GYPSY is, without doubt, one of the greatest ever Broadway musicals, a showcase for Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s superb songs and the rousing vaudeville routines originated by Jerome Robbins.
It needs a powerful performance in the marathon role of the stage mother from hell, and in this truly wonderful production, Cindy Wells’ vocal expression and attack tear into the character with a vengeance that shows just why Mama Rose is, despite all the knocks, one of life’s dynamic survivors. When she sings Everything’s Coming Up Roses you just know that, for her, it really will.
But this is far from being a one-star show, and I would defy anyone to find a weak link in a cast that includes such gems as Syd Young’s gentle Herbie, Andrea Young’s sassy June, Georgina Smith’s blossoming Louise and Nick Hayes’ outstanding Tulsa. And I can guarantee that you won’t forget the striking gimmick-laden routine of burlesque performers Tessie Tura (Jane White), Mazeppa (Tracey Challen) and Electra (Elaine Hamper).
Nor will you forget the appealing youngsters who play the adults as children, the equally appealing four-legged Chowsie (played by a very self-assured Barney) and the beautiful, specially made costumes that are the glittering highlight of a brilliant show at which, to paraphrase June, you’ll have a real good time.