Director’s cut: Hearing ‘Gypsy’ songs in context
Gypsy is one of those musicals that has become a classic.
The original production was overshadowed by the presence of Ethel Merman who called the shots vetoing a young Stephen Sondheim as both composer and lyricist. Instead, Jule Styne came into to collaborate with Sondheim on this great score.
Over the years Rosalind Russell, Angela Lansbury, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone have all put their mark on Madame Rose. Rumor has it that Streisand is looking to film a remake in the near future.
Why the fascination with Gypsy Rose Lee, queen of the strip tease? Fashioning the book suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, writer Arthur Laurents wrote a script about the stage mother of all stage mothers emphasizing the folly of trying to live your life through your children and ultimately your children become responsible for the parent. Serious stuff for a musical comedy written in 1959.
If you think you know the songs, wait till you experience them in context. The innocence of “may we entertain you” turns into the suggestive, “Let me Entertain You.” “Together” becomes a bonding song between mother, boyfriend and daughter. The optimism of “Everything’s coming up Roses,” reveals a dark obsession. “Small World” is a song of seduction as Rose tries to get another thing that she wants.
We are lucky to have such a talented cast, musicians, crew and producers to help bring this musical life.