Gypsy

Weston-Super-Mare Operatic Society you are certainly on a winning roll with both choices of shows and performances this year.

‘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. Known in 'the business' as America’s greatest musical, I believe due to the quality of the music (Jule 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 the Blakehay Theatre’ is either foolhardy or a stroke of genius. Possibly the recent success of the West End show at the small 'Savoy' theatre encouraged the production team that it  could be achieved. Although they couldn’t replicate the professional scenery, lighting and effects, 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 and perfect casting. The 4 piece combo of two keyboards, bass and percussion under the control of MD Matt Tilke accompanied the performers excellently, I was concerned that the very fast, very loud and not quite balanced overture would be reflected in the performance, but the performance sound and balance was perfect.

Was the very small playing area crowded at times? – Yes. Were the technical production angles of the show difficult to manage …set, props and lighting? Yes. But I think the crew worked very well under extreme difficulties in this small theatre with so many scene changes, so well done to you all. Did any problems detract from the excellence of the production? - No.

The direction and choreography Mike Purnell & Elizabeth Mount, and Carol Applegate – Day showed insight into the abilities of the  cast, utilizing and creating space when there was none! 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- Will Ferris, I am sure you are a very welcome new member of the Weston team, a super performance from a talented ‘song and dance hoofer’ very well done.  Herbie - Mike Allen, a beautifully understated performance always in the thrall of Rose but with a depth of love and understanding of her character, very well done.

Herbie- Mike Allen presented a beautifully understated Herbie, who loved, supported and  understood Rose in all her many guises. Well done

Dainty June- Felicity Berry, a superb dancer, singer, actor and also very beautiful… you have so many good roles to look forward to in amateur theatre, very well done.

Louise (Gypsy Rose Lee) – an outstanding sparkling performance from Clare Hunter, class acting, beautifully sung, with terrific insight into your character,  those final emotional scenes with Rose were electric and as dramatic as I have  seen! A super performance!

Rose- Roo Kapadia (and who I knew as Ruth Staple). Your performance was outstanding… the most complex character and 'I loved to hate her' … Ruth your performance was quite mesmerizing, I cannot fault it, you truly were ‘ROSE’ !

This brief report does not do justice to the entertainment I was served on Thursday 18th August. 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. Congratulations to the technical team who overcame obvious difficulties with staging and ensured the show progressed smoothly. Congratulations to the cast who must have worked long and hard to achieve this very high standard.

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

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