Gypsy a musical fable opens May 30 at The New Candlelight Theatre for a nine week run. With book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the story is based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist and focuses mainly on her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with "the ultimate show business mother." Gypsy originally opened in 1959 at the Imperial Theater with Ethel Merman in the starring role. Subsequent productions and revivals occurred throughout the years with Broadway megastars vying to play the part of "Rose." To date, stars like Betty Buckley, Bernadette Peters, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly and most recently, Patti Lupone have all played the role. In candlelight's production, Martina Vidmar assumes the role and leads the cast of 28.

Ms. Vidmar is no stranger to the show, having played Tessie Tura, Mazzeppa and Electra regionally, however this is her first time with the daunting task of "Rose." Ms. Vidmar's other credits include the long-running Shear Madness at The Kennedy Center, High Spirits at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City and Victor/Victoria at Papermill Playhouse, to name a few.

Opposite Ms. Vidmar, playing the role of "Herbie" is Candlelight favorite: Michael Iannucci. Audiences may remember Mr. Iannucci as "Horace Vandergelder" in the Christmas hit Hello, Dolly! Mr. Iannucci, a Broadway veteran, brings with him extensive national tour and regional credits and has appeared in the revival of Fiddler on the Roof and Off-Broadway in Enter Laughing.

The supporting cats includes: Rebecca Schall as Louise, Beth Wheeler as Dainty June, AJ Garcia as Tulsa, Amy Walton as Tessie Tura, Kati Lyles as Mazzeppa and Gerri Weagraff as Electra. The children's cast include: Daisy Zimmerman and Gina Santare splitting the role of Baby Louise and Lyndie Moe and Anastasia Korbal splitting the role of Baby June. Additional cast include: Don Cairns, George Quinn, Paul Goodman, Patrick O'Hara, Kaeman Saunders, Richard Gantt, Zack Chew, Conor Naughton, Matt Whalen, Mario White, Will Harrell, Jordi Wallen, Lauren Smith, Calley Steele and Erin Waldie.

The production team for Gypsy is lead by seasoned director Bob Kelly and Barrymore nominated choreographer, Jody Anderson Miller. Music direction is by Steve Weatherman, scenic and light design by resident production manager, Chris Alberts and production stage management by Jackie Goldwurm.

The New Candlelight Theatre is located in historic Ardentown, DE—five minutes from downtown Wilmington and 30 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia. Gypsy will open on May 30 and run through July 27. To purchase tickets please call the New Candlelight Theatre box office at: 302-475-2313. For more information on The New Candlelight Theatre please visit www.newcandlelighttheatre.com.