Revered as one of the greatest book musicals ever written Gypsy, based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, and with collaborators Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim is rarely performed except on Broadway due to the demands of the role of Mama Rose, which has been played first by Ethel Merman, and also to acclaim by Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters and most recently Patti Lupone. Films have starred Rosalind Russell and Bette Midler (TV), and there's another theatrical one still in the works for Barbra Streisand. The stage mother to end all stage mothers is a monster role to play. She's on stage 95% of the show and must act, sing and dance 150%; there's no faking this one. In a daring production for Equity Waiver, West Coast Ensemble (WCE) is now presenting Gypsy, half a century after it first opened in New York in 1959. Jan Sheldrick has the role of Rose and she runs with it, acting up a storm, giving it her best shot. Under Richard Israel's skilled direction, the production is somewhat flawed, but overall impressive with its very strong rendering on a smaller stage.
West Coast Ensemble presents GYPSY, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents, musical direction by Johanna Kent, choreography by John Todd and directed by Richard Israel.
West Coast Ensemble presents GYPSY, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents, musical direction by Johanna Kent, choreography by John Todd and directed by Richard Israel.
West Coast Ensemble presents GYPSY, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents, musical direction by Johanna Kent, choreography by John Todd and directed by Richard Israel.
Rona Barrett, the first to bring Entertainment Reporting to TV and original cast member of 'Good Morning America', as well as hosting numerous star interview TV specials for ABC and NBC, will return to the spotlight and appear in a one-woman show, 'Rona Barrett: Nothing But The Truth', premiering at The Payley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, on Thursday June 17th, 2010.
Rona Barrett, the first to bring Entertainment Reporting to TV and original cast member of 'Good Morning America', as well as hosting numerous star interview TV specials for ABC and NBC, will return to the spotlight and appear in a one-woman show, 'Rona Barrett: Nothing But The Truth', premiering at The Payley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, on Thursday June 17th, 2010.
There are less than 2 weeks left for Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The seven-time Tony Award winning musical that became the longest running show on Broadway is on stage through April 5. Tickets range from $34 to $57 and include Chef Odell Ward's dinner buffet and the show. Parking is free. For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664. For complete schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.
