The musical
”
Gypsy
”
was taken from the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee by Arthur Laurents
and became a smash on Broadway with its music and lyrics by Jule
Styne and Stephen Sondheim. Ethel Merman starred in 1959 and
”
Gypsy
”
has been entertaining audiences ever since.
The musical “Gypsy” was taken from the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee by Arthur Laurents and became a smash on Broadway with its music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. Ethel Merman starred in 1959 and “Gypsy” has been entertaining audiences ever since.
The story is about an overbearing stage mother who stops at nothing to further her daughters’ careers, ending with the accidental entrance to burlesque of Louise, the supposed least-talented daughter who goes on to stardom to realize Rose’s dream.
The journey is hilarious and poignant. The music and lyrics are solid and standard. It is hard to get “Let Me Entertain You” out of your head. “If Momma Was Married”, “Small World” and “Little Lamb” set the perfect mood for the scenes they set up. “Everything is Coming Up Roses” and “Roses Turn” belong to Rose and bind an already tight presentation into an enjoyable offering.
Heather Orth is a formidable Rose. She hits her marks and belts the Styne-Sondheim songs with authority and clear delivery. This is one tough role; Rose is on stage for just about every scene and has more songs than any other character in the show. Orth’s timing and energy carry the role with a strong, well-trained voice.
Samantha Bruce as Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee sheds her dumpy awkward persona into the sleek, clever, grand Gypsy Rose Lee with believable results and a great set of pipes.
Mary Kalita as June and Patrick Ball as Tulsa bring freshness to their roles with enjoyable dancing and pleasant voices.
Walter M. Mayes handles the patient, loveable Herbie, with talented understatement.
Karen DeHart, Robyn Tribuzi and Lisa Cross are hilarious in the “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” number. It’s a scene stealer.
The cast is prime, with additional talented, well-trained and adorable kids. Claire Lentz as Baby June and Lindsay Ragsdale as Baby Louise carry the first act with solid performances and more than hold their own acting, singing and dancing with their adult counterparts.
Choreographer Robin Tribuzi brings the right feel for the fast-paced dance numbers.
Director Amanda Folena delivers a slick, tight, fast-moving production.
Michael Ramsaur’s sets and lighting, Thomas G. Marquez’s delightful costumes and Bill Carrico’s sound combine to create a first-rate performance. Rick Reynolds directs a fine full orchestra through a difficult score.
Broadway By The Bay’s “Gypsy” is great entertainment. An evening with this “Gypsy” will be well spent.
***
‘Gypsy’
Where: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway St., Redwood City
When: Through Oct. 9
Tickets: $22-$48
Details: (650) 579-5565 or www.broadwaybythebay.org. Discounts available for youths, seniors and groups.
