Monologue from "Gypsy", a good choice??

[Shelleybaby]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 11:51am

I'm applying to several summerschools for musical theatre. I have difficulties finding a monologue that fits me (im a 16 yr old afro girl).

I'm wondering if this monologue from "Gypsy" is a good or a bad choice! What do YOU think??

Louise "Gypsy Rose Lee" Hovick: "I said turn it off! Nobody laughs at me, because I laugh first. At me. Me from Seattle. Me with no education. Me with no talent, as you've kept reminding me my whole life! Well, Mama, look at me now. Look! Look where I live. Look at my friends. Look where I'm going. I'm not staying in burlesque, I'm moving. Maybe up maybe down. But wherever I'm going, I'm having the time of my life, because for the first time, it is my life! And I love it! I love every second of it! I am Gypsy Rose Lee! And I love her! And if you don't you can just clear out! Now!"

Is it possible for a colored girl to play Louise?


If you have any other monologue suggestions, please feel free to share :)

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 2:23pm

I probably would not do anything from Gypsy...unless you're performing the show.

Check out this play

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
By: Ntozake Shange

I had a friend in HS who pulled a lot of incredible material from this show. The characters are mostly young African American girls. Hope it helps!

[Shelleybaby]

Posted: 1/12/08 at 3:56pm

thanks a lot! :)

i did a search on amazon.com, and it looks very interesting. i'm going to order the script and the dvd. i hope that there's something in there i can use!

does anyone have any other suggestions for a monologue??

Amazon: "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf"

Updated On: 1/12/08 at 03:56 PM

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 1/15/08 at 12:39am

Never, ever do the Gypsy monologue. Everyone does it to death.

[RunningInTheDark]

Posted: 1/15/08 at 1:59pm

I would say, since you're 16 and it's just for a summer thing, that it would be okay.

But since you should NEVER do a gypsy monologue in the future, why start now? Most schools FORBID it, anyhow.

[actress_06]

Posted: 1/15/08 at 10:47pm

As far as the Gypsy monologue goes, i would suggest not using it. Not only because it is over done, but also because Gypsy Rose Lee is a historic character.