Gypsy

For North Ormesby Minstrels this week, everything certainly was coming up roses with their latest production of ‘Gypsy’ at the Trinity Centre in Ormesby.

‘Gypsy’ the musical was first performed in 1959 and long after other musicals have languished in the back of the cupboard, given the treatment I saw on Thursday,  ‘Gypsy’ was  fresh and pertinent today.

With the amazing  quality of the music (Julie Styne) and the lyrics (Stephen Sondheim), but also because of the well drawn, well remembered characters and story.… what thespian hasn’t at one time or another called a pushy amateur 'show biz' mother a 'Madam Rose'.

To attempt 'Gypsy' at any Theatre is always a risk but the Minstrels took that challenge head on in the Trinity Centre.  Although they couldn’t replicate the professional scenery, their simple yet very affective use of props and amazing costume more than made up for it, Lighting was very effective and I especially loved the light bulb pros arch they made.  An amazingly talented cast presented a wonderful version of the musical which was enjoyed by 5 'sell out' audiences.

This show succeeded because of fine musicians, perfect casting and a great production team. The 12 piece orchestra under the expert hand of MD Matthew Allan accompanied the performers excellently, From the first note to the last note, the orchestra were amazing and really complimented the vocals, Never being too quiet or too loud ant any point in the show. Credit to the sound team.

With expert direction from Lesley Maenami and choreography from Ava Pemberton, nothing was too hard for this company. Utilizing and creating space when there was very little, the direction was sound and the dance interesting to watch.

The whole cast was very good, from the smallest cameo to the principal roles, from the youngest performer to the eldest, each performed with understanding, enthusiasm, talent  and skill, well done. I cannot name everyone but will comment briefly on principal performers…

Tulsa- George Maenami gave a super performance and is clearly a talented ‘song and dance’ performer. Well done.  Herbie – played by Garry Dring, a beautifully understated performance always in the thrall of Rose but with a depth of love and understanding of her character, very well done.

Dainty June was played by Hannah Burn who is a superb dancer, singer and actor. You have so many good roles to look forward to in amateur theatre, very well done.

Louise (Gypsy Rose Lee) – an outstanding performance from Helen Brooks with class acting, beautifully singing and a terrific insight into your character. Those final emotional scenes with Rose were electric and as dramatic as I have  seen! A powerful  performance!

Baby June in the performance I watched was played by Libby Bulman. What a powerhouse she is going to grow up to be! Such character and charisma. Well done Libby. I must also mention that I have heard equally great things about Rumer Holley who played the part on alternate performances.

Lucy Allan played the role of Baby Louise with such poise and character. All 3 girls surely have a great future in Musical Theatre.

The trio of Melissa Brant – Smith, Marie Turnbull and Emma Lonsdale had the audience in stitches with the iconic song ‘You Gotta Get A Gimmick’. Well done ladies.

Now, on to the lady herself, Mama Rose who for this production was portrayed effortlessly by Gina Hurwood. Your performance was outstanding… the most complex character and 'I loved to hate her' … Gina, your performance was quite amazing, You truly were ‘ROSE’!

This brief report does not do justice to the entertainment I watched. Congratulations to the production team who had the courage to go with this very ‘big’ musical in such a small venue and who presented excellent entertainment. To the technical team who overcame obvious difficulties with staging and ensured the show progressed smoothly. And to the cast who must have worked long and hard to achieve this very high standard.

My final note is to Jan Lewis. My wife was in awe that you actually made to measure a matching coat for Alfie who played the best part of Chowsie. The attention to detail in the whole show was fabulous.

Everyone should be proud… your standing ovation was well deserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.