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The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

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#1

The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:50pm

Something random I was thinking about today. Gypsy's Mama Rose is often described as THE ultimate female role - every Broadway diva worth her salt must have taken Rose on. Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, just to name a few ... But is there a male equivalent to Mama Rose? i.e., does anyone think there's a musical role that would be the ultimate test for a male actor?
Gangway, world, get off of my runway.
- Mama Rose, Gypsy

A bird cage I plan to hang,
I'll get to that someday...
A bird cage for a bird who flew away
Around the world.
- Edie, Grey Gardens
#2

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:53pm

I was thinking about this myself. This isn't my final answer, but Sweeney Todd is definately up there with the most challenging male roles to play. Bobby from Company as well.
#3

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:55pm

It's a tough question to answer due to vocal part constraints. I would say the closest thing is Don Quixote/Cervantes in Man of La Mancha.
#4

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:56pm

My first thought was Sweeney as well.
Jimmy, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? It's almost 9 PM!
#5

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:57pm

Sweeney, Bobby, and I think Sunday's Georges/George is pretty epic, too.

I would also put Albin from La Cage in the "Mama Rose" category.

Ditto on the Quioxte/Cervantes.
Personally, I think I have too much bloom.
#6

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:57pm

I would say Jean Valjean - hands down. A very demanding role with a large vocal range and requires a very versatle actor to be done properly, and it's originator is almost as legendary ---Colm WIlkinson.
#8

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:59pm

I would say the Phantom too, but I read somewhere that he has less than 30 minutes of actual stage time. This may be give or take, but I definitely remember hearing something like that.
#9

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:05am

I was thinking Fiyero. He's so versatile and multi-faceted when it comes to his actual characterization of emotions. His depth is just so striking.

Ok. Seriously now. Phantom I agree with, too, as well as Jean Valjean.
#10

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:06am

The thing about Mama Rose is not just how much of the score she handles, but the emotional journey that the character has to make. From steam roller to emotional wreck.

Bobby in "Company" doesn't have that far to travel. Nor does The Phantom, nor does Don Quixote.

Sweeney Todd does have that far of a journey to make and he screams about as much as Rose does, too.
"A coherent existance after so many years of muddle" - Desiree' Armfelt, A Little Night Music "Life keeps happening everyday, Say Yes" - 70, Girls, 70 "Life is what you do while you're waiting to die" - Zorba
#11

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:07am

I wouldn't call the Phantom a tour-de-force role, but I don't really care for Phantom of the Opera, so perhaps that's why.

It just doesn't seem like you need to bear your soul for that part.
Personally, I think I have too much bloom.
#13

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:08am

If you're talking about cultural impact in addition to technical demands, there isn't one. Broadway musical theatre revolves around female performers. Male performers are ultimately peripheral in that sense.

Updated On: 7/29/07 at 12:08 AM

#14

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:09am

"Bobby in "Company" doesn't have that far to travel. Nor does The Phantom, nor does Don Quixote."

WHAT? I agree with you about Bobby and the Phantom, but DON QUIXOTE? Have you ever seen the show? Playing Cervantes is such an emotional challenge!
#15

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:10am

I was definitely thinking Sweeney at first, but I'd be inclined to agree with Bobby, the Phantom and Don Quixote, however I feel that Valjean has become somewhat of a legendary role, and is definitely up there too.
#16

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:12am

My first thought was Sweeney too.
"This ocean runs more dark and deep than you may think you know...I'll be the fear of the fire at sea." -Marie Christine
#17

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:12am

I've always felt like "I Am What I Am" from La Cage was sort of the equivalent of "Rose's Turn" for me, as a baritone. But that's just one song.
#18

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:13am

Sweeney for sure.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
#20

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:16am

"If you're talking about cultural impact in addition to technical demands, there isn't one. Broadway musical theatre revolves around female performers. Male performers are ultimately peripheral in that sense."

I agree 100%, but that stinks.

#21

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:18am

My first thought is Sweeney as well, maybe because whenever people talk about the male equivalent of "Rose's Turn," Epiphany inevitably comes up. There are definitely similarities. But I definitely think Jean Valjean is comparable as well.
#22

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:27am

Lets not forget the role Dr Jekyll. Robert C did a wonderful job capturing the many transitions the character goes through and the role is physically and vocally demanding. I second Sweeny as well.

hmmmm how about the King in the King and I. Porgy anyone?

Updated On: 7/29/07 at 12:27 AM

#24

re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:37am

I sort of agree with some of these... not so much sweeney because I don't think he screams very much... But as far as emotional journies... I know I'll get flack for this because the role is for a teen/young man but Melchior's journey is pretty intense and he's... idk... just always has to be there or the character doesn't work. His breakdown in Those You've Known... emotional theater at it's best.

And on the broadway.com opening night video for Gypsy (Peters), someone talks about Mama Rose being the best theatre role besides King Lear. re: The male equivalent of Mama Rose?

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