October 19, 2010 > A family affair A family affair By Floyd Wayne Photos By Floyd Wayne Chanticleers Theatre, Castro Valley's oldest community theatre, recently held auditions for their upcoming extravaganza musical "Gypsy." The team of Al Fink, Michael Keating, and Lori Beth Eisenstadt (director, musical director and choreographer) of last seasons "Fiddler On The Roof," are back to mount another big show. In fact, Director Fink has cast over 25 actors to grace the intimate stage and work behind the scenes at Chanticleers, including multiple members of eight different families from local communities. The Kisch Gallaghers (Oakland), the Bontadellis (Fremont), the Finks and the Webers (Dublin), the Keatings (San Lorenzo), and the Bridgemans, the Jones and the Cowans (Castro Valley) are all in the show. In addition, one of the area's finest actors and long-time Chanticleers favorite, Charlotte Jacobs, stars as Mama Rose. Stuart Fink plays Herbie, Kathleen Keating portrays Louise-turned-Gypsy, Leah Keating is June, and Zaiah Jones dances up a storm as Tulsa. Dori Robinson (Tessie Tura), Mandy Brown (Mazeppa), and Barbara Gerber Jones (Electra) play the good-at-heart strippers. "Gypsy" (written by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) is based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, and focuses on her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with "the ultimate show business mother." Memorable musical numbers include "Small World," "Everything's Coming up Roses," "You'll Never Get Away from Me," and "Let Me Entertain You." "Gypsy" opens on Friday night, October 22 at 8 p.m. Theatregoers attending the show on Friday, October 22, will be treated to Chanticleers' Opening Night Gala after the show, which includes complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Doors open a half hour prior to performances. Ticket prices are $24 general, $20 students and seniors (55 plus), and a bargain night pricing of $18 for all seats on Friday, October 29. For reservations call (510) 733-5483. "Gypsy" October 22-November 21 (no show on October 31) Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Chanticleers Theatre 3683 Quail Avenue, Castro Valley (510) 733-5483 www.chanticleers.org $24 general $20 students and seniors