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.
| 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 |
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| 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 |
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actress - Musical | Angela Lansbury |
| 1975 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical | Bonnie Langford |
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