Gypsy - The Greatest Musical of ALL TIME? — Page 2
#27
Posted: 7/18/05 at 10:46pm
I've been doing musical theatre for most of my life for various companies, and schools, etc. and have been fortunate enough to do a lot of really wonderful shows. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I truly believe that Gypsy is a wonderful show. I was fortunate enough to play Rose, and as someone who also has trained 'classically' (not just in musical theatre) the script, story, characters are just so well developed that you can't help but fall in love with it. It's very honest and moving, and even though it was a challenge it is a role and a show that I hold near to my heart. It is an actors dream, and as ahuge fan of Sondheim I was so fortunate to sing each of this wonderful songs. To this day "Rose's Turn" is one of my favorite songs to perform, as an actor and as a singer. The character of Rose is just so well developed and intense, that once during 'Rose's Turn' I managed to step OFF the 'fake' stage (about 2 feet high) on our set OUT of the solo spotlight (how embarrassing!) BUT . . . I was so into the character and it was at the end when she sings "Everything's coming up Rose . . .Everything's coming up roses" (etc.) that I just kept on going with the music and threw myself back up onstage to make a killer ending. It wasn't until Rose walks offstage with Louise that I turned to the other's and asked "Did I REALLY just fall offstage?!" It was kindof funny I guess. That was the night they filmed the show. Meh. Either way the show holds a special place in my heart. A few months later I was cast in "Marathon '33" which was written by the real life June Havoc. What can I say?! Broadway Gold . . . in my opinion anyway! Cheers. :)
#28
Posted: 7/18/05 at 10:57pm
Absolutely the best.
I've never understood the infatuation with WSS. The score seems so dated to me, unlike Gypsy's.
I've never understood the infatuation with WSS. The score seems so dated to me, unlike Gypsy's.
#29
Posted: 7/18/05 at 11:12pm
Gypsy is pretty darn good - sorry, GREAT - but I, myself, would take Sweeney Todd (consult the avitar) over Gypsy. It's very close, though. Also, it wouldn't be fair without at least considering West Side Story, My Fair Lady, and Fiddler on the Roof.
"Who is Stephen Sondheim?" -roninjoey
"The man who wishes he had written Phantom of the Opera!" - SueleenGay
GO CARDINALS!!!
"The man who wishes he had written Phantom of the Opera!" - SueleenGay
GO CARDINALS!!!
#30
Posted: 7/18/05 at 11:27pm
No, but it has to be amongst the best of the genre. As has been said you'd have to have seen all the musicals ever written to proclaim it as' the best'. For all we know the BEST musical could be being performed now in some small town in eastern Europe.
#31
Posted: 7/18/05 at 11:30pm
In my opinion, Gypsy is the ultimate piece of musical theatre. The characters are well developed, the book is great, and the songs actually serve a purpose. I really like this show, and it has not aged badly at all.
"Wherever you go... I'll be right there. When you get your own private kick in the ass, just remember: it's a present from me to you."
Rose's dying words to Louise
#32
Posted: 7/19/05 at 1:30am
GYPSY is just as entertaining now as it was when it premiered.
Musically it is not as adventurous a score as WSS (or later Sondheim works) but it is perfectly suited to the story and vaudeville setting.
Arthur Laurents' script is tight, and near-perfect in construction. His script for WSS is a case of a book in shorthand. Sondheim calls it one of the shortest books in musical theatre. With GYPSY the book is given equal time with the score.
I like both, a lot! But if given a choice, I would opt for GYPSY.
Musically it is not as adventurous a score as WSS (or later Sondheim works) but it is perfectly suited to the story and vaudeville setting.
Arthur Laurents' script is tight, and near-perfect in construction. His script for WSS is a case of a book in shorthand. Sondheim calls it one of the shortest books in musical theatre. With GYPSY the book is given equal time with the score.
I like both, a lot! But if given a choice, I would opt for GYPSY.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
#33
Posted: 7/19/05 at 1:59am
I think Gypsy is one of the only perfect shows. But come on, how could Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, Jule Styne and Jerome Robbins go wrong with a show?
I do however think that Fiddler on the Roof should be added to the list along with West Side Story. Although I feel Fiddler drags at some points in the show, it is another almost perfect show. The book has depth and all the characters, especially Tevye, are extremly developed. The music and lyrics are great, and of once again Jerome Robbin's incredible choreography.
Sweeney Todd is another example of another near perfect show. Many consider it Sondheim's greatest show, and it does not fail to live up to that title.
I do think that out of all the shows, Gypsy is the most "perfect" show, but I myself prefer West Side Story more.
I do however think that Fiddler on the Roof should be added to the list along with West Side Story. Although I feel Fiddler drags at some points in the show, it is another almost perfect show. The book has depth and all the characters, especially Tevye, are extremly developed. The music and lyrics are great, and of once again Jerome Robbin's incredible choreography.
Sweeney Todd is another example of another near perfect show. Many consider it Sondheim's greatest show, and it does not fail to live up to that title.
I do think that out of all the shows, Gypsy is the most "perfect" show, but I myself prefer West Side Story more.
#34
Posted: 7/19/05 at 2:01am
What is the best CD version to get?
"If you can talk, you can sing...if you can walk, you can dance."
- T.K. Greene
#35
Posted: 7/19/05 at 2:49am
The Bernadette Peter's is my personal favorite. It is very complete and great quality. However, some people were not fan's of her performance (I thought she was wonderful)
Tyne Daly I have heard was the best Rose (Acting wise) but she is not a singer and her CD shows that.
The show was written for Ethel Merman and her voice is very powerful in the CD.
I have never heard the Angela Lansbury, Rosolind Russel or Bette Midler versions, so I cant comment on those
Tyne Daly I have heard was the best Rose (Acting wise) but she is not a singer and her CD shows that.
The show was written for Ethel Merman and her voice is very powerful in the CD.
I have never heard the Angela Lansbury, Rosolind Russel or Bette Midler versions, so I cant comment on those
#36
Posted: 7/19/05 at 5:51pm
uhh i dunno haavent u guyz seen WICKED!!!11
(I completely agree.)
(I completely agree.)
Judy, Liza, Barbara, Bette, these are names I shant forget.
#37
Posted: 7/20/05 at 1:27am
What do you guys think of the TV movie with Bette?
I think it's alright. I enjoy the original movie much better. Cynthia's acting is not as good as Natalie's acting.
I think it's alright. I enjoy the original movie much better. Cynthia's acting is not as good as Natalie's acting.
#38
Posted: 7/20/05 at 2:44am
I enjoyed the TV Movie with Bette Midler, mainly because it was so faithful to the original stage script. (Re-watching the Roz Russell film recently, I was surprised how many changes they made in dialogue and lyrics. A subtle one: In "You Gotta Have a Gimmick" the line "Grind your behind till your banned..." was changed to "Grind till your fined or your banned...")
My major quibble with the Midler film is Midler. She is too busy being Bette Midler to actually be Rose. Russell, despite her vocal limitations, acted Rose very well. A bit too Auntie Mame in the comic "rape" scene, but touchingly hurt when June walks out on her, and moving with the brief reprise of "Small World" when Herbie leaves her. Still I am gald teh Midler film is available again on DVD after a very short release a few years back.
My major quibble with the Midler film is Midler. She is too busy being Bette Midler to actually be Rose. Russell, despite her vocal limitations, acted Rose very well. A bit too Auntie Mame in the comic "rape" scene, but touchingly hurt when June walks out on her, and moving with the brief reprise of "Small World" when Herbie leaves her. Still I am gald teh Midler film is available again on DVD after a very short release a few years back.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
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