Oscar E Moore

To be perfectly clear.  Audra, as in McDonald.  Starring as Momma Rose, the very determined, very pushy stage mother dreaming of making her daughter June a star in Vaudeville while her sister Louise is all but ignored in this newest controversial revival of GYPSY.   A Momma Rose of a different color if you will.

Audra is a phenomenal actress.  Winning six Tony Awards.  Audra is a renowned singer.  Able to adjust her voice to fit the not altogether comfortable way we are used to hearing the famous tunes of Jule Stein in a fresh new way.  Risky.  Daring.  It took me a while to adjust but it all came together.  Just wait for Rose’s Turn.  I was patient.  You will cheer!

Her focused, detailed, dedicated powerhouse portrayal just might garner her a seventh Tony despite this very uneven, yet entertaining production directed by George C. Wolfe.

Next up we have Danny Burstein.  Herbie.  Traveling salesman who likes kids and for whatever reasons falls in love with Rose.  Herbie is a lovable cuddly mensch and can take Rose on face to face when needed – even with a sensuous kiss.  They are terrific together wherever they go.

Back to Audra.  From the onset she is always fussing with June and Louise.  Knowing exactly what is right to make June a star.  You get the impression that she believes that she would be a better performer.  That she is frustrated.  Her theatrical movements and inflections clue us in.  That she wants to be in the spotlight.  Fighting until she ultimately achieves her goal – thanks to the genius lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and strong book by Arthur Laurents.

And then there is Tulsa, brilliantly danced by Kevin Csolak who almost achieves the impossible of stopping the show with “All I Need Is the Girl” as a forlorn Louise (Jordan Tyson) looks on and eventually joins him beautifully.  Still playing second fiddle.  Well, it’s better than playing half a cow!

The best is yet to come.  Burlesque.  Strippers.  “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” performed by Lesli Margherita – Tessie Tura, Lili Thomas – Mazeppa and Mylinda Hull – Electra.

Pros one and all.  Mazeppa’s mouthpiece fell off her trumpet but did not fall into the pit.  She retrieved it graciously and continued as if nothing had happened.  What a pro!

And speaking of the pit.  There is a full live orchestra that starts the show with what should be a rousing overture.  I was so looking forward to this as almost every musical today does not have an Overture.  Sadly, I was disappointed as the sound did not seem to come from the pit.  But from large overhead speakers that distorted the real live sound.  It is not the sound that once was.  So much for progress.

After almost three hours we are back to the phenomenal Audra.  Finally venting all her dreams.  All her frustrations.  With “Rose’s Turn” – a pull all the stops out 11 o’clock number that has the audience cheering even before it is ended and then standing and cheering when finished.  And rightfully so.  Audra gives a majestic performance.  GYPSY is all about Audra.

At the Majestic Theatre.

NOTE: I saw GYPSY Wednesday January 8^th matinee – the actual birth date of Miss Gypsy Rose Lee.  Row K CENTER – Thank you!  CAUTION – if you are lucky enough and sit in Row K Beware – there is a step up and down when you leave.  Do not ruin an enjoyable time by tripping.

PHOTOS – Julieta Cervantes

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