May 30, 31, June 5, 6, 12, 13, 1971
The Student Gypsy, book, music, and lyrics by Rick Besoyan, is a musical farce set in the mythical Bavarian kingdom of Singspielio in the mid-19th century. The prince and princess of opposing countries, which have just declared peace after 22 years of war, meet in a Gypsy camp and romantic entanglements evolve.
The Student Gypsy includes a number of soldiers. The young men in these roles had a hard time achieving proper military bearing. Director Earl Kelly got the help of costumer Barbara McCoy. Her solution was to scold the young men for wrinkling the costumes, then she smoothed the wrinkles with an iron as they were still being worn. Fear of wrinkles, which would bring out the hated iron, achieved the military bearing needed.
If you go to the Forest Theatre on any rehearsal weekend, you'll hear an interesting mix of sounds. A 1971 article in the Bremerton Sun described it thus:
"The ring of ax and shovel mingles with snatches of dialogue and song as construction crews repair a winter's damage to the seats that are carved in the hillside. Others `bark' logs for railings and trail-side benches.
"An air of lightheartedness and spirit of fun pervades.
"As director Earl Kelly calls out `Act II, Scene 4—ready for the wedding scene!' he also improvises, in clarion tones, the wedding march. When a group of Gypsy maidens must be shown how to enter gaily on stage, he is in the lead, to everyone's delight, showing them how to walk."
