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Published on 8/10/08
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Wow. Wow. Wow. The Broadway revival of Gypsy, starring the astonishing Patti LuPone, has now arrived at the—wow—at the St. James Theatre, and from the moment the—wow. Sorry, but: wow. There are times when a critic can calmly analyze the assets and demerits of a production; and there are other times, thrilling and rare, when a show slaps the sense clean out of him, and when the proper reaction is awe, delight and gratitude. This Gypsy is a stunner: an achievement that no one who loves musicals, no one who loves theater, no one at all should miss.
Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s 1959 masterpiece, based on the life of superstar stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, is the kind of show that makes hyperbole come true: It begins with one of the greatest overtures in Broadway history, and goes uphill from there. This production, directed by Laurents himself in a heightened style, delivers on all counts. It has the vim, guts and humor of a classic Broadway musical, artfully darkened by irony and psychological shading; it has a superb supporting cast, led by the impeccable Laura Benanti as Louise, the tomboy turned sexpot, and Boyd Gaines as Herbie, her doormat of an agent; and above all it has LuPone as Rose, the ferociously ambitious stage mother who domineers Gypsy from start to finish. This is the King Lear of musical-theater roles, and she inhabits it with breathtaking fullness and complexity. LuPone is giving the performance of a lifetime here: not just her lifetime, but Rose’s, and those of many in the audience as well. When she takes her bows—to earthshaking applause—it is as though the golden age of Broadway vitality were taking its curtain call. See Gypsy now. We may never see its like again.
Carlos
Fri, May 23, at 02:19pm
OMG... Gypsy was amazing, i had the opportunity to view it on spring break and everything is excellent..... and thank God big hats haven't gone out of style lol...
Glenn
Fri, Apr 18, at 09:44am
truly deserving TONY's 6 stars
Glenn
Fri, Apr 18, at 09:43am
unbelievable evening
Steve Halpern
Thu, Apr 03, at 06:00pm
Happens I was at the matinee yesterday... are you limited to six stars?? Pity! It was a splendid performance. After Rose's Turn finale.., I was in awe. What a magnificent performer/perfomance/production. I could not believe Patti does 2 a day ?!?!
pat
Thu, Apr 03, at 03:08pm
I have seen many, many broadway shows, and this is by far one of the worst I have ever seen. The first act was no better than a high school production.
pat
Thu, Apr 03, at 01:38pm
I have seen many, many Broadway shows and this is by far one of the worst I have ever seen. I have seen better high school productions. The first act was just awful, and the second was just a bit better, but to say it is a show of which "we never may see its like again" I can only say I hope that IS true.!
Ummm
Mon, Mar 31, at 10:23am
Talk about ridiculous writing from a critic. Was it a passable production of a great show? yes. was it this good? absolutely not. if you call what patti lupone is doing on that stage acting, i may need to refer you to the school for schmacting - http://schoolforschmacting.blogspot.com
Bill
Sun, Mar 30, at 05:14pm
One of the 5 best pieces I have ever seen on Broadway in the past 35 years including the Brian Denehey "Death of a Salesman." It is what opera was meant to be: All the arts come together seamlessly and complementarily so that the whole (singing, acting, music, direction, silences, deep emotions) is from start to finish a whole, no part irrelevant to any other. A straight and sure arrow. Especially Rose (and I do not say "Patti" because there is only Rose on that stage when Patti plays her).
Ben
Sat, Mar 29, at 09:16am
LuPone was STUNNING.
Tony
Sat, Mar 29, at 09:16am
Along with August Osage County, the best show this season.
David
Sat, Mar 29, at 09:14am
It was the best Gypsy I've ever seen. And I've seen a LOT.
Bwayg
Sat, Mar 29, at 09:14am
Amazing amazing show.
derrick
Sat, Mar 29, at 09:13am
I loved the show.
gredd
Sat, Mar 29, at 09:13am
FanTASTIC show.
Tristan
Fri, Mar 28, at 10:06pm
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Kevin
Fri, Mar 28, at 08:05pm
There are times when a critic should get you head out of Patti LuPone's as*. This show is not that good.
