSY cast and crew has moved into the Saratoga Civic Theatre. It’s only two weeks until OPENING NIGHT on May 21, so order your tickets now!
https://southbaymt.com/shows/gypsy2016.html
Meanwhile, meet two more of the Gypsy clan in our continuing blog-erviews!

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Oscar: Chowsie

Why are you excited to be in Gypsy?
Oscar is overly excited to be in his first production ever!
What is the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
No animals are ever harmed in this show. Oscar enjoys his time on stage.
What attracted you to join an SBMT production?
Oscar is happy to be in a show next to his mom (Alex Cox) and many new friends!
Madam Rose’s favorite food is Chinese take-out. What’s YOURS?
Oscar’s favorite take out is Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Oscar was born about 3 years ago on the streets of San Jose, until the day he met his forever family with Alex Cox, who sings and dances as one of the “Hollywood Blondes” in Gypsy.

Michael Saenz: Georgie/Weber/Angie

I’m excited because this is my first SBMT show, though not my first Janie Scott show.  What I love about Janie as a director is that she has a way of challenging people to do the unexpected.  Are you primarily a singer who moves well? Great!  You’re going to dance now; she challenges you to stretch beyond your comfort zone.  I’m also excited to be in Gypsy because it’s such an iconic show with larger than life characters; I knew I had to be involved. Here’s a fun game for you to try while watching the show.  Try and guess which character I am when I’m on stage!
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
Hmm… the MOST important? I’d say that the most important thing is that we have a wonderful cast/crew/production staff that have put together something pretty spectacular. Also, don’t be so quick to dismiss Rose as a two dimensional character.  There are several moments that give us some insight as to what makes her tick.
What attracted you to join an SBMT production? Why do you perform in community theatre?
This is my first SBMT show!  What attracted me to this production at SBMT are some wonderful people on the production staff who I knew would put together a great show.  (Wait, did I mention this already? It’s true!) There are several seasoned performers as well (who’ve done SBMT shows) that have really made me feel welcomed.  That’s definitely an attraction — especially when you’re spending most of your evenings in rehearsals with these folks! #loveyoumeanit!  As for why I perform in community theatre, I enjoy telling a story.  Musical theatre isn’t that much different from dance.  Both tell a story in a compelling way — when you simply cannot say it with just words, you have to take it to the next level with song and/or dance.
To strip, or not to strip – that IS the question. Would YOU?
Sure, why not! The only question is… which stripper would be my muse? Miss Mazeppa? Tessie Tura? Electra? Or Magic Mike?

Michael is excited to be a part of Gypsy as his first production with SBMT. He has danced professionally with sjDANCEco and has enjoyed several featured solos/roles in José Limón’s masterworks. Recent/favorite theatre credits include: Mary Poppins (Neleus) and Guys and Dolls (Featured Dancer/Gypsy Robe recipient) with Cabrillo Stage; Chicago (Featured Dancer/Dance Captain), Addams Family (Ancestor/Dance Captain) and Miss Saigon (Dance Captain) with Palo Alto Players; and A Chorus Line (Paul) with Sunnyvale Community Players.