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Gypsy 1959 - Articles Page 6

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 6

Lansbury, Nunn, Front & Logan on Sondheim's Legacy
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).

Angela Lansbury & Catherine Zeta-Jones Join Sondheim Tribute 4/26 at City Center
by Robert Diamond - Mar 23, 2010


Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, currently starring in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, have joined the all-star cast performing in Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration 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.

Photo Coverage: Roundabout's Sondheim 80 Gala at Sondheim on Sondheim!
by Peter James Zielinski - Mar 23, 2010


Stephen Sondheim turned 80 on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 and he celebrated this landmark event with Roundabout Theatre Company at a special performance of Sondheim on Sondheim and star-studded tribute at Roundabout's 2010 Spring Gala: Sondheim 80.

Henry Miller Theatre's to Be Renamed as THE STEPHEN SONDHEIM THEATRE!
by Robert Diamond - Mar 22, 2010


Longtime collaborators James Lapine and John Weidman announced the renaming of Henry Miller's Theatre to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. The renaming of the theatre is dedicated to Stephen Sondheim, the greatest and best known artist in American musical theatre on his 80th birthday. The announcement was made at the curtain call following Roundabout Theatre Company's gala performance of the new Broadway musical Sondheim on Sondheim.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Wins His First TONY Awards!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


From footage of the 1971 Tony Awards, Angela Lansbury presents Stephen Sondheim wins his first Tony Award for the music to 'Company', followed by Sondheim receiving his second Tony Award for lyrics for the same musical.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: 30 Songs in 9 Minutes!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


Putting It Together is a musical revue that showcases 30 of Sondheim's most beloved songs from such musicals as Sunday in the Park with George, Assassins, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and others. Many of the classic Sondheim songs are presented in a context entirely different from that for which they were written, so the show is billed as a 'review' of the composer's work. Here's an excerpt of the revue - 30 snippets of incredible Sondheim songs!

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Teaches COMPANY's 'Not Getting Married'
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


Who better to talk about and teach Sondheim's music than the man himself. Here, he teaches students at Guildhall School the song 'Not Getting Married' from 'Company'.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Teaches 'My Friends' from SWEENEY TODD
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 22, 2010


Who better to talk about and teach Sondheim's music than the man himself. Here, he walks through the song 'My Friends' from the macabre musical 'Sweeney Todd' with students of Guildhall School.

SONDHEIM @ 80 Stage Tube: Sondheim Teaches 'Send in the Clowns'
by Stage Tube - Mar 22, 2010


Who better to talk about and teach Sondheim's music than the man himself. In the video that follows, Sondheim teaches a student from the Guildhall School of Music in London a segment of the classic 'Send in the Clowns'.

NY Philharmonic's Star Studded SONDHEIM: THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT to Feature LuPone, Peters, Cerveris, Patinkin, McDonald & More, 3/16
by BWW News Desk - Mar 16, 2010


The New York Philharmonic will present SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert on March 15 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. This celebration of the 80th birthday of the great Broadway and film composer/lyricist will include his most enduring orchestral music and songs - performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions - in addition to rarely-heard material. Joining the celebration will be (in alphabetical order) Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and others to be announced, including surprise guests. Paul Gemignani, Mr. Sondheim's longtime collaborator, will conduct the New York Philharmonic; Lonny Price is the director; and Mr. Price and Matt Cowart are the producers.

NY Philharmonic Presents SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 12, 2010


The New York Philharmonic will present SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert on March 15 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.

Lane, LuPone, Garber et al. Celebrate Sondheim's 80th with Starry Benefit Gala, 4/26
by Jessica Lewis - Feb 24, 2010


Tom Aldredge, Len Cariou, Nathan Lane, Alexander Hanson and Michele Pawk have joined other stars who have shone in Stephen Sondheim musicals, including Michael Cerveris, Barbara Cook, Raúl Esparza, Sutton Foster, Victor Garber, Joanna Gleason, Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy and Bernadette Peters in a gala celebration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim on the occasion of his 80th birthday on Monday, April 26. The gala, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, will highlight numbers from 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.

David Hyde Pierce to Host NY Philharmonic's SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 22, 2010


David Hyde Pierce will host the New York Philharmonic's presentation of SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert, Monday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.

Signature Theatre Presents SWEENEY TODD, 2/9-4/4
by BWW News Desk - Feb 9, 2010


The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, nationally known for its interpretation of Stephen Sondheim musicals, celebrates its 20th anniversary season by presenting Sondheim's most popular musical SWEENEY TODD, directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The new production runs in the 276-seat MAX Theater, February 9 through April 4, 2010.

Signature Theatre Presents SWEENEY TODD, 2/9-4/4
by BWW News Desk - Jan 17, 2010


The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, nationally known for its interpretation of Stephen Sondheim musicals, celebrates its 20th anniversary season by presenting Sondheim's most popular musical SWEENEY TODD, directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The new production runs in the 276-seat MAX Theater, February 9 through April 4, 2010.

NY Philharmonic's Star Studded SONDHEIM: THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT to Feature LuPone, Peters, Cerveris, Patinkin, McDonald, and More, 3/15 & 3/16
by Jeff Dennhardt - Nov 16, 2009


The New York Philharmonic will present SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert on March 15 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. This celebration of the 80th birthday of the great Broadway and film composer/lyricist will include his most enduring orchestral music and songs - performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions - in addition to rarely-heard material. Joining the celebration will be (in alphabetical order) Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and others to be announced, including surprise guests. Paul Gemignani, Mr. Sondheim's longtime collaborator, will conduct the New York Philharmonic; Lonny Price is the director; and Mr. Price and Matt Cowart are the producers.

Stephen Sondheim Chats About Influences, Opera and 'Night Music'
by Robert Diamond - Nov 15, 2009


Stephen Sondheim chatted with Mark Stryker of the Detroit Free Press about a wide variety of topics including his musical language, his favorite classical composers and how he feels about opera companies performing his work. Click here for the full interview.

Stephen Sondheim In Negotiations for Film Adaptations of FOLLIES, 'WOODS'
by Eddie Varley - Nov 8, 2009


Nine time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas.

Frank Rich Talks Sondheim, Music and the Nature of Media to Dan Savage
by Eddie Varley - Oct 26, 2009


Tonight, Monday, October 26, 2009 musical theater's living legend, Stephen Sondheim, will make this first momentous journey to Seattle; and will hold what promises to be an enormously entertaining and informative onstage conversation with his friend and respected New York Times columnist Frank Rich. In advance of this once-in-a-lifetime event Rich spoke to famed writer Dan Savage about Sondheim, the current state of Broadway and the ever evolving business of news coverage in this modern age.

Stephen Sondheim and Frank Rich Come To Benaroya Hall For A Conversation 10/26
by BWW News Desk - Oct 26, 2009


It's hard to believe that in 79 years, and countless hours tinkering on this nation's greatest stages, Stephen Sondheim has never worked in this wonderful theater town. On October 26, 2009 musical theater's living legend, Stephen Sondheim, will make this first momentous journey to Seattle; and will hold what promises to be an enormously entertaining and informative onstage conversation with his friend and respected New York Times columnist Frank Rich.

Sondheim to Hold Onstage Discussion at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 10/24
by BWW News Desk - Oct 24, 2009


9-time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Stephen Sondheim Featured in San Francisco Chronicle
by Eddie Varley - Oct 20, 2009


Nine time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Sondheim to Hold Onstage Discussion at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 10/24
by Jeff Dennhardt - Oct 19, 2009


9-time Tony Award winner Stephen Sondheim will hold an onstage discussion about his life and works at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 24th. Sondheim will sit down with host Peter Stein as part of the Copperfield's Books Renowned Speakers Series.

Groener, McGrath, Scalera & More Star In Sondheim's PUTTING IT TOGETHER At SCR 9/11-10/11
by BWW News Desk - Oct 11, 2009


South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

Cook, Williams, Kritzer and Arden Will Sing SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM for Roundabout Broadway Premiere
by Eddie Varley - Oct 1, 2009


Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) is proud to have Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine return to Studio 54 with Sondheim on Sondheim, a new original Broadway musical starring Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Michael Arden & Leslie Kritzer. Music & lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, conceived & directed by James Lapine. Sondheim on Sondheim will begin previews on March 19th, 2010 and open officially April 22nd, 2010 at Studio 54 on Broadway (254 West 54th Street). This will be a limited engagement through Sunday, June 13th, 2010.

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

Videos