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Jodi Benson Stars in OFC Creations’ Gypsy
Jodi Benson, renowned for her iconic voice role as Ariel in Disney’s animated classic The Little Mermaid, is currently shining in OFC Creations’ production of Gypsy, which kicked off on January 30 and will run for three weeks in Rochester, New York. This production marks an exciting addition to the Broadway in Brighton series.
Benson, who earned a Tony nomination for her performance in the Gershwin musical Crazy for You, takes on the role of the domineering stage mother, Rose. In a unique twist, she shares the stage with her real-life daughter, Delaney Benson, who portrays Louise.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Benson expressed, “Delaney and I are the first mother-daughter duo in real life to ever play these roles. She’s the best scene partner that I’ve ever had in my life.” This familial dynamic adds a special layer of authenticity to their performances.
Tripp Hanson, cast as Herbie, brings his own Broadway experience to the stage, having been featured in productions such as Kiss Me, Kate!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Boys from Syracuse, and The Drowsy Chaperone. Notably, he also shared the Broadway stage with Benson in Crazy for You over three decades ago, creating a nostalgic connection in this current production.
The direction of OFC’s Gypsy is in the hands of Eric Vaughn Johnson, with musical direction provided by Hunter Ekberg and choreography crafted by Caeli Carroll. This production is part of OFC’s ongoing effort to invite talent from around the country to engage with the audience at the newly established regional theater.
Gypsy: A Musical Fable is based on the book by Arthur Laurents, featuring music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, drawing inspiration from the memoirs of renowned stripteaser Gypsy Rose Lee. The original iteration of this musical was produced by David Merrick and Leland Hayward, with direction and choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins.
The run of Gypsy: A Musical Fable starring Jodi Benson is set to continue until February 16, 2025, at the OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester, NY.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com