From the moment Beth Baker bursts onto the stage as Mama Rose, we all knew it was going to be quite a night.

Orcas Center, with the help of more than 70 local actors, singers, and dancers, and countless other volunteers, has put on an incredible production of “Gypsy,” with sets, costumes, and performances worthy of any city stage.

The Broadway musical, based on the memoirs of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee (Louise), centers around Mama Rose, who is a “pioneer woman without the frontier.” Baker played Rose with equal parts moxie and tenderness. Yes, she is a relentless stage mother, but you like her every step of the way.

Her love interest, Herbie, portrayed by a superb Freddy Hinkle, was a formidable balance to Baker’s over-the-top Rose.

The many children and teens in the play performed intricate dance numbers and acted their hearts out. The time commitment of taking on a role in this kind of show is no small task. But their professionalism shined, and it demonstrated the value of encouraging youth to participate in the arts.

The “young” Louise and her sister June, played by Ariel Vergen, Grace Thompson, Paris Wilson, and Hailey Thompson, were outstanding, setting the stage for Grace McCune, playing an adult Louise, to make her entrance. McCune is as good an actress as she is a singer. Her comedic, loving portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee brought wonderful depth to the character.

The strippers – with their bright feathers, glittering sequins, and heaps of sass – stole the show. They strutted across the stage with aplomb, and performed a dance number that brought the house down.

Complementing the exceptional singing, acting, and dancing – choreographed by Susan Babcock – was a full band led by Joe Babcock and colorful, professional sets designed by Director Deborah Sparks and volunteer Chris Brems. The quality of this production was magnificent, a testament to the hours of hard work behind the scenes.

It was a phenomenal night of live theatre. And luckily for those who have not yet seen the play, there are four more performances: Thursday-Friday, April 29-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 1, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Thank you, Mama Rose, Gypsy Rose Lee, and a cast of dozens, for entertaining us. It was coming up roses, and daffodils, and …..