#1
Posted: 8/10/08 at 1:21am
This is extremely late, mainly due to my procrastination and laziness (not a very good combination). On Wednesday, I left for a very rare visit to the city and saw a Gypsy matinee and went over to Broadway in Bryant Park on Thursday afternoon. This is very long and wordy, so if you read it, I'll give you a virtual cookie. No, really.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/11pattigypsymarquee.png
GYPSY
August 6, 2008 – Matinee
Cast:
Rose............................................................Patti LuPone
Herbie............................................................Boyd Gaines
Louise............................................................Laura Benanti
Dainty June............................................................Leigh Ann Larkin
Tulsa............................................................Pearce Wegener*
Electra............................................................Marilyn Caskey
Tessie Tura............................................................Alison Fraser
Mazeppa/Miss Cratchitt............................................................Lenora Nemitz
Baby June............................................................Sami Gayle
Baby Louise............................................................Emma Rowley
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/12gypsycastboard.png
I still can’t get over the fact that I actually saw this show. Wow. It still hasn’t completely sunk in.
We arrived in the city a little after 10 AM, way before we planned to, but it wasn’t a big deal. We couldn’t check in to The Portland Square Hotel until 3:00, but we figured we could probably have them keep our bags so we could walk around the city until the show. Luckily, our room was ready when we got there, so we got to check in early. I don’t think you can truly say you stayed in New York City until you stay in a room like ours:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/28room.png
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/27beds.png
Despite the size, it was VERY comfortable and the staff was very gracious and friendly. I would definitely recommend it and stay there again.
After we got settled and dropped our things off at our room, we headed over to Bryant Park just to make sure we knew where it was for Broadway in Bryant Park the next day. After that, we walked down to Times Square and killed time before the show. Finally about an hour before, we went over to the St. James, picked up our tickets at the Box Office and waited in line until they let us in. I bought a program to occupy myself, which has a lot of cool pictures and information.
Anyway, they eventually let us in and we went to our seats. I was immediately struck by the beauty and size of the theatre. I have never been in the orchestra of a Broadway theatre before (I’ve only ever been in the mezzanine) but I was really surprised at how small and intimate it was. Our seats were on the right side on the aisle, row K and they were great. You could literally feel the excitement in the air. Even though I already knew it, I could tell I was definitely in for an amazing experience. (And just a warning- I might overuse the words “great”, “brilliant” “amazing”, and “cool”.)
Act I
Overture – An amazing way to start off the show. It was very cool and interesting when the scrims went up one by one and slowly revealed the full orchestra on-stage. All of the musicians seemed into it and enthusiastic and the trumpet (?) solo was particularly good.
May We Entertain You – The kids are absolutely adorable and Sami Gayle is SO cute/talented. I couldn’t get over the fact how much Sami and Emma looked like Leigh Ann and Laura. And then it happened. This is the part when Andrew becomes a fangirl and starts freaking out. “Sing out, Louise!” And there she was. She walked by me. And I died. Literally the moment she opened her mouth, the audience erupted in applause and I was just in absolute shock and awe that I was actually seeing Patti LuPone. I couldn’t stop smiling and I still don’t think it’s completely hit me yet. I don’t know if it ever will. Oh, and the balloon popping at the end totally wins.
Some People – I died again. End of story.
Some People (reprise) – Such a funny and clever scene. I just felt like including it here because I loved it so much.
Small World – Boyd Gaines got good (but late) entrance applause. Patti was great in this scene, hamming it up every chance she got and Boyd seemed to love every second of it. Not a huge surprise, but the chemistry between the two of them was fantastic.
Baby June and Her Newsboys – Once again, the kids were absolutely adorable. The stuff Rose was doing in the background in the beginning was hilarious. I was amazed at some of the stuff Sami Gayle was doing and the audience was definitely eating it up. The transformation with the strobe light in this scene was also incredible. I heard a lot of gasping when this started and there was some scattered applause.
Have an Eggroll, Mr. Goldstone – Leigh Ann Larkin is great as the snobby, bitchy, spoiled, and bratty June. The birthday party was also very funny. When Rose comes out with the cake and they all sing “Happy Birthday” and June finishes it with the high note was great (even though Rose said it was “flat” :P. Anyway, this song was a lot of fun. My favorite part was probably when they were throwing all the food and stuff at him and Rose goes “Have a Goldstone, Mr. Eggroll”.
Little Lamb – So heartbreaking and beautiful. This was the first time I ever heard the song, so I don’t have any other interpretations to compare it to, but Laura did a beautiful job and her voice is gorgeous. There were some parts where you could tell she was trying to hold back tears.
You’ll Never Get Away From Me – The chemistry shines again and it’s just brilliant. The dancing part was great and when they fell over and crawled around on the floor was hilarious.
Dainty June and Her Farmboys – It was so funny seeing them do almost the same routine in the beginning that they’ve been doing for years, with the exception of different costumes and scenery. When Dainty June came busting (quite literally) limb by limb through the straw was hysterical and this song pretty much confirmed my love for Leigh Ann Larkin. My absolute favorite part (besides Caroline the Cow) was when Rose would nonchalantly walk on stage with various animals and plop them down and just continue walking. I almost peed myself. The “big finish” was also great and HOLY CRAP Leigh Ann Larkin! Her voice gives me goosebumps. The thing with the steam was also very funny and the return of the bald eagle was brilliant.
If Momma Was Married – Love, love, love it. It is definitely one of my favorite parts of the show. I loved it when Louise walked over to the phone, picked it up and went “no” and then hung it up. I also loved it when June was talking about the act and how she hated the “costuuuumes”. The expression on her face was priceless and then she goes, “I didn’t mean it about the costuuuuumes.” That whole thing basically blew me away (although, I do have to admit, she can tone the anger down a bit). Both Laura and Leigh Ann were great in this scene and also had terrific chemistry. I loved the contrast between Louise’s optimism and June’s pessimism. Leigh Ann’s Fanny Brice impression was also quite amazing.
All I Need Is the Girl – So cute. I thought Pearce was great as Tulsa and was a terrific dancer and had a great voice, as well. Laura’s reactions were priceless and heartbreaking at the same time.
Everything’s Coming Up Roses – The moment I was waiting for and Ms. Patti did not disappoint. I pretty much died for the third time. As soon as I saw the train station set come rolling out, I got excited and started hitting my mom. After seeing her knock it out on the Tony’s, it was just absolutely incredible to watch her do her thing live. The passion in her performance (in this number particularly) was incredible. Boyd and Laura were also great with their subtle reactions while they watched her. Thunderous applause started even before she was finished with the last note and lasted until well after the curtain fell.
Act II
Madame Rose’s Toreadorables – Laura in this scene absolutely cracks me up. Between her unenthusiasm (is that a word?), ridiculous blonde wig, her hilarious attempt at a cartwheel, her split (or should I sat sit?), and baton twirling (if you can even call it that), it was just so funny.
Together Wherever We Go – This is one of my favorite moments in the show. The chemistry between the three of them is amazing and they definitely play off of each other throughout the whole song. They seemed like they were having so much fun, and it’s such a fun song anyway. I did notice though, when Louise is supposed to go “we both sing B flat” Laura flubbed and started to say “we all sing B flat” but caught herself. I just love this song so much. I want to see the show again mainly just for this, because I heard they never do it the same way every time.
You Gotta Get A Gimmick – Oh My God. This is another one of my favorite moments and so hysterically ridiculous. When Marilyn trudged out as Electra, someone near me said “she looks like she’s high!” and I couldn’t put it in a better way. She looked absolutely trashed. The three of them are just absolutely brilliant. There really isn’t more I can say about it. It was just pure brilliance.
The Strip – The scene beforehand was so heartbreaking, mainly because of Laura’s reactions to what Rose was throwing at her. Rose’s desperation was pretty terrifying and definitely believable. Herbie’s freak out and fight with Rose was brilliant. You couldn’t help but feel sorry for Rose no matter what kind of a person she was. I almost wanted to ask Boyd how his hand was after he slammed it on the table. Geez. You could definitely sense Louise’s insecurity and apprehension when she came with the dress. It’s just a beautiful moment, especially when she goes over to the mirror and sees herself for the first time. Her transformation throughout the scene was incredible. I was surprised at how funny it was going to be, but after researching a bit on Gypsy Rose Lee after I got home, she was known for her witty sayings and humor during her performances. And the fight between Rose and Louise. Wow. It was like Louise was a completely different person. She WAS Gypsy Rose Lee. Louise didn’t even exist anymore. It was really shocking to see that and witness the change.
Rose’s Turn – The moment when Andrew died again. And again. And again. Repeatedly, over and over. I have never, in my entire theatre loving, show seeing life ever seen such a powerful performance. The range of emotions she went through in this song was breathtaking, shocking, and incredible. From sexy/flirty/fun, to lost/bewildered/sad, to psychotic and angry… it was just too amazing for words. I don’t think I will ever witness a more thrilling experience as this song alone was. It was INSANE and I loved every minute of it. I was a little upset that there wasn’t a standing ovation after it, but there was one woman who stood up on the very left side in the front row, and Patti walked over to her and flashed her a bit of leg. It was priceless. Just like with the fight with Herbie, you couldn’t help but feel for Rose when Louise leaves her behind, laughing, and her name in lights comes back down, she reaches for it, but the lights go out slowly, one by one. I know the ending was changed for this revival and I don’t know who it was done in the past, but I think this ending was extremely powerful and very moving.
Curtain Call – Standing ovation started immediately after the lights came back up and it was very well deserved. The entire cast is so talented, strong, and solid. I don’t think there is one weak link in the entire cast. I couldn’t stop smiling, especially after Leigh Ann and Pearce came out, after that I was grinning ear to ear. The entire orchestra was on its feet by the time Laura and Boyd came out and unsurprisingly, the audience went wild when Patti came out. It was a great end to an experience I will never, ever forget.
We didn't really stagedoor, because it was after a Wednesday matinee and they have a show that night, so I didn't expect anyone to come out. We did, however, stay for a little bit just in case, but the guy came out and said that Patti, Boyd, and Laura won't be coming out. We had to make it to a duck tour thing we bought tickets to anyway, so we were sort of in a rush.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Thanks for reading and I'm SO sorry again for the extremely long wait! :)
*Coming up next, a review of the performances at Broadway in Bryant Park on August 7, 2008*
While you wait for that review, here is a link to my Photobucket with all my pictures:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008
Password: iheartnyc2008
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/11pattigypsymarquee.png
GYPSY
August 6, 2008 – Matinee
Cast:
Rose............................................................Patti LuPone
Herbie............................................................Boyd Gaines
Louise............................................................Laura Benanti
Dainty June............................................................Leigh Ann Larkin
Tulsa............................................................Pearce Wegener*
Electra............................................................Marilyn Caskey
Tessie Tura............................................................Alison Fraser
Mazeppa/Miss Cratchitt............................................................Lenora Nemitz
Baby June............................................................Sami Gayle
Baby Louise............................................................Emma Rowley
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/12gypsycastboard.png
I still can’t get over the fact that I actually saw this show. Wow. It still hasn’t completely sunk in.
We arrived in the city a little after 10 AM, way before we planned to, but it wasn’t a big deal. We couldn’t check in to The Portland Square Hotel until 3:00, but we figured we could probably have them keep our bags so we could walk around the city until the show. Luckily, our room was ready when we got there, so we got to check in early. I don’t think you can truly say you stayed in New York City until you stay in a room like ours:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/28room.png
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008/27beds.png
Despite the size, it was VERY comfortable and the staff was very gracious and friendly. I would definitely recommend it and stay there again.
After we got settled and dropped our things off at our room, we headed over to Bryant Park just to make sure we knew where it was for Broadway in Bryant Park the next day. After that, we walked down to Times Square and killed time before the show. Finally about an hour before, we went over to the St. James, picked up our tickets at the Box Office and waited in line until they let us in. I bought a program to occupy myself, which has a lot of cool pictures and information.
Anyway, they eventually let us in and we went to our seats. I was immediately struck by the beauty and size of the theatre. I have never been in the orchestra of a Broadway theatre before (I’ve only ever been in the mezzanine) but I was really surprised at how small and intimate it was. Our seats were on the right side on the aisle, row K and they were great. You could literally feel the excitement in the air. Even though I already knew it, I could tell I was definitely in for an amazing experience. (And just a warning- I might overuse the words “great”, “brilliant” “amazing”, and “cool”.)
Act I
Overture – An amazing way to start off the show. It was very cool and interesting when the scrims went up one by one and slowly revealed the full orchestra on-stage. All of the musicians seemed into it and enthusiastic and the trumpet (?) solo was particularly good.
May We Entertain You – The kids are absolutely adorable and Sami Gayle is SO cute/talented. I couldn’t get over the fact how much Sami and Emma looked like Leigh Ann and Laura. And then it happened. This is the part when Andrew becomes a fangirl and starts freaking out. “Sing out, Louise!” And there she was. She walked by me. And I died. Literally the moment she opened her mouth, the audience erupted in applause and I was just in absolute shock and awe that I was actually seeing Patti LuPone. I couldn’t stop smiling and I still don’t think it’s completely hit me yet. I don’t know if it ever will. Oh, and the balloon popping at the end totally wins.
Some People – I died again. End of story.
Some People (reprise) – Such a funny and clever scene. I just felt like including it here because I loved it so much.
Small World – Boyd Gaines got good (but late) entrance applause. Patti was great in this scene, hamming it up every chance she got and Boyd seemed to love every second of it. Not a huge surprise, but the chemistry between the two of them was fantastic.
Baby June and Her Newsboys – Once again, the kids were absolutely adorable. The stuff Rose was doing in the background in the beginning was hilarious. I was amazed at some of the stuff Sami Gayle was doing and the audience was definitely eating it up. The transformation with the strobe light in this scene was also incredible. I heard a lot of gasping when this started and there was some scattered applause.
Have an Eggroll, Mr. Goldstone – Leigh Ann Larkin is great as the snobby, bitchy, spoiled, and bratty June. The birthday party was also very funny. When Rose comes out with the cake and they all sing “Happy Birthday” and June finishes it with the high note was great (even though Rose said it was “flat” :P. Anyway, this song was a lot of fun. My favorite part was probably when they were throwing all the food and stuff at him and Rose goes “Have a Goldstone, Mr. Eggroll”.
Little Lamb – So heartbreaking and beautiful. This was the first time I ever heard the song, so I don’t have any other interpretations to compare it to, but Laura did a beautiful job and her voice is gorgeous. There were some parts where you could tell she was trying to hold back tears.
You’ll Never Get Away From Me – The chemistry shines again and it’s just brilliant. The dancing part was great and when they fell over and crawled around on the floor was hilarious.
Dainty June and Her Farmboys – It was so funny seeing them do almost the same routine in the beginning that they’ve been doing for years, with the exception of different costumes and scenery. When Dainty June came busting (quite literally) limb by limb through the straw was hysterical and this song pretty much confirmed my love for Leigh Ann Larkin. My absolute favorite part (besides Caroline the Cow) was when Rose would nonchalantly walk on stage with various animals and plop them down and just continue walking. I almost peed myself. The “big finish” was also great and HOLY CRAP Leigh Ann Larkin! Her voice gives me goosebumps. The thing with the steam was also very funny and the return of the bald eagle was brilliant.
If Momma Was Married – Love, love, love it. It is definitely one of my favorite parts of the show. I loved it when Louise walked over to the phone, picked it up and went “no” and then hung it up. I also loved it when June was talking about the act and how she hated the “costuuuumes”. The expression on her face was priceless and then she goes, “I didn’t mean it about the costuuuuumes.” That whole thing basically blew me away (although, I do have to admit, she can tone the anger down a bit). Both Laura and Leigh Ann were great in this scene and also had terrific chemistry. I loved the contrast between Louise’s optimism and June’s pessimism. Leigh Ann’s Fanny Brice impression was also quite amazing.
All I Need Is the Girl – So cute. I thought Pearce was great as Tulsa and was a terrific dancer and had a great voice, as well. Laura’s reactions were priceless and heartbreaking at the same time.
Everything’s Coming Up Roses – The moment I was waiting for and Ms. Patti did not disappoint. I pretty much died for the third time. As soon as I saw the train station set come rolling out, I got excited and started hitting my mom. After seeing her knock it out on the Tony’s, it was just absolutely incredible to watch her do her thing live. The passion in her performance (in this number particularly) was incredible. Boyd and Laura were also great with their subtle reactions while they watched her. Thunderous applause started even before she was finished with the last note and lasted until well after the curtain fell.
Act II
Madame Rose’s Toreadorables – Laura in this scene absolutely cracks me up. Between her unenthusiasm (is that a word?), ridiculous blonde wig, her hilarious attempt at a cartwheel, her split (or should I sat sit?), and baton twirling (if you can even call it that), it was just so funny.
Together Wherever We Go – This is one of my favorite moments in the show. The chemistry between the three of them is amazing and they definitely play off of each other throughout the whole song. They seemed like they were having so much fun, and it’s such a fun song anyway. I did notice though, when Louise is supposed to go “we both sing B flat” Laura flubbed and started to say “we all sing B flat” but caught herself. I just love this song so much. I want to see the show again mainly just for this, because I heard they never do it the same way every time.
You Gotta Get A Gimmick – Oh My God. This is another one of my favorite moments and so hysterically ridiculous. When Marilyn trudged out as Electra, someone near me said “she looks like she’s high!” and I couldn’t put it in a better way. She looked absolutely trashed. The three of them are just absolutely brilliant. There really isn’t more I can say about it. It was just pure brilliance.
The Strip – The scene beforehand was so heartbreaking, mainly because of Laura’s reactions to what Rose was throwing at her. Rose’s desperation was pretty terrifying and definitely believable. Herbie’s freak out and fight with Rose was brilliant. You couldn’t help but feel sorry for Rose no matter what kind of a person she was. I almost wanted to ask Boyd how his hand was after he slammed it on the table. Geez. You could definitely sense Louise’s insecurity and apprehension when she came with the dress. It’s just a beautiful moment, especially when she goes over to the mirror and sees herself for the first time. Her transformation throughout the scene was incredible. I was surprised at how funny it was going to be, but after researching a bit on Gypsy Rose Lee after I got home, she was known for her witty sayings and humor during her performances. And the fight between Rose and Louise. Wow. It was like Louise was a completely different person. She WAS Gypsy Rose Lee. Louise didn’t even exist anymore. It was really shocking to see that and witness the change.
Rose’s Turn – The moment when Andrew died again. And again. And again. Repeatedly, over and over. I have never, in my entire theatre loving, show seeing life ever seen such a powerful performance. The range of emotions she went through in this song was breathtaking, shocking, and incredible. From sexy/flirty/fun, to lost/bewildered/sad, to psychotic and angry… it was just too amazing for words. I don’t think I will ever witness a more thrilling experience as this song alone was. It was INSANE and I loved every minute of it. I was a little upset that there wasn’t a standing ovation after it, but there was one woman who stood up on the very left side in the front row, and Patti walked over to her and flashed her a bit of leg. It was priceless. Just like with the fight with Herbie, you couldn’t help but feel for Rose when Louise leaves her behind, laughing, and her name in lights comes back down, she reaches for it, but the lights go out slowly, one by one. I know the ending was changed for this revival and I don’t know who it was done in the past, but I think this ending was extremely powerful and very moving.
Curtain Call – Standing ovation started immediately after the lights came back up and it was very well deserved. The entire cast is so talented, strong, and solid. I don’t think there is one weak link in the entire cast. I couldn’t stop smiling, especially after Leigh Ann and Pearce came out, after that I was grinning ear to ear. The entire orchestra was on its feet by the time Laura and Boyd came out and unsurprisingly, the audience went wild when Patti came out. It was a great end to an experience I will never, ever forget.
We didn't really stagedoor, because it was after a Wednesday matinee and they have a show that night, so I didn't expect anyone to come out. We did, however, stay for a little bit just in case, but the guy came out and said that Patti, Boyd, and Laura won't be coming out. We had to make it to a duck tour thing we bought tickets to anyway, so we were sort of in a rush.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Thanks for reading and I'm SO sorry again for the extremely long wait! :)
*Coming up next, a review of the performances at Broadway in Bryant Park on August 7, 2008*
While you wait for that review, here is a link to my Photobucket with all my pictures:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/flipfellax1/NYC%202008
Password: iheartnyc2008
"I have this mental image of Patti barreling down the street and pushing tourists out of her way." -colleen_lee
Updated On: 8/10/08 at 01:21 AM
