Gypsy is based on the actual memoirs of the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee,
but this particular story makes a focus on her mother, Rose.
Rose, who I like to describe as a 'momager' to the extreme,
will stop at nothing to bring her children, June and Louise, to fame.
will stop at nothing to bring her children, June and Louise, to fame.
Choreographing a few [terrible, but hilarious] musical acts, she grabs a couple of outsiders as well as Lousie
to make up an ensemble to center around Baby June, who, in her eyes, is the 'star of the family.'
to make up an ensemble to center around Baby June, who, in her eyes, is the 'star of the family.'
June becomes frazzled with the constant pushing and takes off.
An unfortunate circumstance for Rose to realize she has a second daughter,
but nonetheless, she grabs Louise and seizes the opportunity to make her into a star.
There is always a buzz about big shows coming to the West End,
but I have never heard so much praise for a performance than for Imelda Staunton as Mama Rose.
Obviously I had to see for myself to make sure they were right.
And yes. They were right.
Imelda Staunton is loud, raucous, and determined.
She lit up the stage with energy and carried the show beautifully.
Her performance of Rose's Turn is one of my favorite performance I've seen.
STUNNING.
Lara Pulver takes on the role of Louise
and makes the beautiful transfer from a shy and untalented daughter
into the fierce, confident, and grown-up Gypsy Rose Lee.
The ensemble was fantastic as well.
It was a different set up than I had seen,
where each of the ensemble only made a major appearance in one act.
The show was extremely centralized, with Imelda and Lara on stage more on their own
than with others.
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This is possibly the hottest ticket in town right now,
and I think it's going to stay that way for a while.
They are pretty pricey, but day seats are available for £25 at the box office.
I was a little weary - I will admit, I am a stalls lover when it comes to the theatre.
I like to sit on the floor, and normally quite close.
I like to sit on the floor, and normally quite close.
These seats are in the upper circle, so I was very hesitant.
BUT the seats were absolutely fantastic!
I enjoy sitting close because I love the connection you can get with the performance;
you can see facial expressions, little movements and things you may not catch from farther away.
In the Savoy Theatre, though, I didn't miss a thing.
I did not feel as far away as I initially thought I was, and felt right in the action.
Which is very telling of both the theatre as well as the performers.
Simply wonderful.
To sum it up,
SEE THIS SHOW!
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Gypsy runs at the Savoy Theatre.
Performances run Tuesday - Saturday 7:30PM with matinees Wednesday & Saturday 2:30P.
The running time for this show is approximately 2 hours 50 minutes with one interval.