Gypsy

From the first moments that the magnificent band strike up Jules Styne’s wonderful score for Gypsy for the overture you are transported into an exciting glamourous world of showbiz ambition and desire which hides an emotional and desperate need for recognition and acceptance amongst its aspiring stars. Rarely do such overtures grab you so strongly with the musical contrasts and set up the tale so well.

It is a story of contrasts and relationships and requires a cast that can not only deliver a tune (whether a powerful ballsy showstopper or a quieter emotional ballad) but also present the nuanced details that lie behind the words in the small reactions, looks and movements that bring the characters to life with depth and breadth. EBOS had a cast who delivered this, especially in the two central roles of Momma Rose and the eponymous Gypsy Rose Louise but with very good support from the rest.

There are so many showstopping moments when their relationships are changed and developed from Rose’s “Some People”, the revealing heartache of Louise’s “Little Lamb”, the wonderful Louise & June duet “if Momma was married”, the beautiful “ All I need is the girl”, the brilliant Act 1 finale “Everything’s coming up Roses”, the transformational trio of “Together wherever we go”, the hilarious “you gotta get a gimmick” and the heartbreaking “Rose’s turn”. Each takes us on Louise’s journey from the quiet young child in the background into the confident glamourous star centre stage  and despite the show’s long running time we are swept along by the wonderful performances of the Principals.

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