Everything's Coming Up Roses for Gassoway

 Norwood's Teresa Gassoway is starring in Gypsy at Hofstra University

The musical Gypsy, featuring music by Jules Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, came to Hofstra's John Cranford Adams Playhouse, October 18-27, 2013. The book by Arthur Laurents tells the story of "the ultimate show business mother," set backstage on the vaudeville and burlesque circuits of the 1920s and 30s. Filled with an array of wonderful songs, such as "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Together, Wherever We Go," Gypsy is considered by many critics to be one of the greatest musicals of all time.

Gassoway, 20, played a showgirl in this production. She is a member of Hofstra's class of 2013, majoring in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and History.

Gypsy is considered one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Director and Professor of Drama James J. Kolb writes, "Although the musical is called Gypsy, it is actually focused principally on the mother, Rose, and her relationship with, and attempted domination of, her two daughters ... Deprived of a chance to have a career of her own Rose became a horrific stage mother who sought career, success, and wealth through the manipulation of her children."

Rose hits the vaudeville circuit with her daughters, Louise and June, three boys she kidnaps for their act and Herbie, the salesman who loves her and who hopes they will someday settle into a normal, stable life. Rose's story and dreams come to an end when Louise takes back control of her career and her life as the sensational stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.