AUBURN — “Gypsy” opens Friday, March 31, on the Community Little Theatre stage and director Paul Caron promises a powerful production of this iconic musical.

“The focus will be on the actors and the dynamics between the characters. Various layers will come through in this production,” Caron said.

In this show, Mama Rose will show some of the reasons she became an obsessive stage mother.

“I have been seeing all that come through in the rehearsals,” Caron added.

The central role of Mama Rose will be played by Jennine Cannizzo of Portland. She appeared as another “Mama” in CLT’s recent presentation of “Chicago,” in which she played the tough country jail matron, “Mama” Morton.

Caron said he does not intend this version of “Gypsy” to be as brassy as the original 1959 Broadway show in which Ethel Merman starred. He emphasized that Cannizzo’s commanding voice is just right for the famous stage mother of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

He said it’s not the “brassy” model for which Merman is known, but Cannizzo puts her own signature on the role. He pointed out that Mama Rose has been identified ever since the original production for just three words she would shout from the wings … “Sing out, Louise.”

Joanna Clarke, also of Portland, plays Louise, who goes from being a wallflower to the best-known strip tease performer in history.

Mackenzie Richard of Lewiston plays June, the “more talented” sister of Louise who always got the highest praise from her mother. Younger versions of both Louise and June are portrayed by Maria Groover and Zoe Dinnerstein, respectively.

The audience will want to watch the younger cast members as they portray the characters we see later as adults, Caron said. They will display mannerisms of voice and movement that will be easy to spot in the older actors, he said.

CLT veteran Michael Litchfield plays Rose’s boyfriend, Herbie. That’s the role played by Karl Mauldin in the 1962 film in which Rosalind Russell starred as Rose.

Noted theater critic Clive Barnes wrote that ” ‘Gypsy’ is among the best of all musicals.” He described the character of Rose as “one of the few truly complex characters in the American musical.”

Caron also said he feels “Gypsy” has one of the best overtures of any Broadway musical.

“It really grabs the audience,” said.

Although Caron has been music director for many CLT musicals over many years, this time his niece, Rebecca Caron, fills that position and conducts the orchestra, which is located on-stage.

Among the many well-known songs in “Gypsy” are “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Small World,” “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “All I Need Is the Girl,” and “Rose’s Turn.”

CLT’s “Gypsy” is done with a minimal set, Caron said.

The play’s music is by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. There have been thousands of productions of “Gypsy” around the world, and it continues to be among the most-produced musicals in history.

The first weekend’s performances of “Gypsy” are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 31-April 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2. The following weekend’s shows are at 7:30 p.m.Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 6-8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Web site at www.laclt.com or call the box office at 783-0958.

The Great Falls Performing Arts Center is at 30 Academy St., Auburn.

Joanna Clarke of Portland plays Louise, who goes from being a wallflower to the best-known strip tease performer in history in CLT’s up coming production of “Gypsy.”