James Caldwell High School's production of "Gypsy" wrapped up a four-show run over the weekend at the Grover Cleveland Middle School.

The Caldwells Patch was granted a behind-the-scenes look at the production and interviewed four of the actors as well as director Bill Kaufman.

Kaufman has directed plays at Caldwell High since 1991. Interviewed just one hour before Saturday night's show time, he was multi-tasking, yet calm and took time to answer the following questions.

Caldwells Patch: How is this year's production going so far?

Bill Kaufman: It's just great. The kids are enthusiastic. The whole cast it just the  best to work with.

CP: How do you end up choosing to do "Gypsy"?

BK: It's a great show, a classic with great music that suits our talent. There were opportunities for the orchestra to learn great stuff.

CP: What's your personal favorite play of all time? 

BK: "Guys and Dolls."

CP: What's your favorite play that you've done at Caldwell High? 

BK: (laughs) They are all my favorite.

Kaufman then introduced Olivia Polci. The Caldwell High junior played the part of "Rose."

Caldwells Patch: What do you like most about your role?

Olivia Polci:  This part demands a lot, vocally.

CP: Do you consider yourself more of a singer, dancer or both?

OP: I am mainly a singer!

CP: Who is your main influence, vocally?

OP: My grandpa.

CP: What are you plans for performance art beyond high school?

OP: I want to pursue it as a career.

Just then, Tyler McKechnie walked into the area. McKechnie, a senior, played the roles of "Tulsa" and "Cigar."

Caldwells Patch: Singer or dancer?

Tyler McKechnie: I know I am not a dancer!

CP: How have the shows been going so far?

TM: Remarkably well. I am so surprised that it has all come together.

CP: What's your favorite part of the show?

TM: When I sing "All I Need is the Girl." That's what makes the show for me.

CP: Who do you admire vocally?

TM: Elton John.

Rachel Larkey played "Louise." The senior also shared her thoughts.

Caldwells Patch: OK, perhaps you are more of a dancer?

Rachel Larkey: Dancing is not my strong point! I'm much more of a singer.

CP: How do you feel things are going?

RL: Shockingly well. This is a smaller space for us. (The Grover Cleveland auditorium is being used since the James Caldwell one is undergoing renovations.) I am glad that I got to be Louise.

CP: Are you going to study performance art in college?

RL: Yes, I am pursuing musical theatre.

CP: Is there someone you admire in that field?

RL: Sherie Rene Scott is one my idols. She has a beautiful voice and she's versatile—I value that.

Freshman Julie Eller played "June" and she also took a moment to share her thoughts. 

Caldwells Patch: What's your favorite part of the show?

Julie Eller: Singing "If Mom Was Married." It's a duet with Rachel.

CP: Do you have a main musical influence or someone you look up to?

JE: Kristen Chenowith—she's incredible! She does it all.

Benjamin Ragovin, a fourth-grader at Wilson School, played the newsboy and said he likes the well-known number "Wherever We Go" and added, "I am not in it, I just like it!"

With time running out before the curtain opened, the performers departed to put the final touches on their costumes.

Upstairs in the main lobby, there was a line out the door of proud parents, friends and folks on a night out.

The 600-seat auditorium filled up, and within moments, the orchestra and cast transported the audience to vaudeville, "Gypsy" style.