Reviewed by Kellie Houx, editor of KC Studio

Forget about Ethel Merman, Rosalind Russell, Bette Midler, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters or Patti Lupone. These ladies might have played Mama Rose Hovick in Jule Styne/Stephen Sondheim/Arthur Laurents Broadway musical “Gypsy” — either in film, on stage or television. Kansas City’s own musical comedy queen Deb Bluford is here to blow the past away.

In Musical Theater Heritage’s production of “Gypsy,” Bluford picks up the iconic role and runs with it, like a champion marathon runner. She’s got the vocal chops and the overall endurance to carry this 21-person cast for about two hours. It’s a rigorous role and Bluford shines. The musical runs through May 29 at the Off Center Theatre in Crown Center.

“Gypsy” is based on the life and times of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee. While the memoirs belong to Lee, the musical belongs to her mother Rose. A young mother and her two daughters travel the vaudeville circuit around the United States in the early 1920s, seeking stardom. The two young actresses who play Louise and June as children are promising. Maycee Steele plays June with the overzealousness of many child actors while Aryn Christian plays the demure Louise with the reserve necessary.

As the children grow up, the roles are taken on by Vanessa Severo (Louise) and Molly Denninghoff (Dainty June). Denninghoff had the right amount of zest to be June. She and Severo understand their roles and their voices really blend beautifully in the song, “If Momma Was Married.” I enjoyed that song.

Dainty June elopes with one of the backup singers, Tulsa, played by the charming and cute Sam Cordes. Before the elopement, Cordes sings a sweet tune called “All I Need is a Girl.” It’s a delightful tune. When the news of the fleeing young couple reaches Rose, Momma Rose turns to Louise and plans to make her a star, proclaiming that “Everything's Coming up Roses.” It is the most perfect song to end the first act. And once again, the audience relished each song by Bluford.

OK, I can’t forget the yin to Rose’s yang, Herbie, played by Kip Niven. This actor is steadily becoming my father’s favorite. We have had the chance to see him in Musical Theater Heritage’s production of “Big River” as Pap a couple of years ago. He took a turn on the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s stage in “Into the Woods.” There is something so affable and genuinely charming about Niven. Even playing a rogue like Pap, you find yourself drawn to him. With Herbie in “Gypsy,” it’s even easier because you find his undying support of Rose and his girls so charming. He’s an agent with a heart.

With the second act dominated by Momma Rose’s efforts to create a star out of Louise, Severo channels that uncomfortable nature of a reticent young adult who simply wants to live a normal family life with her mother and Herbie, who desperately wants to marry Rose. Severo’s expressions are priceless. I love watching her expressions of abject misery.

A surprising comedic number, “You Gotta Have a Gimmick,” made me laugh. I enjoyed Allison Moody as Richard Henry Lee in MTH’s “1776.” However, her turn as the trumpet-playing stripper Mazeppa, I couldn’t help but smile. David Ollington again added that humor with his turn as Electra, a stripper with lots of lights. My favorite striptease artist is Tessie Tura, played by the lovely Kenzie West. This is her MTH debut and she just has that appealing and delightful voice. She’s going to be one to watch. Of course, in this burlesque house, Louise finds her voice and her “talent” as a striptease artist. The opening lines of “Let Me Entertain You” are meek, but as she finds her strength, it becomes apparent that Louise enjoys the spotlight.

Once again, Bluford shines in “Rose’s Turn.” It’s an ending that keeps Bluford at the forefront of the show. It’s a satisfying ending for an audience. Don’t miss what Executive Director George Harter, Director/Music Director Sarah Crawford and Producer Chad Gerlt have put together.