Tony award-winning ‘Gypsy’ graces the OSTC stage

Don Fowler
Posted 7/16/15

Based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, “Gypsy,” the Tony Award-winning musical is getting a good showing at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company, thanks to some tight direction and …

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Tony award-winning ‘Gypsy’ graces the OSTC stage

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Based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, “Gypsy,” the Tony Award-winning musical is getting a good showing at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company, thanks to some tight direction and choreography by Russell Garrett and a strong portrayal of Mama Rose by OSTC’s Artistic Director Amiee Turner.

While not my favorite musical (I find it a bit dated and weak in the first act), the stronger second act and the music make up for a lot.

The long first act centers on the ultimate stage mother, Mama Rose, and her control over her daughter, Baby June, while sister Baby Louise stays unnoticed in the background.

We have to sit through a few amateur tongue-in-cheek performances by the shrilly childhood performers as they try to make it in vaudeville.

When Baby Rose grows up and realizes that she’s not that talented or that young, she runs off and marries, leaving Mama Rose to work on the uninterested and untalented Louise. Louise unknowingly ends up in a burlesque show, and the rest is history.

The musical zeroes in on the relationship between Louise and her mother, leaving us with a poignant ending.

In the role made famous by Ethel Merman, Turner brings a less brassy approach to the main character. While you don’t like what she is doing to her children, you at least understand her and care for her.

Christopher Swan makes for a sympathetic Herbie, her adoring agent who allows Rose to push him to the breaking point. And there is a breaking point.

“Gypsy” has some good music by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, including “Some People,” “Small World” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” all given strong performances by Turner.

The most memorable tune in the musical is “May We Entertain You,” which may get on your nerves.

Kristen Weatherington is most convincing as the plain Louise, who blossoms into a beauty as Gypsy Rose Lee.

While not the greatest musical to come out of Broadway, it will entertain you and you should have a very good time.

“Gypsy” is at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., through August 2. Tickets are $39-$54. Call 921-6800 for reservations.

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