Bedford Community Theater to present "Gypsy" this Fall

The Bedford Community Theater has selected Gypsy as its ninth annual production. The show doesn't go up until November, but the company is already gearing up for auditions on September 7 and 9 at the Bedford Community House. 

Gypsy was chosen because it is multigenerational, said the show's director Carin Zakes. It offers a range of roles for people from ages 8-and-up, from different backgrounds and varying degrees of acting experience, she said. Its classic music, and the fact that it hasn't run in Westchester in quite some time also helped them decide to produce it locally, said co-producer Diane Bradsell.

Zakes and co-producer Diane Bradsell hope to cast 40 people from the community. 

"As long as I've lived in Bedford, this is the most community-oriented thing I have experienced," Bradsell said. "It's nice to see people come together." 

Bradsell is a Bedford native, a graduate of Fox Lane High School and now a mother of four daughters who all participate in the Bedford Community Theater in one way or another. She has been with the theater all nine seasons. Zakes is from Port Chester and has been part of the theater for the past four years. 

"I have been adopted by this community, which is really nice," she said. 

Gypsy will be Zakes fourth show with the Bedford Community Theater. And while she directs plays and musicals all over Westchester and Fairfield counties, working in Bedford is her absolute favorite. 

"There's a really great sense of community, and there's a lot of production support," she said. 

The Bedford community, Zakes said, is particularly involved in the theater. She and Bradsell estimate that each for production they put on, around 100 people come out to contribute in some way- from painting sets or working the concession stand to playing the lead role. 

For Gypsy, Bradsell notes that there are a number of challenging and exciting roles, including the ensemble with their frequent costume changes. But for everyone involved, on stage or off, the experience proves to be enjoyable and memorable. 

"You meet a lot of people, it is really fun," Zakes said.

Community members who aren't in the play come out in droves to sit in the audience. Bedford Community Theater plays typically sell out their 140-seat shows, and in fact had to add an additional ninth show a few years ago as the play was in such high demand. 

"We used to do eight, but with Fiddler on the Roof we were so sold out we added an extra show," Bradsell said. "So now we do nine." 

For those who plan on auditioning, whether they be seasoned thespians or first-timers, Zakes and Bradsell are determined to make the experience as comfortable and exciting as possible. 

"Some people come that have never auditioned," Zakes said. "You want them to feel important, that this is their moment to get up there and show you something."

Zakes has been so successful in making those who audition feel comfortable that those who aren't casted tend to come back to volunteer. She wishes they could cast everyone in the show, but acknowledges that audition turn outs are often above and beyond the number of roles. 

"I say 'take them all,' but there's not room for 80 people on that stage," she said. "But you want to, you really want to." 

Both Zakes and Bradsell recommend that those expecting to audition prepare a song to sing and to remember to bring sheet music for the pianist. They also have a slew of other suggestions which they provide on their website. 

Rehearsals are typically three times a week, ranging from two to three hours each session. But not everyone is called to each rehearsal, and both Zakes and Bradsell are accommodating of adult schedules. 

"Community theater is like that," Zakes said. "People have lives and jobs and families, but they want to do this because it's really fun. And somehow, it all works out."