Gypsy, A Musical Fable
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music By Jule Styne
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Produced by Theatre Arlington
Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
I love, love, LOVE Theatre Arlington! Every time I attend a production there, I feel right at home with everyone's hospitality and their performances are always top notch! And Gypsy is no exception to their commitment to greatness. There are so many wonderful things to say about Theatre Arlington, it's difficult to know where to start, but allow me to list a few, in no particular order: 1. Fantastic play selections, 2. Extremely talented artists and performers, 3. A modern, chic and friendly environment with plenty of accessibility for every patron, 4. A live band with musical theatre productions, and 5. Every production is devoted to excellence!
Gypsy, A Musical Fable is based on the memoir of "Rose Louise Hovik", aka Gypsy Rose Lee. In this script, she is primarily referred to as Louise, who is marvelously portrayed by Presley Duyck. The musical focuses on the life of Rose (played by Brandy Raper) and her two daughters, June (played by Tilda Grace) and Louise. Rose was abandoned by her own mother as a young girl, and seeks fame, fortune, and validation, first by way of her daughter, June, then, later, by way of her daughter, Louise. She will stop at nothing to get it-- even pushing three different husbands out the door, if they dared to challenge her! It would seem that Rose is set on creating a better life for her children than the one she had for herself in sleepy Seattle, but we have to wonder if her daughters are really her main priority. When June makes a life altering decision to leave her mother's desires behind and seek her own opportunities, Rose quickly shifts her focus to Louise, pursuing stardom for her second, less alluring daughter. When their traveling vaudeville show finds itself in a burlesque theater, the budding Louise is both intrigued and fearful of her new environment. With finances tight and fortune low, Rose abandons her morals and sacrifices young Louise's innocence and integrity, as a means to survive, disregarding the wisdom of Louise's talent agent, Herbie, (played by Equity actor Brian Hathaway,) who is also Rose's fiancé.
I use the term "fiancé" lightly, because truthfully speaking, Rose has strung Herbie along throughout the course of their time together. It is only in her desperation to survive that Rose finally breaks down and agrees to marry Herbie. The emotional pain and fear of abandonment have left Rose suspicious of any man's true affections for her, and this is evident in Raper's skillful depiction of her. Raper beautifully embraces Rose's passionate temperament and need for validation, while also revealing her wounds and trepidation toward anyone who does genuinely love her.
Rose's decision to manipulate Louise in such a selfish way, leads to an explosive scene between Herbie and Rose. While normally a peace-maker, Herbie finally draws the line with Rose. Hathaway's interpretation of Herbie is one of a man with several mixed emotions about his relationship and partnership with his sweetheart. Hathaway makes it clear that Herbie has grown to really love Rose and her daughters, but recognizes the conflict that exists between them when it comes to Rose's controlling nature and Herbie's tendency to cave-in. Hathaway prudently uses charming and soothing tactics to express affection and win over his counter-part, but turns to obstinance and firmness in such a way that he appears to be slamming her against the wall with his words, when she has finally gone too far. This comes as a surprise to Rose, as well as the audience! Hathaway effectively transforms his character abruptly and drastically, catching us off guard, but giving Herbie the undivided attention that he so desperately deserves.
Theatre Arlington brings us an incredible production of Gypsy- A Musical Fable that is beautifully tragic and epically unforgettable! Executive Producer/Director Steven D. Morris has selected a compelling cast of sensational performers and set the tone for a striking story with a powerful message about survival and security. It is one that you surely don't want to miss! Ticket information can be found at theatrearlington.org.
Audience Rating: M for Mature audiences only, for strong language, sexuality and mature content
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not available
Noises and Sounds to Prepare For: Strobe lights used
Y'all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
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