PhotosPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Backstage at the Historic Fulton Theatre's GypsyRandall Frizado, a familiar presence on the Pennsylvania stage, is currently playing Uncle Jocko (among others) in Fulton Theatre Company's production of Gypsy, starring Denise Whelan. He shares a busy two-show day with Playbill.com, showing off the life of an actor and family man in Lancaster, PA, and introducing the people who make Gypsy happen.
By
Matthew Blank
September 27, 2012
"I love the arts community in Lancaster, PA. They are so passionate and excited for each season that the Fulton presents," says Frizado. "I feel so lucky to call the Fulton Opera House my home theater. I get to work with world class artists, in a historic and beautiful jewel box theater, and live in a community that believes that the community thrives on the art that it makes."
0
of
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Backstage at the Historic Fulton Theatre's Gypsy
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: Backstage at the Historic Fulton Theatre's Gypsy
Fulton Theatre Company veteran Randall Frizado is currently playing Uncle Jocko (among others) in the company's production of Gypsy, starring Denise Whelan. He shares a busy two-show day with Playbill.com, showing off the life of an actor and family man in Lancaster, PA, and introducing the people who make Gypsy happen. Read the Playbill.com story.
66 PHOTOS
My day begins a little earlier than most. But it’s time to get the teenager up for school. The babies will be up soon. Need to catch up on SportsCenter before they take over the TV with "Barney" and "Lazy Town" reruns.
Randall Frizado
The teenager reluctantly heads off to school. One down, three to go.
Randall Frizado
Three babies, three cups full of juice. Ready for them to wake up, so we can play, until they have to get ready for school! They just started pre-school, and love every minute of it!
Randall Frizado
Checking on my Yankees before the kids wake up. It’s a tight race this year.
With Triplets in pre school, this is a very important part of my breakfast. Emergenc-y. It doesn’t taste great, but it works.
Randall Frizado
Off to school!
Randall Frizado
Life does not suck when this is your view on the drive to preschool. Lancaster is absolutely beautiful in the fall!
Randall Frizado
I love this view. In a matter of minutes, here in Lancaster County, you can be experiencing a vibrant city life, and 10 miles in any direction, can be enjoying breathtaking views like this.
Randall Frizado
The Lancaster YMCA. I love this place. Have to get a workout in while the kids are at school. Two show days can take it out of you.
Randall Frizado
Here we are! My home away from home! The Fulton Opera House. She’s the Grand Old Lady Of Prince Street!
Randall Frizado
My work day begins! Can’t wait! I love this cast and this show!
Randall Frizado
First stop, sign in sheet! Also, checking the call board for any important details.
Randall Frizado
Hi!
Randall Frizado
Let the magic begin. I play 5 roles in the show. Three are seen on stage, one in the house, and the fifth is a voice over. Here’s the before….
Randall Frizado
…and here’s the after! Uncle Jocko is ready to yell at some mothers!
Randall Frizado
Don’t be jealous!
Randall Frizado
I share a dressing room with this bunch of nerds. At least it’s never dull.
Randall Frizado
It’s Super Gus! He’s our Chowzie…. and he’s brilliant.
Randall Frizado
Our brilliant Louise, Kim Carson.
Randall Frizado
We have 10 kids on stage at the top of the show. These are the stage left kids….
Randall Frizado
…these are the stage right kids….
Randall Frizado
…and these are their ACTUAL MOTHERS, on stage with them!
Randall Frizado
…the rest of the mothers!
Randall Frizado
Dainty June’s newsboys are ready to go!
Randall Frizado
Anyone got an eggroll?? A very serious Mr. Goldstone.
Randall Frizado
It’s Dainty June’s farm boys all grown up. (l to r Andrew Kreup, Matt Raftery, Chaz Wolcott, and Michael Phillips)
Randall Frizado
The brilliant Charis Leos as Miss Cractchitt.
Randall Frizado
The character man’s arsenal. This show is all about moustaches and glasses. A hipster's paradise.
Randall Frizado
The great Billy V (Bill Van Horn) catching up on the days news, in between characters. He plays Pop in the first act…
Randall Frizado
…and Cigar in the second.
Randall Frizado
The green room sits where the Old Jail used to be, here in Lancaster. This building is full of history.
Randall Frizado
Caroline is taking a much needed break.
Randall Frizado
Lara Hayhurst has one of the best personalities in the business, and she’s always there to brighten your day….
Randall Frizado
…most of the time. Usually we just give her snacks, and she calms down.
Randall Frizado
Our lighting designer Nick Cyr
Randall Frizado
A very sweaty, yet radiant, Tulsa, Matt Raftery after his big first act number.
Randall Frizado
Our Musical Director, Aaron McCallister, and his new bride, who plays Agnes in the show, Cary McCallister.
Randall Frizado
One of the best management teams in the business…Tim Markus, Bekah Lashof, and Intern Rebekah Church
Randall Frizado
Some of the Toreadorables have some free time on their hands…especially Theresa Walker. (with our brilliant choreographer Samantha Hewes)
Randall Frizado
LLGW (Ladies Love Greg Wood)
Randall Frizado
Aren’t they precious folks? They’ll be here all week.
Randall Frizado
Juuuuussssst precious…
Randall Frizado
Caroline is ready for Act 2!
Randall Frizado
Character number 5! Pastey has very little patience…especially with strippers.
Randall Frizado
This is Beatnik Betty. She does nightly readings from her high school diary. Her real, honest to goodness, high school diary. Hilarity always ensues.
Randall Frizado
Here they are world! They nearly steal the show nightly! Electra (Charis Leos) Tessie (Iris Lieberman) and Mazeppa (Mary Martello)
Randall Frizado
The great Denise Whelan taking a well deserved bow!
Randall Frizado
This is the last thing the audience sees as the curtain falls.
Randall Frizado
Baby Louise and the Junes: Baby and…and…not a baby.
Randall Frizado
The Junes being photo bombed by our genius director, Marc Robin
Randall Frizado
Our talented director Marc Robin, pauses for a photo with Lara Hayhurst before resuming his Artistic Director duties here at the Fulton.
Randall Frizado
Time for a walk, between shows, around downtown to enjoy the beautiful fall weather here in Lancaster, PA.
Randall Frizado
Wishing the Central Market was open daily, but alas, only three days a week. You have to come to Lancaster and check it out. It’s an amazing place!
Randall Frizado
Our very brave child wrangler, Sarah Mellinger. She’s a trooper!
Randall Frizado
Gus and Tim are getting warmed up for show number two. Gus has a very serious series of warm ups. Mostly barking, and getting treats.
Randall Frizado
The breathtaking view from the stage. The Fulton is one of the oldest continuously operating live theaters in the country. It’s gone through a series of different uses, but has retained all of its beauty and charm.
Randall Frizado
Our Mama Rose, the uber talented Denise Whelan, getting ready for show number two….
Randall Frizado
….and she’s ready to go! “Sing Out, Louise!”
Randall Frizado
Our amazing choreographer Samantha Hewes balancing her duties as choreographer and official frozen yogurt professional. It’s a delicate balancing act!
Randall Frizado
Our Baby June, and her understudy. I’ll let you figure out which is which.
Randall Frizado
Another two show day in the books. The Fulton lights up downtown Lancaster at night. It’s a beautiful sight.
Randall Frizado
Once quick stop on the way home….
Randall Frizado
…for 32 ounces of delicious goodness.
Randall Frizado
A little 30 Rock to wind down the day….
Randall Frizado
…and then it’s off to bed. If you're in the area, come out and see us in Gypsy. We run til the 30th!
Frizado has worked consistently at the Fulton Opera House for the last eight years, and is a resident of Lancaster, PA. He is the father of 3 and 1/2 year-old triplets, and a fifteen year old teenager, and is married to Renee Frizado. He will next be seen as Jacey Squires in Walnut Street's holiday production of The Music Man.
* Directed by Marc Robin and choreographed by Samantha Hewes, performances at the Lancaster, PA, venue will continue through Sept. 30.
"I am so thrilled to be opening this 160th anniversary season with Gypsy," said director Robin in a previous statement, "because it's one of the greatest musicals ever written, truly meant to be shared from generation to generation. And being a show about vaudeville, I've long wanted to see it come to life again on our stage, which was the Queen of the vaudeville houses back in the day. And I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Denise Whelan back to the Fulton in this iconic part."
The cast also features Kim Carson as Louise (and Lyndsey Nedrow as Baby Louise), Lara Hayhurst as June (and Kaitlyn Mueller as Baby June), Charis Leo as Elektra, Iris Lieberman as Tessie, Mary Martello as Mazzeppa, Randall Frizado as Jocko and Mr. Goldstone, Matt Raftery as Tulsa, Cary Ann Miller as Agnes, Michael Phillips as Angie, Bill Van Horn as Pop and Cigar and Chaz Wolcott as Yonkers. Rounding out the ensemble are Kate Cherichello, Sam Hewes, Andrew Kruep and Theresa Walker.
The creative team also includes musical director Aaron McAllister, set designer Tom Ryan, costume designer Beth Dunkelberger, lighting designer Nick Cyr, sound designer Jacob Mishler, props designer Katelin Walsko and stage manager Tim Markus.
Gypsy is loosely based on the memoirs of vaudeville and burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents. Song titles include "Everything's Coming up Roses," "Some People," "Let Me Entertain You" and "Rose's Turn."
Single tickets and subscription packages are available through the Fulton Box Office at (717) 397-7425 or online at thefulton.org. Fulton Theatre is located at 12 N. Prince St. in Lancaster, PA.
