ACL2006 said: "maybe John Doyle can do the next revival? A stripped down version of GYPSY with an 8 piece orchestra & 12 person cast. The boys that play Tulsa, Yonkers, Kansas & Charlie will double and also play Electra, Tessie, Miss Cratchitt & Mazeppa in drag.
I do think Doyle could direct a brilliant Gypsy, but you suggesting this reminded me that I did see a semi-professional production about 10 years ago where Tulsa, Yonkers and Kansas did double as Mazeppa, Electra and Tessie. They were in an ultra-seedy dive and their costumes were dirty and torn.
There was a small orchestra, but some of the cast members also played instruments at times too. When they reached Rose's Turn all the characters (with their instruments) were seated in a jury box looking area on the right while Rose pleaded her case not only to the audience but all those she had trampled over or pushed away. The cast sat stone-faced, impervious to her words. The actress who played Rose was very good and somehow mostly made this work.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
