It’s off to Scotland’s theatre in the hills for the opening of the season with a musical, none other than the 1959 classic Gypsy. A collaboration between Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents, it boasts some of the best gutsy songs in the business.
Always great to see this classic revived.
Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, it focuses on the stage mother from hell, Mama Rose, the role immortalised by Ethel Merman who was closely involved in the creation of the musical. Mama Rose drags her two daughters round a series of vaudeville dives, refusing to acknowledge they are no longer children, dressing them up as infants to participate in shows that no longer appeal to audiences. All her attention is on older sister June at the expense of younger Louise, a situation which is loathed by both siblings - both escape in their own ways, June eloping with a dancer and Louise turning to the world of burlesque becoming an established exotic dancer.
Shona White takes on the central role of Mama Rose steam rolling her way through everyone’s lives but not neglecting to show the odd chink in the mother’s armour. She delivers those unforgettable songs with brio. There is that poignant sense of irony as she sings Everything’s Coming Up Roses. Director Ben Occipinti has imbued the production with a hint of `let’s do the show right here’, with a whirling revolve to indicate the change of venue on the touring circuit. Although in PFT’s main auditorium, it limits the use of the whole stage with the band in one wing and actors in the other.
With a large complement of actor/musicians, it is all important to play to the individual performer’s strengths. While not expecting total mastery of both forms, a few weaknesses are thrown up in moving from one to the other amongst some of the cast.
It certainly has its moments, and it is always great to see this classic revived.
