Okay I took some time to digest what I saw last night and wanted to post insightful thoughts, observations and moments that stood out.
Overall: The show is in a good place and definitely well worth seeing! There is a bit of fluidity to be worked out with the flow of the show which seems obvious if they have only run it about 6 or 7 times in totality. I mean this in terms of performers and tech. The show is not fully rhythmically in their bodies yet, I have no doubt it will get there in about another week or so. I don't think the sound design is terrible as has been stated here. The sound mixing is not great, and the SBO is definitely figuring out levels and cues if not learning the show. Mics went out a handful of times, and there was feedback in the car scene on top of the Orchestra and Audra and the kids belted full voice without mics. It was a wild moment, I thought they were gonna call hold, but it was fixed out of the transition. Previews while mercury is in retrograde is always so frustrating odd tech **** just happens sometimes.
In terms of set, I think you have to understand the director's style and realism. The sets look exactly like what they would look like, it reminds me of the sets from Shuffle Along, its just pure realism of the time period. It's not reinvented or conceptualized in any way, it's just authentic to the period. Both set and costumes generally. Some of the costumes just look newly made which pops odd thinking of the Farm Boys overalls. They look brand new and everything else is at least slightly worn. I'm sure it's on costumes work list.
I know we often feel a "revival" should reinvent or do something new with design but this is the first Gypsy of its kind so why not just do it as it is. The casting is what is new and different about it. It is definitely an enjoyable and heartbreaking night in the theatre.
Rose: I could heap superlatives on Audra's work all day but what I will say is from what I read from 1st pre to last night she has made connective threads of every moment and it all flowed together perfectly. She floated across the stage for most of the night in full control and power and incredibly grounded. The hat moment in Baby June and Her Newsboys quick, simple, flawlessly executed. The determination in her eyes throughout is so palpable. Many of her lines ring so funny and pointed in a Black woman's mouth. "How long is it gonna take you to get used to me?" "It makes her look more...appealing" (paraphrase of that line) That line has been talked about on the boards a bit it is quite obvious there's an implied "white" in the pause. There's no debating that one interpretation wise lol. I loved how she is singing the score, I did find the P in "Some People" missing and it seemed odd I thought it might be a mic issue but she was so clear on every other word not sure what that's about. End of Act I was wonderful. Rose's Turn is definitely still on the passerelle and while I was in a box seat so great view, I wonder if they have heard the complaints about the view from rear mezz, because it doesn't look like that staging is gonna change if I had to guess. She is incredible, one of a kind, and should not be missed. It will only grow and get more intense and richer. How fortunate are we to witness her in our lifetimes.
Herbie: Danny was just so effortlessly wonderful. So much chemistry with Audra, Jordan, Joy and the entire cast. He connected with everyone so beautifully. Together wherever we go I found him and the entire number so damn charming and heartwarming. His final scene was chef's kiss. Truly no notes.
June: Jordan was just delightfully and a scene stealer in the best way. Can't wait to see her in a month. She gets it and does such a nice build on the character matching the rhythm and cadence of the younger June in such a lovely way. She is a star.
Joy: I think she is doing very good work. She sounds wonderful. I never really find those who have played Louise fully convincing in the first act it always feels so "put on" and I didn't fully buy it here either. The strip does need more rehearsal but I think it could work. I found the Garden of Eden choreography really nice and she performed it exceptionally well, this part of the show just doesn't have the arc yet. And to be honest I just think she isn't that strong of an actor. And you need an ACTOR to make this work well. It's also why previous comments speak on the dressing room scene not having the full impact we desire to thrust Rose into her turn. I don't think its staging or choreography or directing, I think it's acting capacity. The scene was played fine but you have to have a formidable foil to Mama Rose in that scene otherwise it doesn't work. Benanti was certainly that for Patti. Gypsy has to meet Rose's emotional peak for it to work as well as we know it can. I'm sure the performance will grow but you gotta meet Audra on Audra's level and that is challenging for most actors great or not.
Race is definitely at play in subtle ways through out but not too many overly explicit moments. It's Gypsy as authentic as these great artist can make it with a Black family. Rose's moments "He's trying to take my child" outside of the office were particularly heartbreaking in this context. The transition for the newsboys being all Black kids to the Farm Boys being all white men was clear. Just good storytelling if you ask me if you get it you do if not doesn't take anything away. I am excited to see this on opening and I definitely think everyone should go if able to experience it for themselves.
Updated On: 11/28/24 at 06:15 PM
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