Patti LuPone headlines terrific "Gypsy" revival

Gypsy

By Frank Scheck

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - New York theater audiences haven't exactly been suffering from a paucity of productions of the classic musical "Gypsy" in recent years, but the current revival starring Patti LuPone demonstrates that, if done right, there can never be enough.

Previously seen in the summer in an acclaimed staging by Encores at City Center, this rendition directed by the show's book writer, Arthur Laurents, is as pleasurable as the last major production seen here -- directed by Sam Mendes and starring Bernadette Peters -- was disappointing.

Musical theater lovers can no doubt sing every song from Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's brilliant musical score by memory. Such numbers as "Some People," "Small World," "All I Need Is the Girl," "Rose's Turn" and of course "Everything's Coming Up Roses" are indelible.

Faithful to the 1959 Broadway production to the point of reproducing Jerome Robbins' original choreography, the show is modestly produced, featuring respectable if not particularly lavish scenery, but it gets the job done in every essential way.

It's not surprising that LuPone is a powerhouse in a role that, starting with Ethel Merman, has long provided a vehicle for divas of a certain age. Besides delivering the classic songs with tremendous vocal power, she also delivers a beautifully modulated performance as Rose that captures the character's humor as well as her fierceness.

Her tour de force rendition of "Rose's Turn" is one of the most memorable this critic has ever seen. During the standing ovation that immediately followed, she acknowledged the applause fully in character, in effect incorporating the audience into Rose's elaborate fantasy.

Boyd Gaines, who has established himself as one of Broadway's most invaluable performers -- he's already won three Tonys and will no doubt be up for another for this performance -- is a wonderfully touching and dignified Herbie.