How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

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How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 12:21pm

Both revivals had wonderful casts, great music, and sensational books. if some one told me, "I can only see one show in new york, should I see Gypsy, South Pacific, Sunday in the Park With George, or Grease?" I would say "Go see Gypsy."

In my opinion, Gypsy's cast was stronger. The directing was better. South Pacific made me go, "That Was Great" Gypsy took my breath a way and did things no other show has done to me in a long time, touched me like no other show has touched me. South Pacific was thought provoking theatre, but didn't do things that Gypsy did to me.

So in your opinion, why did South Pacific beat Gypsy.

ETA: Stupid typos

"And We Have A Shepherd's Pie Peppered With Actual Shepherd On Top" - Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd

Updated On: 8/31/08 at 12:21 PM

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 12:41pm

Gypsy touched you? I thought she was only a stripper, not a prostitute...

"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable." -F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 12:46pm

"South Pacific" won because it was much better than "Gypsy." Yes, "Gyspy" was very good - not even an issue. But, overall, SP is a far superior show.

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 12:47pm

The reason Gypsy took your breath away is because it's wonderful cast like Patti and Laura. Think about what it will be when they leave. It will probably close. It's not that great of a production.

I have not seen South Pacific so I can't judge but it's not my type and I have no desire to see it. But I think over all it is a better production.

Now Sunday In The Park With George was better than both of them. That was probably the best production I have ever seen. It was wonderful and genius. It should have won at least one Tony.

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 12:48pm

South Pacific beat Gypsy with one of these:

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>> “I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>> -whatever2

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 12:48pm

GYPSY, despite its place as "the definitive production," was, in the end, another production of GYPSY that came 4 years after the last one.

SOUTH PACIFIC had more at stake: the show was long thought to be too "dated" to really work, and yet it did. It was a gorgeous production, one Ben Brantley called "perfect."

"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:06pm

"Sunday In The Park With George was better than both of them. That was probably the best production I have ever seen. It was wonderful and genius. It should have won at least one Tony."

A-MEN. The fact that SITPWG didn't win anything kills me to this day. I sobbed all the way through that production and it stuck with me for days. Gypsy was great. South Pacific was fantastic, but it was SITPWG that changed my life.

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:09pm

"A-MEN. The fact that SITPWG didn't win anything kills me to this day. I sobbed all the way through that production and it stuck with me for days. Gypsy was great. South Pacific was fantastic, but it was SITPWG that changed my life."

Yeah, seriously! I loved it and I think it beats Gypsy and South Pacific. Everything about it was perfection! Amazing music, sets, lighting, costumes were pretty cool, Jenna, Daniel, book, direction. Jeez I can go on and on.

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:09pm

South Pacific was thought provoking theatre

Yeah! Like when they were washing their head, it really made me think I should buy more shampoo!

Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#10

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:16pm

Wow! Thanks for responding, some great points were made!

"And We Have A Shepherd's Pie Peppered With Actual Shepherd On Top" - Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd

#11

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:17pm

blaax

South Pacific was though provoking because it dealat with issues on racism that you talked about when you left the theatre. It made good conversation

"And We Have A Shepherd's Pie Peppered With Actual Shepherd On Top" - Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd

#12

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:20pm

A lot of people in the industry looked down on Sunday's reduced 5 piece orchestra. I think that hurt Sunday a lot. And Sondheim and Todd Haimes have both addressed the issue now.

Anyway, having seen all 3. I can totally see why South Pacific won. It is a truly beautiful production.

#13

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 1:20pm

As Drunk Chita Rivera said Gypsy was memorable because of Patti, Boyd and Laura's phenomenal performances. Otherwise it was relatively similar to the past broadway productions. The production was excellent in every aspect except it was not original. It was definitely not as groundbreaking as South Pacific which remerged as a modern masterpiece thanks to stellar direction by Bartlett Sher. That production fought back by taking issues like racism, war and more and giving statements about them that relate to our time and also by putting them to light. Add 4 superb performances by Szot, O'Hara, Burstein, and Sayre and lush costumes an sets and a astonishing orchestra playing a classic score and you have got yourself a brilliant products. I also agree that Sunday should have got more recognition especially at the tony awards. Some people talked about it as if it was an outsider alongside Grease. In my opinion the only outsider in the race was Grease which many would agree is not exactly quality theatre. Sunday included Evans and Russel's fantastic performances and had amazing and innovating set design and a phenomenal sondheim score and a crisp staging by Sam Buntrock who really emphasized how "the art of making art is putting it together, bit by bit". Wow just talking about these three productions is reminding me how last year was such a phenomenal year for revivals.

Current Avatar:The sensational Aaron Tveit in the soon to be hit production of Catch Me If You Can.

#14

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 2:33pm

"Sunday" was, in my opinion, far and away the best of the three, but "South Pacific" beat "Gypsy" because it was a truly special, expansive, beautiful production of a show many thought was very difficult to revive.

"Gypsy," on the other hand, was a middling production of a show that's been revived innumerable times. It was a moving, stirring night at the theatre thanks to the three performances, not the production itself. Hence, it won Tonys for the three performances, and lost best revival.

#15

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 2:53pm

I totally agree that GYPSY was the best revival of last season.

SOUTH PACIFIC was gorgeous and well-directed (with two stunning lead performances) if a bit overrated...SUNDAY was highly overrated, not to say that it wasn't a strong production...GREASE was one of the worst things I've ever seen "assembled" on a stage, Broadway or otherwise.

When I saw GYPSY at City Center, I was not buying it. I thought Patti was totally underwhelming and was actually upstaged by her two partners in crime, Laura and Boyd. I also thought the production itself was lacking and very emotionally stark and hard to invest any feelings in.

Then, with reluctance, I saw it after it transferred and it was as if a completely different production had taken over. The cast was flawless, Patti gave a tour de force that will go down in musical theater history, the direction was the best of the season, and everything about this definitive production of the definitive Broadway musical fell into place. It totally deserved the Tony for Best Revival. It's a near flawless production of a near flawless musical and MUST be seen.

Finally, I suddenly became emotionally invested in the story like never before. I felt emotions I had never felt while watching GYPSY when I saw this production. The emotions I felt while watching this production can only be matched by one other production from this season, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (and in some ways, A CATERED AFFAIR).

This production of GYPSY is arguably the best production of a musical on Broadway right now. It's just incredible.

Updated On: 8/31/08 at 02:53 PM

#16

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 3:00pm

If anything, I think Sunday in the Park was underrated. For me, it was the best of the three.

#17

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 3:01pm

Without a doubt, I feel like this has been THE best production of gypsy.

Benadette- She played the role the best she could, but when I saw it she was coughing throughout the performance. The other actors were medieocre. The costumes and direction was TERRIBLE.

Tyne Daily- She was a great actress, her singing, eh

Lansbury- They should have raised the keys of the songs so she could belt a little more, struggle a bit instead of being son comfortable and in the safe zone.

Mermen- I don't like her singing voice and hte guy who played herbie was AWFUL

"And We Have A Shepherd's Pie Peppered With Actual Shepherd On Top" - Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd

#18

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 3:17pm

I think that the people who are saying Gypsy should have won are forgetting one thing. That this show was revived four years ago (wouldn't be shocked to hear it will be revived four years after this production closes). The thing that blew people away were the three leads, not the show itself. Production wise it didn't bring anything new to the table. And, as it has been said before, if it continues when LuPone leaves, it would be a very bland production. I feel like the the three leads made the show. Which is why they all won Tonys for their work. But, the production itself left much to be desired.

Personally, I am not a Lupone fan. I just can't stand her voice. I wanted to see Gypsy because I was told that this is a musical that every musical theatre fan should see. I had honestly thought that I was just going to have to put up with Patti for a couple of hours just to see this show and thought it was going to be a bad night out. However, quite the opposite. I thought her acting was very well done and loved her scenes with Laura. And, after seeing South Pacific I understood why Patti won over Kelli.

But, the thing about South Pacific is that the overall product is a great one. Yes, the actors were all very good and I can't find a single bad casting choice in the entire company. But, I feel like if it were to be cast differently the show would still be just as moving, just as amazing as it is with this current cast. I feel that for a show to win best revival or best musical, the entire production cast and all must be very good. Gypsy just had the three actors to hold this production. But, I think that South Pacific will be just as amazing when it comes to cast replacements. I think that the show will be its wonderful self even though the original cast is gone. I think that that can't be said for Gypsy.
However, I am still sad that Sunday In The Park With George didn't win best set design of a musical.

Stupidbeans, your right that this might be the best production of Gypsy. But, this is the kind of show where another revival will be just around the corner. South Pacific is something that as far as a revival is concerned hasn't been done before. I am sure that somewhere down the line Gypsy will win best revival. I just don't think it stood a chance when going up against something like South Pacific.

Goodbye Sister Disco

#19

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 8:35pm

My ranking: (and I saw all three)

Best: South Pacific
2nd: SITPWG
3rd: Gypsy

I thought SP was the closest thing to theatrical perfection I had ever witnessed. I was so moved....more than I ever anticipated. There was no weak link.

I enjoyed Gypsy...but my overall impression: There were moments of sheer BRILLIANCE....connected with mediocrity.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#20

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 8:48pm

Another voice to hear from:

South Pacific had everything going for it - a hot leading lady, a handsome leading man, a pitch-perfect ensemble, wonderful direction from one of the best up-and-coming directors in NY, and some of the grandest designs that I've ever seen. Plus, it hadn't been seen in 40-odd years. It really was the perfect production.

Gypsy was the best musical play of the season. Laurents was really onto something casting the show with actors who sing, rather than singers who "act." The 3 actors won because they made the show what it was, not vice versa.

Sunday was largely overshadowed, of course, and in any other season, would have gotten greater acclaim. Perhaps if they even waited a month to open it, it would have been fresher in the audiences minds. But it was always a tough sell, even when it first opened 20-odd years ago. Plus, "radical reassessments" of Sondheim shows are no longer special, since so many have been done.

#21

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 9:25pm

This is completely off-topic, but...

I saw another performance of GYPSY, and Patti, along with everyone else, was in terrific form.

And finally I got it. I just don't care for GYPSY. The score is fantastic, Laura and Boyd were fantastic, but the show just didn't interest me that much (although it reads well), and Patti did the best she could with it.

Please feel free to stone me.

"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum

#22

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 9:37pm

Sunday in the Park With George was robbed at the Tony Awards.
It was the most moving experience of my life! I am still in shock that it did not receive any awards!

#23

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 10:08pm

"Gypsy touched you? I thought she was only a stripper, not a prostitute..."

-Too funny!

"I have not seen South Pacific so I can't judge but it's not my type and I have no desire to see it. But I think over all it is a better production"

-How do you know if it's a better production if you haven't seen it? Are you serious?

I think South Pacific is a better show than Gypsy, that's simply why it won. And I enjoy both shows, but South Pacific a lot more.

"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one". -Felicia Finley-

#24

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 10:16pm

I just couldn't get behind the Sunday revival, because, for me, nothing will ever top the 2002 Kennedy Center production with Raul Esparza and Melissa Errico. That was everything Sunday should be. In the revival, the Cockney accent was something I couldn't get over. It didn't make any sense. And the screen that George stands behind obscured him from my view. I couldn't be amazed if I couldn't even see the guy singing.
I haven't seen South Pacific yet because I don't understand their rush policy. I haven't really investigated it yet.
Gypsy-- I can't add anything to what's already been said. Blew me away. In a daze afterward... brilliant. And yes, it was probably more the actors than the production itself, that's a valid argument.

#25

re: How was Gypsy beaten by South Pacific

Posted: 8/31/08 at 10:29pm

When it comes down to it, Gypsy, as a property, is still the best of 'em all. Nothing against SP (I've been seeing it since 1955) and SITPWG (which I loved in both incarnations on B'way), but once you've got a terrific Momma Rose and a superb Louise and Herbie, you can't beat it!!!!! It's American musical theatre at its best and they're just aint too many like them anymore!!!!!

BroadwayEd

Updated On: 8/31/08 at 10:29 PM

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