Big, Bold, and Boisterous Classic, Gypsy, plays the Goodspeed
By Kiersten Bjork (May 13, 2023)
Gypsy at the Goodspeed, directed by Jenn Thompson, is a big, bold, boisterous take on the classic musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The production features musical direction by Adam Souza and choreography by Patricia Wilcox. An iconic tale about the ultimate “stage mom” intent on making her daughters into stars, Gypsy features songs such as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You,” and sheds light on the grueling grind of show business.
Gypsy at the Goodspeed, directed by Jenn Thompson, is a big, bold, boisterous take on the classic musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The production features musical direction by Adam Souza and choreography by Patricia Wilcox. An iconic tale about the ultimate “stage mom” intent on making her daughters into stars, Gypsy features songs such as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You,” and sheds light on the grueling grind of show business.
Emily Jewel Hoder with Thomas Goldbach V, Bianca Belle Palana, Cameron Blake Miller, and Carlos Velasquez Escamilla in Goodspeed’s Gypsy (Diane Sobolewski)
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Judy McLane in Goodspeed’s Gypsy (Diane Sobolewski)
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Goodspeed’s production showcases a talented cast – from the youngest child actors to the ensemble and leads – the standout of whom is Momma Rose herself, Judy McLane. McLane is a dynamic, animated performer who is wonderful to watch. Her monologues and solo songs are masterclasses in focus, and I could not take my eyes off of her from her first entrance to final bow. She brings dedication and passion to her role and delivers with such gusto – an all-around exceptional performance.
By her side is Talia Suskauer as Louise, one of Rose’s two daughters. Fresh off her run as Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked, Suskauer holds her own opposite McLane. She portrays Louise’s arc brilliantly, taking us on the journey from the nervous girl in the background to the confident performer we meet later on. The evolution of her physical choices throughout the show is particularly noteworthy and really pulled me further into who Louise is as a character as she moves through the story.
Philip Hernandez is a charming Herbie, the agent of Rose and her girls. The role is rooted in love, and I truly enjoyed watching Hernandez’s portrayed perception of Rose and her daughters evolve over the course of the piece. His choices build up their relationships until his very final moment.
Dainty June, Rose’s favored daughter, is played by Laura Sky Herman, an excellent dancer who attacks her role with a spunk that is just right for June. She has a lovely voice and brings cheerful energy to the part. Herman’s rendition of the “Farm Sequence” was hilarious! Her portrayal is echoed in that of Emily Jewel Hoder as Baby June. I wish I had the sort of energy that Hoder exudes while on stage – she is so fun to watch! Practically bursting with a giddiness that pervades her entire performance, Hoder shines in the role, demonstrating strong dance skill and superb stage presence. Her counterpart, Cameron Blake Miller as Baby Louise, gives a strong performance as the young daughter living a step beyond her sister’s spotlight.
The ensemble was incredibly talented, and I particularly enjoyed David Cochise Williams, Ben Sears, Michael Starr and Gabe Amato as Yonkers, L.A., Tulsa, and Kansas, the boys in the vaudeville act. Starr was a standout as Tulsa, specifically in the dance number, “All I Need is a Girl.” Valerie Wright, Romelda Teron Benjamin, and Victoria Huston-Elem are also featured as the burlesque performers Tessie Tura, Mazeppa, and Electra, and they practically bring the house down with laughter once they command the stage.
By her side is Talia Suskauer as Louise, one of Rose’s two daughters. Fresh off her run as Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked, Suskauer holds her own opposite McLane. She portrays Louise’s arc brilliantly, taking us on the journey from the nervous girl in the background to the confident performer we meet later on. The evolution of her physical choices throughout the show is particularly noteworthy and really pulled me further into who Louise is as a character as she moves through the story.
Philip Hernandez is a charming Herbie, the agent of Rose and her girls. The role is rooted in love, and I truly enjoyed watching Hernandez’s portrayed perception of Rose and her daughters evolve over the course of the piece. His choices build up their relationships until his very final moment.
Dainty June, Rose’s favored daughter, is played by Laura Sky Herman, an excellent dancer who attacks her role with a spunk that is just right for June. She has a lovely voice and brings cheerful energy to the part. Herman’s rendition of the “Farm Sequence” was hilarious! Her portrayal is echoed in that of Emily Jewel Hoder as Baby June. I wish I had the sort of energy that Hoder exudes while on stage – she is so fun to watch! Practically bursting with a giddiness that pervades her entire performance, Hoder shines in the role, demonstrating strong dance skill and superb stage presence. Her counterpart, Cameron Blake Miller as Baby Louise, gives a strong performance as the young daughter living a step beyond her sister’s spotlight.
The ensemble was incredibly talented, and I particularly enjoyed David Cochise Williams, Ben Sears, Michael Starr and Gabe Amato as Yonkers, L.A., Tulsa, and Kansas, the boys in the vaudeville act. Starr was a standout as Tulsa, specifically in the dance number, “All I Need is a Girl.” Valerie Wright, Romelda Teron Benjamin, and Victoria Huston-Elem are also featured as the burlesque performers Tessie Tura, Mazeppa, and Electra, and they practically bring the house down with laughter once they command the stage.
Talia Suskauer and Laura Sky Herman in Goodspeed’s Gypsy (Diane Sobolewski)
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David Cochise Williams, Michael Starr, Gabe Amato, and Ben Sears in Goodspeed’s Gypsy
(Diane Sobolewski) |
Scenic designer Alexander Dodge has created an intriguing backdrop of old-fashioned advertisements that are highlighted throughout the show. Various furniture is brought in to suggest the different locales, and the overall design really grounds the piece in the world of the theatre industry. Lighting designer Paul Miller does an excellent job lighting this production, with a favorite touch being the warm color and theatrical pop provided by the dozens of bulbs framing the onstage arch. Costumes by designer Eduardo Sicangco and wigs and hair by designers Jason P. Hayes and J. Jared Janas are all beautifully done. The array of colors and patterns evoke the world of the theatre, with my particular favorites being the ensembles for Mazeppa, Electra, and Tessie Tura. Sound design by Jay Hilton highlights the great score and range of effects. The orchestra for this production was top-notch! It’s not an easy score, and the musicians were really giving it their all.
Gypsy at the Goodspeed is a flashy, brassy, Broadway-style musical that you won’t want to miss! With moments of laughter, heartache, joy and frustration, the story is incredibly relatable – at its core, a snapshot of a mother and her relationship with her daughters and her would-be husband – all set in the world of show business amidst a catchy, memorable score. It’s a wonderful evening of theatre – catch Gypsy before it closes on June 25.
Gypsy will run from April 28–June 25 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, CT. Curtain times are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (with select performances at 2:00p.m.), Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), or online at goodspeed.org.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer from Branford, CT, currently in the mentorship program with the Connecticut Critics Circle.
Gypsy at the Goodspeed is a flashy, brassy, Broadway-style musical that you won’t want to miss! With moments of laughter, heartache, joy and frustration, the story is incredibly relatable – at its core, a snapshot of a mother and her relationship with her daughters and her would-be husband – all set in the world of show business amidst a catchy, memorable score. It’s a wonderful evening of theatre – catch Gypsy before it closes on June 25.
Gypsy will run from April 28–June 25 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, CT. Curtain times are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (with select performances at 2:00p.m.), Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), or online at goodspeed.org.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer from Branford, CT, currently in the mentorship program with the Connecticut Critics Circle.