Gypsy: A Musical Fable is a classic American musical known for its powerful characters and exploration of ambition, fame, and the complexities of family.
Loosely based on the memoirs of burlesque artist Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical delves deeper into the story of her ambitious stage mother, Rose. The project came about in the late 1950s when producer David Merrick secured the rights to Lee's memoirs and sought a creative team. Arthur Laurents penned the book, Jule Styne composed the music, and Stephen Sondheim delivered the iconic lyrics.
Debuting on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy became an instant hit, particularly due to Ethel Merman's powerhouse performance as Rose. It has enjoyed numerous successful revivals on Broadway and internationally, featuring legendary actresses like Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Patti LuPone and Bernadette Peters.
The show centers around Rose Hovick, a domineering stage mother who pushes her daughters, Louise and June, into the world of vaudeville. Obsessed with achieving stardom for her children, particularly Louise, Rose's relentless pursuit takes a toll on their personal lives and her own sanity. As Louise struggles to find her own voice and path, the story explores themes of sacrifice, manipulation, and the dark side of ambition.
Gypsy is known for its unforgettable songs like "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Rose's Turn," a showstopping ballad that lays bare Rose's vulnerabilities and desperation.
If you're looking for a musical that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, Gypsy is a must-see. It's a captivating story about the lengths people go to for fame and the enduring power of family bonds.
Tony Awards and Nominations for GYPSY
| Year | Category | |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Best Musical | |
| 1990 | Best Revival | Winner |
| 2003 | Best Revival of a Musical | |
| 2008 | Best Revival of a Musical |
SUBMIT UPDATES
News About GYPSY at Toby's Dinner Theatre
Judy Kuhn, Kerstin Anderson, Perry Sherman & More to Star in UNKNOWN SOLDIER D.C. Premiere
February 20, 2024The cast and creative team has been revealed for Unknown Soldier at Arena Stage. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Theatre Life with Sophia Manicone
April 03, 2023Today’s subject Sophia Manicone is currently living her theatre life on Broadway playing Iola Stover in the acclaimed revival of Parade. The show’s limited engagement, which stars Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, runs through August sixth at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. The production marks Sophia’s Broadway debut after playing this same role at New York City Center a few months prior.
Cast Announced for RIDE THE CYCLONE DC Premiere at Arena Stage
December 28, 2022Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announced the cast for the D.C. premiere of Ride the Cyclone. Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater will be transformed into somewhere between earth and—well, not earth—when Ride the Cyclone plays from January 13 – February 19, 2023.
Video Exclusive: Nova Y. Payton Performs 'Children Will Listen' in INTO THE WOODS at Signature Theatre
December 01, 2022Watch an exclusive video of Nova Y. Payton singing 'Children Will Listen' Signature Theatre's production of Into the Woods!
Video: First Look at INTO THE WOODS at Signature Theatre
November 16, 2022Get a first look at footage from Signature Theatre's Into the Woods! The production is directed and choreographed by Signature Theatre Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner and is the first of three Sondheim productions featured in Signature's 2022/23 season.
Photo Exclusive: First Look at INTO THE WOODS at Signature Theatre
November 16, 2022Get a first look at Signature Theatre's Into the Woods! The production is directed and choreographed by Signature Theatre Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner and is the first of three Sondheim productions featured in Signature's 2022/23 season.
VIDEO: Nova Y. Payton Sings 'Last Midnight' From INTO THE WOODS at Signature Theatre
November 15, 2022Signature Theatre's Into the Woods is now playing through January 29, 2023. Get a first look at Nova Y. Payton and The Signature Orchestra performing 'Last Midnight' in the video here!
VIDEO: Cast of Signature Theatre's INTO THE WOODS Rehearses Title Song
October 26, 2022Get a first look at the company of Signature Theatre's Into the Woods performing the title song from the show in rehearsal. The production will be directed and choreographed by Signature Theatre Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner and will be the first of three Sondheim productions featured in Signature's 2022/23 season.
Cast & Creative Team Announced for INTO THE WOODS at Signature Theatre
October 11, 2022Signature Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the musical Into the Woods with music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. Performances run November 8, 2022 – January 29, 2023 in Signature’s MAX Theatre.
Arena Stage Announces Virtual Audition Intensive
June 25, 2020Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has announced its newly created virtual audition intensive. Developed and led by Arena Stage's Community Engagement department, the online intensive prepares students and artists ages 16-22 for careers in theater with group and private coaching sessions in audition techniques.
Videos
 |
The Matchbox Magic Flute
Shakespeare Theatre Company (5/21 - 6/16) | |
 |
Funny Girl
Kennedy Center [Opera House] (6/25 - 7/14) | |
 |
Pasión y Fuego: The Music of Spain
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (6/15 - 6/15) CONCERT
PHOTOS
| |
 |
Mummy in the Closet: Evita's Return
GALA Hispanic Theatre (5/9 - 6/9) | |
|
Atlas Arts Lab presents Rex Daugherty's The Well
Atlas Performing Arts Center (6/7 - 6/7) | |
|
MJ
The National Theatre (8/13 - 9/8) | |
|
Dreamgirls
2nd Star Productions (5/31 - 6/29) | |
|
Rose: You Are Who You Eat
Woolly Mammoth Theatre (6/5 - 6/23) | |
|
Miami Madness
DC Arts Center (5/23 - 6/1) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||
Recommended For You
Get DC's #1 Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Washington, DC & beyond.
