little lamb, little lamb

Presenting...Gypsy's second non-human cast member, who we affectionately dubbed "Herbie" after the character in the show who courts Mama Rose.

Born just a day ago, "Herbie" is on loan from owners Melinda and Duane Adair of Pittsburg. Sure, he's a baby goat, and Dainty Louise's scene calls for a lamb. But beggers can't be choosers when it comes to borrowing livestock for the stage. And Morgan Grotheer, who plays Louise, says the goat is so precious no one will notice it's not a lamb; we kinda think she's right. Louise will sing "Little Lamb, Little Lamb," to Herbie during Act 1.

To ensure no accidents happen, the show's backstage "goat wranglers" learned to put a newborn diaper on it — a first in their years in theatre, they say.

And if "Herbie" had been born a girl? 

"He would have been named 'Gypsy', of course," said stage manager Deanna Grotheer, Morgan's mom.

Come see this bundle of cuteness for yourself! “Gypsy" runs July 28-31; tickets are on sale now at www.memorialauditorium.org and at the box office at 503 N. Pine, 620-231-7827.