Saratoga Drama Group continues its season with Gypsy, which opens Jan. 31 in Saratoga. Gypsy features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, with a book by Arthur Laurents (West Side Story).

Lee made her name as a striptease dancer, but she really laid herself bare when she wrote her autobiography about growing up at the mercy of a showbiz-obssessed mom.

The character of Mama Rose in Gypsy, based on Lee's own unflaggingly ambitious mom, may go down in history as the ultimate stage mother from hell, in a sense taking over her daughter's story. As Gypsy suggests, Mama wouldn't have it any other way.

Gypsy follows Lee's upbringing as Mama Rose micro-manages the stage career of her younger daughter June.

In real life, following her vaudeville career, Lee went on to write several books (in addition to her autobiography), a couple of which were made into films. She also had a modest film and TV career, making a handful of films and briefly hosting a television variety show.

The original musical, which was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, opened on Broadway in 1959 with Ethel Merman as Mama Rose (in fact, the musical features what has become one of Merman's signature songs, "Everything's Coming Up Roses"). Gypsy is currently playing on Broadway in its third revival production since the musical's debut.

Saratoga Drama Group's production includes Ruth E. Mullins as Mama Rose, Halsey Varady as Louise and Sarah Newswanger as June. Gypsy is directed by Leslie Hardy Tamel and choreographed by Kayvon Kordestani.

Saratoga Drama Group presents "Gypsy" Jan. 31­Feb. 21 at the Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga. Tickets are $18­$20 (Jan. 31 opening night $22; Feb. 12 $16). For more information, call 408.882.5099 or see www.saratogadramagroup.com.