Review Roundup: GYPSY at Riverside Theatre

Riverside Theatre presents GYPSY, the musical classic with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Jule Styne, and a book by Arthur Laurents! GYPSY opened on March 6th and will run through March 25th.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Paige Van Antwerp, The Newsweekly: Framing all this interpersonal drama - indeed, driving it - are expertly executed song and dance numbers performed by a huge cast. Six local students ably go toe to to with the 22 professionals - and one dog, also a local making his Riverside debut. The familiar songs - "Let Me Entertain You" and "Everything's Coming Up Roses," just to name the most famous -are complex and the dancing is demanding, even in the schlocky vaudeville numbers Rose has dreamed up for her troupe. The ensemble is rousingly up to the task and the performances by each of the supporting actors make this another testament to the top-caliber of talent that Riverside consistently features. There are some outstanding character actors in this cast but the irresistibly quirky stand-outs are the trio of burlesque artists, led by Tessie Tura (Susan Cella) who becomes the most indulgent mother that Louise has ever known. They're an "experienced" and very colorful triumvirate, to say the least. Yet they embrace the young Louise, who blossoms under their care -- and the rest is history.

Matt Tamanini, BroadwayWorld: However, as years pass and the genre evolves, it becomes easy to cynically think of the classics as dated period pieces to be looked at respectfully, but only with a sense of retrospect. However, the production of this musical fable playing at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach through March 25th reminds you from the opening moments of the power and poignancy, excitement and insight that the American musical theatre standard-bearers still possess... You can't discuss a production of GYPSY without breaking down one of the most complex songs in the musical theatre cannon. While Donovan's Rose might not be the most intimidating on record, and her voice might not have the raw power and intensity to make the character larger than life, her rendition of "Rose's Turn" (see the banner image at the top of the page) was still breathtaking and brought full-body chills. The emotional breakdown in which Rose finally vocalizes all of the insecurities that led her to push away every person that ever cared for her is perhaps the musical theatre equivalent of Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" speech; full of nuance, introspection, and revelations, and Donovan delivers all in spades. Though GYPSY might not have the cache of a DEAR EVAN HANSEN, or the panache of a HAMILTON, seeing Riverside's remarkable production reminds you that there are always new layers to peel back on this already perfect masterpieces.

Pam Harbaugh, Brevard Culture: The show is often toe-tapping and frequently funny. After a long expository beginning which seems relentless in its pursuit to reveal the dismal side of show biz, director James Brennan gets to show off some of his high-spirited choreography. That is soon followed by "All I Need Is the Girl," in which Tulsa (handsome and talented Christian Probst) performs a superb song and dance number. As expected, the show is nearly stolen in the second act by three well-seasoned strippers - Mazeppa (Mary Callanan), Electra (Pam Bradley) and Tessie Tura (Susan Cella) - who perform the hysterical number "Ya Gotta Get a Gimmick," complete with bumps, grinds and a trumpet... For sure, Riverside has amassed a talented crew to tell this "musical fable." There are scenes that sparkle, some that shine and others that maybe need some buffing. But no doubt, you'll be entertained. Just take a nap before you go.

For tickets and more information on GYPSY, please visit www.riversidetheatre.com/.

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