Gypsy
Produced by MainStage Irving-Las Colinas
Reviewed by: Aubrey Tarantine
If you never had a stage mom, you’ve likely run into one. You know the mother I’m talking about. The one who wants the “best” for her kids and will go out of her way to ensure they get everything they (or perhaps she) wants, even if it means ruining another child’s chances at stardom. That’s Rose.
Rose is brash, unafraid, and she never knows when to stop. She wants her kids to be stars, but really what she wants is to be a star herself, so she pushes her kids to fulfill the dreams she had but could never see through. That’s the story we’re taken through in Gypsy, which is a musical that is based on Gypsy Rose Lee’s life, who was an American burlesque entertainer famous for her striptease act.
Rose, who is played by Mary Gilbreath Grim, is determined to see her daughters be famous, and that drive, determination, and absolute audacity comes through perfectly with Grim. When Grim enters the stage the audience feels the pulsating nerves, awkward anticipation, and grind of a mother who must come out on top. Additionally, Grim consistently brings powerhouse vocals to every single song, and it is truly an honor to hear.
To soar her daughters, Dainty June and Louise into fame, Rose creates a traveling vaudeville act. In the beginning of the musical, we’re introduced to the younger versions of Dainty June and Louise, Baby June and Baby Louise. We watch Baby June, played by Sophie Rose Kirkham, and Baby Louise, played by Kira Trees, as they go through the act their mother created for the first time, and both actors were clearly perfectly cast in their roles and I caught myself thinking, “I sincerely hope they never stop Theatre.” Shortly, in the first act we meet their older versions, Dainty June, played by Danielle Smith and Louise, played by Sydney Hamil. We also meet their agent/Rose’s romantic interest, Herbie, played by Patrick Persons.
The thing about Dainty June and Louise is that they don’t stay young forever, and they certainly don’t want to forever be roaming around with their mother directing their every move. They long for something new, and for their mother to find her own way in life. We experience their frustration in the song, “If Momma was Married.” Smith and Hamil are wonderful in this number together; with harmonies in sync, their voices melded together beautifully.
As their journey continues, Dainty Jane and Louise become acquainted with a few dancers, including Tessie Tura, played by Megan Kelly Bates, Electra, played by Mary-Margaret Pyeatt, and Mazeppa, played by Stephanie Felton, all of whom are so much fun to watch, bringing charismatic energy to the stage. Meeting these energetic performers, aides Louise in transitioning from a shy, mousy girl to a confident burlesque dancer. This type of dramatic switch can be hard to nail down correctly, but Hamil does so flawlessly, taking up all the space on the stage, and showing the audience how it’s done.
MainStage Irving-Las Colinas brings us a phenomenal production of Gypsy, capturing the spirit of each character and executing sensational musical numbers; showcasing talent beyond our expectations! Don’t miss your chance to see Gypsy, before she’s gone.
Audience Rating: PG-13 (striptease, language)
Accessible seating: Yes
Hearing Devices Available: Yes
Sensory Friendly Showing: No
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Know About: Yes – Strobe Lights
Be Well,
Aubrey
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