Melinda Gilb

I’m asking veteran local actors to name five dream roles and say why. The answers not only reveal aspirations, they may put an idea in the minds of artistic directors and producers — even choices that may seem outside the box.

Craig Noel Award-winner Melinda Gilb

Melinda Gilb as Mrs. Lovet in "Sweeney Todd" at Starlight Theatre. Craig Noel Award for best lead actress in a musical.

“After 34 years of being a professional actor, I’ve had the privilege of playing so many wonderful roles that were on my Young Melinda’s bucket list. Here are a few from my Old Melinda’s bucket list. If I could play them, I’d retire!”

1.) Mama Rose, Gypsy, music, Jule Styne, lyrics, Stephen Sondheim, book Arthur Laurents. “I guess I’ll start with the obvious. I played Mama Rose when I was 21 at Grossmont College. Now that I’m old enough, I’d love a do-over with a big fat orchestra. Gypsy is one of the best musicals ever written…Ever! The score is in my DNA.”

2.) Joe Sears’ eight characters in Greater Tuna, by Sears, Jaston Williams, and Ed Howard. Life in Texas’ third smallest town receives an affectionate and blazingly satirical look. “Playing the Joe Sears track: Bertha Bumiller, Pearl Burras, R.R. Snavely, and the others would give me great joy. I covet playing multiple roles!”

Melinda Gilb as Dora Bailey in the original Broadway production of "Singin' in the Rain."

3.) Bessie, Marvin’s Room, by Scott McPherson. Bessie is the saintly caretaker of her father and is diagnosed with leukemia. Her unstable sister, Lee, doesn’t help at all. “Most people would probably consider me more for the role of Lee, I guess because directors see me as brassy, sassy, and hard. But I’m really quite shy. Bessie would be a satisfying challenge showing a soft, tender side that I don’t often show because of type casting. Taking the role of caretaker in my own family, I can relate all too well with the daily stresses and joys of caring for a parent. I am fortunate to have an incredibly loving sister, so I guess the challenge would be in the rigid relationship between Lee and Bessie.”

4.) The Leader, Zorba, lyrics by Fred Ebb, music by John Kander, book by Joseph Stein, based on the novel, Zorba the Greek, by Nikos Kazantzakis. “Zorba’s my favorite Kander and Ebb score. The Leader acts as a story teller, narrator, and muse at times, weaving throughout the show. Debbie Shapiro played it on Broadway when I saw it and her voice was flawless and inspiring. A huge vocal challenge but I’ve always wanted to play that role. Unfortunately the show is rarely done.”

5.) “I don’t know if this counts, but I would stop at nothing to be in (at my current age) “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” from Annie, street-wise urchins voicing their situation with such chutzpah, or “The Telephone Hour” from Bye Bye Birdie. It makes me laugh every time I see it. So silly, so fun, so hilarious and innocent. Can I retire now?”