Patti's Turn

LuPone nails the role of Mama Rose in the City Center's production of "Gypsy"

by Lenna King

October 16, 2007

 
Critic's Rating:
4

Patti's Turn
LuPone thrills as a classic overbearing stage mother in City Center's "Gypsy" (Credit: helenedavispr.com)
Few musicals have enjoyed as many successful, first-class incarnations as “Gypsy.” Ethel Merman helmed the original Broadway production in 1959, and three major stage revivals followed: Angela Lansbury headlined the first, in 1974; Tyne Daly (and her replacement, Linda Lavin) took to the stage in 1989; and, most recently, Bernadette Peters starred in the 2003 Shubert production directed by Sam Mendes. “Gypsy” was also adapted into a 1962 motion picture with Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood, and a made-for-TV movie with Bette Midler and Cynthia Gibb in 1993.

The current, and much lauded, manifestation has taken up residence at City Center and features an indomitable Patti LuPone in the role of Mama Rose, alongside a definitive supporting cast—all under the deft direction of Arthur Laurents, who penned the musical's book. (It was adapted from the memoirs of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee.)

LuPone, known for her passionate and often manic character portrayals, was clearly born to play this role—one that's become synonymous with one of the ultimate theater stereotypes: the overbearing stage mother. She's stunning, unrelenting, grotesque, and her prodigious voice alone brings a new level of power and emotion to Jule Styne's music and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics.

Joining LuPone is Boyd Gaines, who plays Rose's broken-down, ulcer-ridden agent and lover, Herbie. His pleasing, sexy baritone, though heard only during a few duets, proves a striking complement to LuPone's signature booming belt. This Herbie, slender and cowering, is wholly ensnared by Rose just as we are, and we, too, feel deserted when he finally walks out in the end. Equally pleasing is Laura Benanti as shrinking violet Louise, who seamlessly morphs into the scintillating striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee.

Bestowing the character of Dainty June with a husky voice and surly demeanor is Lee Ann Larkin (her younger self is played by a fearless Sami Gayle), desperate to slough off her bubblegum persona. Though at times she makes almost gratuitous attempts to market herself as a seductive woman, we see musical theater talent at work when she is joined by Benanti for a stunning rendition of "If Momma was Married."

Ultimately, the success of this production lies in LuPone's ability to create a character whom audiences will both revile and feel for—and in her ability to shine while sharing the stage with the skilled supporting cast. Run, if you can, to the box office and beg for a ticket, which is extremely hard to come by for this limited run.

"Gypsy" kicks off City's Center's Encores! Summer Stars series. Through July 29. Running time: 2 hours 45 minutes

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