Gypsy

Inspired by the memoir of Gypsy Rose Lee, ‘Gypsy’ tells the story of Rose’s dreams and determination to get her two daughters into show business.  ‘Gypsy’ has enjoyed many revivals and it is not one that is often performed by amateurs but I take my hat off to MLO for creatively bringing this production to the stage and maximising space in the auditorium which provided greater engagement with the audience.  In the dominant role of Momma Rose the mother of all stage mothers, Mairi Coyle commanded the stage in what was a truly outstanding and flawless performance delivered through intense dramatic characterisation and powerful delivery of the musical numbers with a true belief that ‘Everything’s Coming up Roses’.  Bethany Markey portrayed Rose’s talented darling daughter of vaudeville Baby June, with Alyssa Young cast as sister Baby Louise, who was tossed aside by Rose in favour of June.  Amy Fagan played the older June who was eventually whisked away from her domineering mother to pastures new by Tulsa, ably played by David O’Brien, which then resulted in Rose projecting Louise, into centre stage as the ‘Let Me Entertain You’ sultry, sassy, stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, brilliantly and effortlessly performed by Jennifer Greenhill.  Gary Young provided a fine performance as Rose’s henpecked love interest Herbie and Gypsy’s theatre agent.  I had forgotten how well-known some of the numbers are from the show including ‘Small World’ (Rose), ‘Together Wherever We Go’ (Rose, Herbie and Louise) but one of the highlights for me was fellow strippers Tessie, Mazeppa, and Electra, performed by Hannah Robinson, Jenny Keegan and Frankie Johnson in their sassy delivery of ‘You Gotta Get a Gimmick’.  Those in supporting roles each added to the overall drama with musical numbers well-presented and choregraphed.  This was a most enjoyable show which was further echoed by the audience through their response and which I am sure cast, production team and all associated with MLO must be pleased with.

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