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Gypsy 1959 - Articles Page 5

Opened: May 21, 1959

Gypsy - 1959 Broadway History , Info & More

Gypsy: A Musical Fable is a classic American musical known for its powerful characters and exploration of ambition, fame, and the complexities of family.



Loosely based on the memoirs of burlesque artist Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical delves deeper into the story of her ambitious stage mother, Rose. The project came about in the late 1950s when producer David Merrick secured the rights to Lee's memoirs and sought a creative team. Arthur Laurents penned the book, Jule Styne composed the music, and Stephen Sondheim delivered the iconic lyrics.



Debuting on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy became an instant hit, particularly due to Ethel Merman's powerhouse performance as Rose. It has enjoyed numerous successful revivals on Broadway and internationally, featuring legendary actresses like Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Patti LuPone and Bernadette Peters.



The show centers around Rose Hovick, a domineering stage mother who pushes her daughters, Louise and June, into the world of vaudeville. Obsessed with achieving stardom for her children, particularly Louise, Rose's relentless pursuit takes a toll on their personal lives and her own sanity. As Louise struggles to find her own voice and path, the story explores themes of sacrifice, manipulation, and the dark side of ambition.



Gypsy is known for its unforgettable songs like "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Rose's Turn," a showstopping ballad that lays bare Rose's vulnerabilities and desperation.



If you're looking for a musical that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, Gypsy is a must-see. It's a captivating story about the lengths people go to for fame and the enduring power of family bonds.


Gypsy - 1959 - Broadway Cast

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Gypsy - 1959 - Broadway Articles Page 5

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis to Collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR Concert at New York City Center, Nov. 13-17
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 18, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Story, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, announced Arlene Shuler, President & CEO of New York City Center. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, and conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center. City Center's annual Gala Benefit will take place on Thursday, November 14 and will include a post-performance dinner at the Plaza Hotel.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Would Love to Collaborate with Stephen Sondheim
by BWW News Desk - Sep 22, 2012


According to a feature about the new UK arena touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the Sydney Morning Herald, Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals he would like to collaborate with Stephen Sondheim.

INTO THE WOODS Opens Westport County Playhouse's 2012 Season
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 3, 2012


A 25th anniversary production of the imaginative, fractured-fairy tale musical "Into the Woods" by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim will be staged at the theater where Sondheim was an apprentice in 1950, Westport Country Playhouse, in Westport, CT, May 1 through May 26. Directed by Mark Lamos, the Playhouse's artistic director, the musical will open the historic theater's 82nd season. It is co-produced with Baltimore's CENTERSTAGE.

AUDIO: Vintage Stephen Sondheim Interview from IN THE ROOM
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 27, 2012


The Dramatists Guild of America presents its In the Room series, broadcasting archived audio, unheard by the public since their original recording. In the Room features some of the most influential and celebrated playwrights, composers and lyricists in American theatre, sharing their insight to craft, process and personal stories behind creating some of their most celebrated work. Featured this week is a vintage interview with theatre legend Stephen Sondheim as he chats about lyrics back in 1971.

Cerveris In Talks for West End's ROAD SHOW
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 18, 2010


According to a report by Baz Bamigboye for UK Daily Mail, Michael Cerveris is in talks to reprise his role in Sondheim and Weidman's musical Road Show. Cerveris appeared in the Public Theatre production of the show 2 years ago. Road show will make its UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre in London next summer.

'Sondheim: The Birthday Concert' PBS Special Gets Nov. 16 Release
by BWW News Desk - Nov 16, 2010


As BroadwayWorld has reported, The New York Philharmonic's SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert, which took place on March 15-16, 2010 at Avery Fisher Hall, will be broadcast on THIRTEEN'S Great Performances on PBS on Wednesday, November 24 (check local listings). WNET, Channel 13 in New York City, will air the concert at 9:30 p.m. that evening. Today, it has been revealed that the Image Entertainment will release the program DVD and Blu-Ray on November 16, 2010. The concert includes songs and orchestral pieces from Sondheim musical theater favorites such as Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George. Today, it has been announced that in addition to the PBS telecast, the concert will be released on DVD in November by Image Entertainment.

Confirmed: Sondheim's ROAD SHOW Headed to London
by Robert Diamond - Oct 17, 2010


First reported by BroadwayWorld back in June when Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre's David Babani told the U.K. Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye that plans are in progress to produce Stephen Sondheim & John Weidman's ROAD SHOW at the venue. He's now confirmed the news to Variety and included the news that it'll play the theatre next summer.

Sondheim Theatre Marquee Unveiled 9/15
by BWW News Desk - Sep 15, 2010


On Wednesday, September 15th at 6:30PM, the Broadway community will gather alongside Stephen Sondheim as the lights of the newly dedicated Stephen Sondheim Theatre marquee are lit for the first time.

LuPone, Lane & More to Unveil Sondheim Theatre Tomorrow
by Robert Diamond - Sep 14, 2010


Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15th at 6:30PM, the Broadway community will gather alongside Stephen Sondheim as the lights of the newly dedicated Stephen Sondheim Theatre marquee are lit for the first time.

'Sondheim: The Birthday Concert' PBS Special Gets Nov. 16 Release
by Jessica Lewis - Sep 13, 2010


As BroadwayWorld has reported, The New York Philharmonic's SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert, which took place on March 15-16, 2010 at Avery Fisher Hall, will be broadcast on THIRTEEN'S Great Performances on PBS on Wednesday, November 24 (check local listings). WNET, Channel 13 in New York City, will air the concert at 9:30 p.m. that evening. Today, it has been revealed that the Image Entertainment will release the program DVD and Blu-Ray on November 16, 2010. The concert includes songs and orchestral pieces from Sondheim musical theater favorites such as Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George. Today, it has been announced that in addition to the PBS telecast, the concert will be released on DVD in November by Image Entertainment.

Sondheim Theatre Marquee to Be Unveiled 9/15
by Jessica Lewis - Aug 30, 2010


On Wednesday, September 15th at 6:30PM, the Broadway community will gather alongside Stephen Sondheim as the lights of the newly dedicated Stephen Sondheim Theatre marquee are lit for the first time.

Photo Coverage: LuPone, Cerveris, McDonald et al. Pay Tribute to Sondheim at Ravinia Gala
by Jessica Lewis - Aug 3, 2010


On Saturday, July 31, stage favorites Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Michael Cerveris and George Hearn teamed up with the Ravina Festival and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Lonny Price and conducted by Paul Gemignani, the concert featured Sondheim classics from shows such as A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, Gypsy and more. BroadwayWorld brings you coverage of the concert below.

'Sondheim: The Birthday Concert' PBS Special Gets Nov. DVD Release
by Jessica Lewis - Jul 23, 2010


As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, The New York Philharmonic's SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert, which took place on March 15-16, 2010 at Avery Fisher Hall, will be broadcast on THIRTEEN'S Great Performances on PBS on Wednesday, November 24 (check local listings). WNET, Channel 13 in New York City, will air the concert at 9:30 p.m. that evening. The concert includes songs and orchestral pieces from Sondheim musical theater favorites such as Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George. Today, it has been announced that in addition to the PBS telecast, the concert will be released on DVD in November by Image Entertainment.

PA Shakes' A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Closes 7/11
by BWW News Desk - Jul 11, 2010


Outrageous situations lead to hilarious complications in the legendary musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opening on the Main Stage at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Friday, June 25. With previews June 23 and 24, Forum continues through July 11. Ticket prices range from $25 to $53.

PA Shakes Launches A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM 6/23
by BWW News Desk - Jun 25, 2010


Outrageous situations lead to hilarious complications in the legendary musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opening on the Main Stage at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Friday, June 25. With previews June 23 and 24, Forum continues through July 11. Ticket prices range from $25 to $53.

PA Shakes Launches A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM 6/23
by BWW News Desk - Jun 23, 2010


Outrageous situations lead to hilarious complications in the legendary musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opening on the Main Stage at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Friday, June 25. With previews June 23 and 24, Forum continues through July 11. Ticket prices range from $25 to $53.

Sondheim & Weidman's ROAD SHOW To Play Menier Chocolate Factory
by Charlie Piane - Jun 17, 2010


Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre's David Babani told the U.K. Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye that plans are in progress to produce Stephen Sondheim & John Weidman's ROADSHOW at the venue.

PA Shakes Launches A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM 6/23
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jun 9, 2010


Outrageous situations lead to hilarious complications in the legendary musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opening on the Main Stage at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Friday, June 25. With previews June 23 and 24, Forum continues through July 11. Ticket prices range from $25 to $53.

Photo Coverage: New York City Gala - Tribute to SONDHEIM Part 2
by Walter McBride - Apr 29, 2010


Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, currently starring in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, led the all-star cast performing in Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration on April 26 at New York City Center. Like Lansbury and Zeta-Jones, all of the performers have either originated Sondheim characters or performed them in notable revivals. As a group, the gala's performers have appeared in more than 75 Sondheim shows. The gala, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, highlighted numbers from shows for which Sondheim has written both music and lyrics, and featured a full orchestra conducted by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman. The benefit will help fund New York City Center's artistic and education programs. In addition, a portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Young Playwrights Inc, a charity of great importance to Sondheim.

Photo Coverage: New York City Center Gala Honoring SONDHEIM- Part 1
by Walter McBride - Apr 29, 2010


Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, currently starring in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, led the all-star cast performing in Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration on April 26 at New York City Center. Like Lansbury and Zeta-Jones, all of the performers have either originated Sondheim characters or performed them in notable revivals. As a group, the gala's performers have appeared in more than 75 Sondheim shows. The gala, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, highlighted numbers from shows for which Sondheim has written both music and lyrics, and featured a full orchestra conducted by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman. The benefit will help fund New York City Center's artistic and education programs. In addition, a portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Young Playwrights Inc, a charity of great importance to Sondheim.

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek - City Center's Sondheim Celebration
by Jessica Lewis - Apr 28, 2010


Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, currently starring in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, led the all-star cast performing in Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration on April 26 at New York City Center. Like Lansbury and Zeta-Jones, all of the performers have either originated Sondheim characters or performed them in notable revivals. As a group, the gala's performers have appeared in more than 75 Sondheim shows. The gala, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, highlighted numbers from shows for which Sondheim has written both music and lyrics, and featured a full orchestra conducted by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman. The benefit will help fund New York City Center's artistic and education programs. In addition, a portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Young Playwrights Inc, a charity of great importance to Sondheim. BroadwayWorld brings you a sneak peek of the evening below. Stay tuned for complete coverage coming soon!

Lansbury, Esparza & More Celebrate Sondheim at New York City Center Benefit, 4/26
by BWW News Desk - Apr 26, 2010


New York City Center will celebrate Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Stephen Sondheim on the occasion of his 80th birthday on Monday, April 26 with a gala celebration featuring stars who have shone in Sondheim musicals including Michael Cerveris, Barbara Cook, Raúl Esparza, Victor Garber, Joanna Gleason, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy and Bernadette Peters. Directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle, the evening will highlight shows for which Mr. Sondheim has written both music and lyrics, and will feature a full orchestra conducted by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman. The Benefit will help fund New York City Center's artistic and education programs. In addition, a portion of the evening's proceeds will go to Young Playwrights Inc, a charity of great importance to Mr. Sondheim.

Photo Coverage: Bergdorf Goodman Honors Sondheim with Window Displays
by Jessica Lewis - Apr 21, 2010


Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. He is the winner of an Academy Award, numerous Tony Award, multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his other accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the National Medal of Arts (1996), the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Music (2006) and a special Tony Awardâfor Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2008).

Signature Theatre Closes the Curtain on SWEENEY TODD, 4/4
by BWW News Desk - Apr 4, 2010


The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, nationally known for its interpretation of Stephen Sondheim musicals, celebrated its 20th anniversary season by presenting Sondheim's most popular musical SWEENEY TODD, directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The production will end its run in the 276-seat MAX Theater, April 4, 2010.

Michael Ball Pays Tribute to Stephen Sondheim
by Jessica Lewis - Mar 29, 2010


Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. He is the winner of an Academy Award, numerous Tony Award, multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his other accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the National Medal of Arts (1996), the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Music (2006) and a special Tony Awardâfor Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2008).

Gypsy History

Other Productions of Gypsy

1959   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1961   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1961   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1973   West End London Revival
West End
1974   Broadway Broadway Production
Broadway
1976   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
1989   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1998   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2003   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2006   St. Louis, MO (Regional) St. Louis MUNY Production
St. Louis, MO (Regional)
2006   Regional Concert
2007   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
2008   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2014   Regional (US) Connecticut Rep Production
Regional (US)
2015   West End West End Revival Production
West End
2018   St. Louis, MO (Regional) The Muny Revival
St. Louis, MO (Regional)
2024   Broadway Broadway Revival Production
Broadway

Gypsy - 1959 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1975 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Arthur Laurents

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