GYPSY Previews- Page 17

[verywellthensigh]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 12:43pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I did some LSDbefore seeing it again and it really made some scenes more impactful, especially when the devil comes up from the stage and chased everyone out of the theater by spitting fire at us all."

Honey, ev-ry thing's co-ming up LEGION for me and for yooooooooooooouu!

[sarcadam88]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 1:21pm

Saw this last night. This was my first Broadway Gypsy, only having seen the films and one regional production. Audra’s acting is just stellar and, well… she sounds gloriously like Audra when she sings. I think the comparison to Katrina Lenk’s Bobbie is somewhat fair, but I also found her quite effective. It’s funny— I found Audra a much more sympathetic Rose than I would’ve expected. Rose’s Turn and everything following was so devastating—I always (perhaps wrongly) feel the fury hearing this on prior recordings, but this was gutted pain. I loved her.

Also loved Danny, who was so warm, and loved about 75% of the Joy Woods performance. It’s true; her transformation (and post-transformation) needs the most work in the show, but she’s so charismatic as the ugly duckling that I am really rooting for her to get there. She looks stunning in the gold gown at the end. Jordan’s June is wonderful.

I do think the concept of colorism and racial subtext here might be played more explicitly. It’s certainly there, but it’s so intermittent and mostly so subtle (though I don’t know if a heavy hand would be great either). For instance, I liked that Agnes, momentarily the recipient of the blonde wig, happens to be black—I was curious if there’d be some examination there, but there really wasn’t. Perhaps those moments will be found and fleshed out in the next weeks, or perhaps not. 

Other random notes: Also liked the design here. It did not feel cheap to me and from Orchestra O, the use of the passarelle was effective (and, apparently, necessary for certain scenic changes). I particularly enjoyed the way Louise’s initial strip was staged. And yes, the strippers are fabulous. Fabulous, fabulous.

I won’t get to see this again as I only get to NY every few years, so I’ll be looking forward to reading here how it shapes up up until and following opening!

 

[SusaninBaltimore]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 2:25pm

May I thank you for such a balanced view? I look forward to seeing this GYPSY on Dec 13 just before it opens, and having pored over all the previous comments here, I have decided that while this version may not replicate others, it will be thrilling. Can’t wait to hear Ms. McDonald sing this iconic score. 

[OharaFosseWolfe888]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 2:26pm

Missed rush this morning, but got two box seats for rush at 1:30 this afternoon. So excited to see this tonight and share thoughts about the early part of the preview process!

[someoneinatree2]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 4:17pm

<delete>

Updated On: 11/26/24 at 04:17 PM

[JudyDenmark]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 4:19pm

Does anyone know the alternation schedule for the kids playing Baby June/Louise? Is that in the Playbill? I was so impressed by the absolute raves for the first preview Baby June, just curious who I'm going to get haha.

I assume that the other little girl playing her is also extremely talented given the demands of the role, but you don't usually get so many Baby June comments so it sounds like Marley Lianne Gomes is a star in the making!

[someoneinatree2]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 4:26pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Dolly80 said: "All I want to know is whether the marquee signs in the released Roses Turn photo are actually backwards in the show? And if they are- why?!"

Yes, they are. And I don’t know why."

I wonder if it's because the marquees are For Her and not us? she's caught in a projected fantasy, it's a closed loop. a manifestation that in reality is only between Rose and Rose alone.

 

[chernjam]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 4:57pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I did some LSDbefore seeing it again and it really made some scenes more impactful, especially when the devil comes up from the stage and chased everyone out of the theater by spitting fire at us all."

Okay I can't stop laughing after reading this... You might have won the internet - definitely the BWW forum  with that one.  :D

[DAME]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 5:22pm

chernjam said: "Jordan Catalano said: "I did some LSDbefore seeing it again and it really made some scenes more impactful, especially when the devil comes up from the stage and chased everyone out of the theater by spitting fire at us all."

Okay I can't stop laughing after reading this... You might have won the internet - definitely the BWW forum with that one. :D"

If you’re laughing that hard .. then you must already be on something.  
Happy Thanksgiving everybody! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Penna2]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 7:10pm

Jay Lerner-Z said: "“Well said"

Not really.

"A … show about white people”

Not really. It’s an already highly fictionalized account of one family. Rose Hovick was gay in real life. In this, she is hetero. Enter Herbie. Why is that okay?

The claim about her being a lesbian was denied by her biographer. The idea came about because she ran a boarding house where a number of lesbians lived and one (who was rumored to be Rose's lover), made a pass at Gypsy and supposedly Rose shot and killed her. Prosecution of the death was never pursued because the woman had made a couple of suicide attempts before her death. That said, she was married twice, so for her to have a boyfriend during the period when she was promoting the girls would not be out of the question. Also, the show is based on Gypsy's memoirs and I suspect Rose did have a "Herbie" in her life during that time.

 

Updated On: 11/30/24 at 07:10 PM

[DrMonicaDeMoneco]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 7:29pm

Oh geez, the thread has went off the rails again! At least the moderators are allowing the fun to continue 

[joevitus]

Posted: 11/26/24 at 7:56pm

Penna2 said: "Jay Lerner-Z said: "“Well said"

Not really.

"A … show about white people”

Not really. It’s an already highly fictionalized account of one family. Rose Hovick was gay in real life. In this, she is hetero. Enter Herbie. Why is that okay?

The claim about her being a lesbian was denied by her biographer. The idea came about because she ran a boarding house where a number of lesbians lived and one (who wasrumored to be Rose's lover), made a pass at Gypsy and supposedly Rose shot and killed her. Prosecution of the death was never pursued because the woman had made a couple of suicide attempts before her death.That said, she was married twice, so for her to have a boyfriend during the period when she was promoting the girls would not be out of the question. Also, the show is based on Gypsy's memoirs and I suspect Rose did have a "Herbie" in her life during that time.

"

Arthur Laurents has said he wasn't interested in writing the show's book until a Fire Island weekend where everyone in the group was talking about their first experience, and a woman there said "My first lover was Gypsy Rose Lee's mother."

[Penna2]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 12:11am

joevitus said: "Penna2 said: "Jay Lerner-Z said: "“Well said"

Not really.

"A … show about white people”

Not really. It’s an already highly fictionalized account of one family. Rose Hovick was gay in real life. In this, she is hetero. Enter Herbie. Why is that okay?

The claim about her being a lesbian was denied by her biographer. The idea came about because she ran a boarding house where a number of lesbians lived and one (who wasrumored to be Rose's lover), made a pass at Gypsy and supposedly Rose shot and killed her. Prosecution of the death was never pursued because the woman had made a couple of suicide attempts before her death.That said, she was married twice, so for her to have a boyfriend during the period when she was promoting the girls would not be out of the question. Also, the show is based on Gypsy's memoirs and I suspect Rose did have a "Herbie" in her life during that time.

"

Arthur Laurents has said he wasn't interested in writing the show's book until a Fire Island weekend where everyone in the groupwas talking abouttheir first experience, and a woman there said "My first lover was Gypsy Rose Lee's mother.""

Not surprised she was bi. Doesn't mean there wasn't a Herbie was my point. Rose also "accidently" pushed a man out of a window, killing him...no charges as it was an accident. Tried to shoot June's boyfriend (I assume the character named Tulsa in the show). Quite a character.

[Penna2]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 12:14am

someoneinatree2 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Dolly80 said: "All I want to know is whether the marquee signs in the released Roses Turn photo are actually backwards in the show? And if they are- why?!"

Yes, they are. And I don’t know why."

I wonder if it's because the marquees are For Her and not us?she's caught in a projected fantasy, it's a closed loop. a manifestation that in reality is onlybetween Rose and Rose alone.

If it's so confusing to the audience, maybe they need to change it. Also, seems to be distracting. Is the performance that boring people are confused about a part of the set. Honest question? I won't be seeing the show, but find it interesting how many people are focused on the sets and costumes. Realize this is a primarily Broadway crowd, but even so...

 

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 12:44am

I took an extremely strong edible before seeing Wicked and it was the scariest experience of my life. I bawled my eyes out in distress for like 2/3rds of the show and my friend was being a huge c*nt about her boyfriend and then I puked on the subway platform in front of a bunch of European tourists and I started scream crying and I thought someone was going to call the police and somewhere in there I lost my wallet. And to be clear, the edible did not make those ****ty Wicked lyrics sound any better.

Do NOT take LSD and see Gypsy. You will die.

Updated On: 11/27/24 at 12:44 AM

[joevitus]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 1:32am

Penna2 said: "joevitus said: "Penna2 said: "Jay Lerner-Z said: "“Well said"

Not really.

"A … show about white people”

Not really. It’s an already highly fictionalized account of one family. Rose Hovick was gay in real life. In this, she is hetero. Enter Herbie. Why is that okay?

The claim about her being a lesbian was denied by her biographer. The idea came about because she ran a boarding house where a number of lesbians lived and one (who wasrumored to be Rose's lover), made a pass at Gypsy and supposedly Rose shot and killed her. Prosecution of the death was never pursued because the woman had made a couple of suicide attempts before her death.That said, she was married twice, so for her to have a boyfriend during the period when she was promoting the girls would not be out of the question. Also, the show is based on Gypsy's memoirs and I suspect Rose did have a "Herbie" in her life during that time.

"

Arthur Laurents has said he wasn't interested in writing the show's book until a Fire Island weekend where everyone in the groupwas talking abouttheir first experience, and a woman there said "My first lover was Gypsy Rose Lee's mother.""

Not surprised she was bi. Doesn't mean there wasn't a Herbie was my point. Rose also "accidently" pushed a man out of a window, killing him...no charges as it was an accident. Tried to shoot June's boyfriend (I assume the character named Tulsa in the show). Quite a character."

It's hard to say since Gypsy's bio is apparently as fictional as the musical based on it. I seem to remember somewhere reading that Gypsy told Laurents she wished she had come up with the character of Herbie herself. There is a man in Rose's life in the book, but he disappears much sooner, and not because Rose is willing to let her daughter take the job stripping. 

[OharaFosseWolfe888]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 1:42am

Just got home from the show and dinner! The show is in good shape for a 6th preview. It is definitely still an early preview, and reminded me of why I love the PROCESS of creating work so much. LIVE THEATRE.  

Highlights are:  

Audra is exceptional in every moment. The acting is insane. 8x a week, wow. Can't wait to see how this progresses. Vocals were flawless tonight IMO, the mix worked beautifully for me all night. Everything's Coming Up Roses desperate and fiercely determined and Rose's Turn was devastingly haunting, and I have NEVER seen it acted like that. It was not a tantrum, it was a truth that I've rarely seen played in any of the other Roses.

Danny was pitch perfect! Jordan is a whole *** STAR for real. She ate that up and so did Marley as Baby June who we had on tonight.

I'd rather wait to go into Joy Wood's entire performance, but she is in stunning voice and dances the Garden of Eden section exceptionally well.  Lots to be excited about. So much growth and potential is possible. More details and fuller review tomorrow.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 8:56am

Are the sight line issues with the passarelle that Jordan brought up still wreaking havoc on the viewing experience of those in the rear mez? (Namely, Rose’s Turn)

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 9:12am

I was the last row and saw it fine. 

I think some of the rows ahead did have to lean throughout the show and Rose’s Turn however. 

Little Lamb is also all done on it. 

Updated On: 11/27/24 at 09:12 AM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 9:47am

So is half of “If Mama Was Married”.

[OharaFosseWolfe888]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 6:15pm

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

[DrMonicaDeMoneco]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 6:45pm

Really great review!! Thank you!!

OharaFosseWolfe888 said: "OkayI took some time to digest what I saw last nightand 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.

TL/DR
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 preto 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 wasjust 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 playedLouise 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."

 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/27/24 at 11:47pm

Tonight was my first time seeing a full-scale professional production of Gypsy. I had seen a few regional productions years ago, but all the major Broadway revivals were before my time living in NYC. I think this may have factored into the overall positive experience I had tonight.

I found Audra to be a thrilling Rose. I was enthralled by her performance and I was thoroughly invested in the character from beginning to end. She certainly has a different sound than other Roses based on the cast recordings I’ve heard, but not in a bad way. The intensity of her desire for her daughters to be stars is fully realized in her portrayal.

The supporting cast is good overall - Danny Burstein is a great Herbie, and I loved the chemistry he has with Audra. Jordan Tyson’s June is a dynamic firecracker - very funny. Lesli Margherita brings so much humor to Tessie Tura.

Joy Woods is GOOD, but i think out of all the performances, hers has the most room for growth. It just doesn’t quite feel fully fleshed out yet. The dressing room scene didn’t really land for me in the way i think it’s supposed to. Not a lot of “punch”.

George C. Wolfes direction is very by the book. This looks and feels like a very standard and traditional production of Gypsy. This isn’t a bad thing by any means, but I think those going in expecting any kind of reinterpretation or new concept will be disappointed.

I think this production will only get stronger with time. It’s about 85% there based on what I saw tonight, and I do look forward to returning some point later in the run.

[TylerJia]

Posted: 11/28/24 at 8:41am

May have got this all wrong, but I thought the marquee signs are all back-to-front because Rose has always been behind-the-scenes... so then when the ROSE sign appears it's finally all about her and she's centre stage? 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/28/24 at 11:14am

Isn’t it just that Rose is inside the theatre and the marquees are outside the theatre? There doesn’t  have to be some meaningful reason behind it. The original Sunset Boulevard scenic design by John Napier included a backwards sign for Shwab’s drugstore because the action took place inside the store and the sign was meant to be seen from the opposite direction outside the store. It’s not that deep.