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Gypsy 1959 - Articles Page 2

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 2

What Was the Golden Age of Broadway?
by Team BWW - Feb 19, 2022


We're studying up on musical theatre's most glorious time- the Golden Age. What was the Golden Age of Broadway all about and what years did it cover? Learn all about the period which began in the 1940s and produced some of the most iconic musicals.

WATCH: Library of Congress Releases Unseen Stephen Sondheim Interviews
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2022


The Library of Congress has released hours of previously unseen interviews with late composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim discusses Into the Woods, Assassins,  Sunday in the Park With George, Sweeney Todd and more. 

MOMENTS A Musical Celebration of Stephen Sondheim Announced at Trinity Street Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 20, 2022


City Theatre Austin presents a special one-weekend performance event honoring Stephen Sondheim - the giant, the genius, who revolutionized musical theatre as its most influential writer and composer.

Ellen's Stardust Diner to Honor Stephen Sondheim
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2022


Ellen’s Stardust Diner will honor the late Broadway legend, composer Stephen Sondheim, with Monday in the Diner with Sondheim on January 24th, from 7-11pm.

Sondheim Songs Weave Tale Of Love In ICT's MARRY ME A LITTLE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 4, 2022


International City Theatre pays tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim, kicking off its 37th season with Marry Me A Little. A must-see for Sondheim aficionados, this bittersweet musical two-hander, which weaves 17 of Sondheim's lesser-known songs into a tale of love and loneliness, was first conceived and developed by Craig Lucas and Norman René.

GOLFUS DE ROMA celebra 100 funciones con un homenaje a Sondheim
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 22, 2021


El musical protagonizado por Carlos Latre se representa en el Teatro La Latina de Madrid hasta el 16 de enero.

GOLFUS DE ROMA celebra 100 funciones con un homenaje a Sondheim
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 20, 2021


La compañía ofrecerá un concierto tributo al autor del musical fallecido en noviembre este miércoles después de la función.

Porchlight's 2022 CHICAGO SINGS Concert Honors The Legendary Stephen Sondheim, May 23
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2021


Porchlight Music Theatre has announced Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim, its annual fundraising concert,  Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 

NY1's ON STAGE to Honor Stephen Sondheim With Nathan Lane, Donna Murphy & More
by Michael Major - Dec 3, 2021


On Stage will take a look back at the incredible life and career of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, including tributes from members of the Broadway community such as Nathan Lane, Josh Groban, Mandy Patinkin, Donna Murphy, Laura Benanti, Joanna Gleason, Lonny Price, Raul Esparza and Michael Cerveris.

VIDEO: Sondheim Talks WEST SIDE STORY Creative Process in 60 MINUTES Clip
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 1, 2021


In 2020, Stephen Sondheim talked to 60 Minutes' Bill Whitaker about the different creative processes he experienced on his first Broadway musical, 'West Side Story.' 

Social Roundup: 31 Most Meaningful Sondheim Lyrics
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Dec 3, 2021


The theater community around the world is mourning the loss of legend Stephen Sondheim after his passing on November 26, 2021. We asked our readers which Sondheim lyric meant the most to them and why. Read their answers here.

Editorial: Gracias, Steve
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Nov 27, 2021


Stephen Joshua Sondheim (1930-2021)

Broadway Community Reacts to Stephen Sondheim's Passing
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2021


In the wake of Stephen Sondheim's passing, there has been an outpouring of grief from the Broadway community and beyond. Read them all here.

Musical Theatre Icon Stephen Sondheim Passes Away at 91
by Robert Diamond - Nov 26, 2021


Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim has passed away age 91.  The legendary composer is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history.

What We Know So Far (and What We Don't) About Stephen Sondheim's New Musical
by Team BWW - Sep 17, 2021


Broadway lovers had reason to rejoice this week when the industry's most beloved composer, Stephen Sondheim, announced that he has a new musical in the works. What do we know so far about Stephen Sondheim's new project? Let's review!

VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim Talks New Musical and Reveals the Title on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2021


Stephen Sondheim appeared as a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night! Sondheim and Colbert have history, as Colbert starred in the 2011 production of Sondheim's musical, Company.

Stephen Sondheim Will Appear on THE LATE SHOW Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2021


Stephen Sondheim is coming to The Late Show! The Broadway legend will sit down with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, September 15.

Brian Cheney and Cathy Venable's 'Composer Series' Will Continue With a Tribute to Stephen Sondheim
by Stephi Wild - May 17, 2021


Critically acclaimed artists Brian Cheney and Cathy Venable, performing together virtually from their homes for the last 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, have launched their latest concert series on Stageit entitled “Composer Series”.

Broadway Treasure Stephen Sondheim Reveals He's Fully Vaccinated
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 9, 2021


Everybody's got the right... to be vaccinated. On last night's reunion of the original company of Assassins, beloved Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, who turns 91 later this month, revealed that he is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert's ALL THE GIRLS Out Today on CD
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2021


PS CLASSICS has announced the release of All the Girls – the new album from Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert – on CD online and in stores today, Friday, March 5. It was released in digital and streaming formats in December. The album marks the final recording by Ms. Luker, a Broadway luminary for over 30 years, who passed away late last year.

Theater Stories: GYPSY, EVITA, THE COLOR PURPLE, the FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Revival, & More About The Broadway Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2021


This week's Theater Stories features the Broadway Theatre! Learn about the shows to have graced the stage of the theatre, including Gypsy, The Color Purple, Evita and more; the show that broke the theatre's box office record, and much more!

Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert's ALL THE GIRLS Album Set to be Released
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2020


PS CLASSICS will release All the Girls – the new album from Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert – on Friday, December 25 in digital and streaming formats. A CD will be available on Friday, January 15, 2021. The pair have recorded a celebration of womanhood in all its complexities and expressions.

VIDEO: On This Day, September 15 - Henry Miller's Theater Renamed For Stephen Sondheim
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2020


The renaming of the theatre was dedicated to Stephen Sondheim, the greatest and best known artist in American musical theatre on his 80th birthday. 

VIDEO: Melissa Errico, Raul Esparza, and Adam Gopnik Explore Sondheim On FINISHING THE HAT
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2020


On May 9 (7:30pm) PBS Poetry in America will air 'Finishing The Hat' - Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim is widely hailed as the greatest modern American musical theater composer.

PBS Poetry in America Will Explore Sondheim with FINISHING THE HAT
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2020


On May 9 (7:30pm) PBS Poetry in America will air 'Finishing The Hat' - Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim is widely hailed as the greatest modern American musical theater composer. Series creator Elisa New speaks with Broadway stage actors including Melissa Errico, writer Adam Gopnik, and others to explore Sondheim's singular ability to blend lyrics and music-using as their case study this song from his Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Sunday in the Park with George.

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