E. Faye Butler Makes Her Porchlight Debut
In keeping with Porchlight Music Theatre's ambition to deliver 'American musicals, Chicago style', the renowned company presents Styne/Sondheim/Laurents musical theatre classic Gypsy, with the Windy City's very own E. Faye Butler in the role of ultimate showbiz mother Mama Rose. Universally praised for her commanding interpretations of the American Songbook, the well known local diva is the perfect leading lady for the role, what with her smoky jazz stylings and magnetic on stage charisma.
Gypsy first debuted to much critical fuss in 1959 thanks to its riveting story and a score laden with show-stopping tunes. The Broadway tuner is based on the trials and tribulations of famed striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, told through the tale of her overbearing mother, who'll stop at nothing to get her daughter June on the Broadway stage, by means of vaudeville. When June marries and rebels, Mama Rose pins her aspirations on her less talented eldest daughter Louise, but when she finds fame in the cabaret scene her mother's own dream of stardom alienates those she loves the most.