Gypsy today

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/4/04 at 10:05pm

Alright, unfortunately this post is going to be really rushed (see my post on the OT board for why) but here goes:

I saw Gypsy today. I definitely liked it, but it isn't one of my favorite shows. The best thing for me was to finally see Bernadette Peters. I've been waiting so long for that, and it was amazinggg. A few times, I'd look at her on stage and be like "oh my God. *That's* BERNADETTE PETERS!" She really is something. My biggest complaints: it was a bit long, IMO, and Tammy Blanchard. Her acting wasn't too bad, but I didn't much care for her singing.

The production itself is just beautiful... loved the sets. I'm a BIG fan of Sam Mendes' work. Loved the music... oh, and I must mention how wonderous the pit was. Gyspy was the first show I'd seen in a few months that had a really traditional orchestra, which I was glad for... and what a powerhouse it was! I love the trumpet solo in the overture.

It's such a touching story... the whole mother/daughter thing, etc. I'm interested to read the memiors of Gypsy Rose Lee, which the show is based on. Anyone read it?

Ok, moving along rather quickly.... loved Bernadette, as I said already. Didn't love Tammy Blanchard... the rest of the cast was really good. No complaints, but no raves either, I guess. David Burtka... yum. I loved watching him dance. Oh yes, and the lamb. I'm definitely a fan of that lamb. It was so cute!

And the stage door: Met Tammy (who is WAY prettier off stage than she is on stage), John Dosset - very nice - and Bernadette. She wasn't as bubbly as I would've expected, but she was happy to sign and take pictures, so yay for that.

Sorry that was so quick, but I must get going. Thanks for reading!

Updated On: 4/4/04 at 10:05 PM

[WestEndBird]

Posted: 4/6/04 at 4:18pm

I was suprised by how TINY she is when I got to meet her...she has one powerful voice for that little body!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 4/6/04 at 4:23pm

Patti LuPone is just as petite, has an even bigger voice and would be more perfectly suited to the role of Mama Rose. (sigh!)

Posted: 4/10/04 at 5:29pm

Tammy blanchard was sick that week. So, give her a break.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/10/04 at 8:56pm

Point taken. Sorry, I didn't know she was sick.

But... in defense of my comment, I've heard of other people having the same complaint about her singing. And it's nothing phenomenal on the cast recording either.

Updated On: 4/10/04 at 08:56 PM

[broadwaysweetheart]

Posted: 4/10/04 at 9:34pm

Tammy Blanchard is amazing in the show!!! I loved every second of her performance
Tammy Blanchard Online

[TheGirlinTheFrock]

Posted: 4/10/04 at 9:45pm

You must tell me a complete detail review of the show when i talk to you!

[Phantom2]

Posted: 4/10/04 at 11:32pm

I am the President of the Lamb's Fan Club!! HAHA

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/10/04 at 11:41pm

awww Phantom may I join? I love the Lamb!!! It was particularly squirmy when I saw the show, and Tammy was laughing while trying to sing with the Lamb in her face. It was adorable.

[Phantom2]

Posted: 4/10/04 at 11:45pm

The Lamb should have won a Tony!!

Updated On: 4/10/04 at 11:45 PM

[CJR]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 1:35am

Ah yes, but will you give a Tony to each lamb? They *do* get a new lamb pretty much every two weeks

[bially082]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 2:33am

They could have given one to the lambs collectely. Best performance by an animal in a musical.....The Lamb!

[gypsy#12]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 10:54am

"I who couldn't sing or dance or do anything, was to do the scene with Fanny Brice. It was frightening and wonderful at the same time." Gypsy Rose Lee (her memoirs)

If she knew how to sing, it would be untrue to the character. If you read the book this play is based upon, you would know that. And you should, because it's a great book.

Not to mention, Sam Mendes cast her, she was nominated for a Tony, she did win the Theater World Award. I guess that's what happens when you really can act.

I haven't heard of Tammy putting on any concerts, so I don't think she's trying to be a singer anyway. If she wanted to, she can certainly take years and years of lessons and learn. Just like every other professional singer. But you can't learn how to have heart and soul. That you're just born with. That, she has.

In defense to my comments. Happy Easter boards.

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 2:22pm

The Lamb stole my heart.
It was soooooo cute. The time i saw it it kissed Tammy.
Updated On: 4/11/04 at 02:22 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 2:29pm

Alright. Again, point taken. Forgive me for not knowing. And, for the record, I did *not* think that her singing was bad... more like unimpressive. If my comment came across as such, I'm sorry... and if she was cast for that reason, then I respect that. And also, I do think her acting was quite good. I haven't yet read the book, but I definitely do intend to very soon.

Updated On: 4/11/04 at 02:29 PM

[jgph]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 3:23pm

at the risk of dropping the cat in among the pigeons, ive heard from a very reputable source that davud burtka is gay and that this is farily public knowledge.

is it?


JG

(gayapolis.com)

I do of course realise that this may be totally wrong, but it seems that the site is fairly reliable.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 9:28pm

Saw it today. Bernadette was great. The lamb was a little boisterous & Tammy had her hands full & was starting to lose it when she couldn't control it

[broadway86]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 9:41pm

Why should Louise be a good singer? Isn't that why her mother doesn't pay attention to her in the first place? Look at Natalie Wood in the original film. Brilliant actress, but couldn't sing her way out of a paper bag.

[MovieBroadwayGuy]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 2:01pm

Gypsy Rose Lee's bio is good, but mostly fiction (she even admitted that) but the great book is Baby June's. Yes, she was a real character. Her name is June Havoc and she is well over 90 and still alive and well I hear. Anyway, I got both of her books on Ebay and LOVE them. "Early Havoc" and "More Havoc" - much better than Gypsy's and her son's book - although they are ALL entertaining. Let me know what you think if you read them.

[CJR]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 2:29pm

Yep -- June is in fact a real person. Wonderfully sweet lady, too. I've known her for years, as she is a friend of the family. Read both her books a few years back and absolutely devoured them. They're fabulous!

Posted: 4/12/04 at 5:21pm

Who's family? ( Just kidding) Didn't she play MS Hannigan on broadway towards the end of the run of Annie? (when it was transfered to the then Uris? Or whom am I thinking off?

[CJR]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 7:43pm

My family, silly

Yes, she was in Annie on Bway

Posted: 4/12/04 at 9:15pm

I thought you meant family as in gay. Lord I have a one track mind.

[CJR]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 9:23pm

Hahaha Im really amused by that!!! June's personal assistant is a good friend of mine -- I used to sing with her, actually -- thus I got to know June through her.

[alterego]

Posted: 4/13/04 at 9:04am

Here! Here! Dollypop I couldn't agree more.