Playhouse Merced will present the classic musical “Gypsy,” the story of the ultimate stage mother and the childhood of Gypsy Rose Lee, who would become an icon of burlesque. 

The story follows Mama Rose and her two children, June and Louise, as they travel the country performing in Vaudeville theaters in the 1920s. Driven to succeed at any cost, Mama Rose is unrelenting in her desire to see her daughters become stars of the Vaudeville stage no matter the consequences.

With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, “Gypsy” has become a musical theatre classic since its release.  Featuring songs like “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “You’ll Never Get Away From Me,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Gypsy” is both humorous and gripping in its portrayal of life behind the scenes of the Vaudeville circuit during the early 20th century.  

“Gypsy” opens tonight and runs through Feb. 26.  Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $22 general admission, and $10 for students.  For tickets and information, contact the Playhouse Merced Box Office at 725-8587 or go to playhousemerced.com.  “Gypsy” is rated for teens and above due to some mild language and suggestive content.