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Gypsy 1959 - Articles Page 4

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 4

Stephen Sondheim & More to be Honored at Carl Sandburg Literary Awards
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 18, 2015


The Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Chicago Public Library have announced that the 16th annual Carl Sandburg Literary Award will be presented to legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Universally heralded for his immense contributions to musical theater in a career spanning more than 50 years, Sondheim will be honored at the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at The Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Road) on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Bucks County Playhouse's 2015 Oscar Hammerstein Festival to Celebrate Stephen Sondheim This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Aug 17, 2015


Bucks County Playhouse producers Robyn Goodman and Alexander Fraser just announced the 2nd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Festival -- named in honor of the master lyricist who wrote some of America's most beloved and recognizable musicals at his family farm in Bucks County.

WAKE UP with BWW 7/14/2015 - NPH Judges AMERICA'S GOT TALENT and More!
by Jessica Showers - Jul 14, 2015


Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: Neil Patrick Harris guest judges on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT tonight!

Keith Pinto Leads COMPANY, Beginning Tonight at San Francisco Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2015


San Francisco Playhouse will complete its twelfth season with Stephen Sondheim's trailblazing musical comedy, Company, directed by Susi Damilano. The play will feature a cast of local favorites, with Keith Pinto (Into the Woods) starring as Robert, along with Teresa Attridge, Velina Brown*, Morgan Dayley, Michelle Drexler, Ryan Drummond*, Richard Frederick*, John Paul Gonzalez, Monique Hafen*, Stephanie Prentice*, Chris Reber*, Abby Sammons, Nicole Weber and Michael Scott Wells.

STAGE TUBE: Jason Robert Brown Explains Why Stephen Sondheim is a Genius and Presents Him the Master Storyteller Award!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2015


The City of Philadelphia declared June 1st, Stephen Sondheim Day, when the legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim was presented Arden Theatre Company inaugural Master Storyteller Award. Below, watch as fellow composer Jason Robert Brown presents the award to him!

Keith Pinto to Lead COMPANY at San Francisco Playhouse; Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jun 9, 2015


San Francisco Playhouse will complete its twelfth season with Stephen Sondheim's trailblazing musical comedy, Company, directed by Susi Damilano. The play will feature a cast of local favorites, with Keith Pinto (Into the Woods) starring as Robert, along with Teresa Attridge, Velina Brown*, Morgan Dayley, Michelle Drexler, Ryan Drummond*, Richard Frederick*, John Paul Gonzalez, Monique Hafen*, Stephanie Prentice*, Chris Reber*, Abby Sammons, Nicole Weber and Michael Scott Wells.

Jason Robert Brown, Rob McClure Honor Stephen Sondheim at the Arden Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 1, 2015


Arden Theatre Company hosts its Master Storyteller Award ceremony and concert tonight, June 1, 2015. The award will be bestowed upon Composer and Lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who will accept the award at a ticketed ceremony and concert, which is a fundraising benefit for the Arden's extensive educational and outreach programs. Composer and Lyricist Jason Robert Brown will present Mr. Sondheim with the award.

Jason Robert Brown, Rob McClure to Honor Stephen Sondheim at the Arden, 6/1
by BWW News Desk - May 20, 2015


Arden Theatre Company announces a final list of performers for the Master Storyteller Award ceremony and concert on Monday, June 1, 2015. The award will be bestowed upon Composer and Lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who will accept the award at a ticketed ceremony and concert, which is a fundraising benefit for the Arden's extensive educational and outreach programs. Composer and Lyricist Jason Robert Brown will present Mr. Sondheim with the award.

Stephen Sondheim Will Receive Chicago Public Library Foundation's Carl Sandburg Award
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 30, 2015


Acording to the Chicago Tribune, theatre legend Stephen Sondheim will receive Chicago Public Library Foundation's 16th Carl Sandburg Award. As a part of the ceremony on October 21, 2015, Sondheim will be interviewed onstage by Scott Simon of NPR. The Carl Sandburg Literary Award is presented annually to an acclaimed author in recognition of outstanding contributions to the literary world and honors a significant work or body of work that has enhanced the public's awareness of the written word. The Carl Sandburg Award in the Arts is presented to an individual who embodies a spirit of creativity and social consciousness.

Find Out Why Broadway's Brightest Stars Love Stephen Sondheim!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 19, 2015


On March 22, musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim will celebrate his 85th birthday, and Buzzfeed has reached out to some of Broadway's finest to find out why they love his work. Barbra Streisand said:

Stephen Sondheim to Accept Arden Theatre Company's First-Ever Master Storyteller Award This Summer
by BWW News Desk - Jan 21, 2015


Arden Theatre Company announces composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim as the first recipient of the new Master Storyteller Award. Sondheim will be present to accept the award at a ticketed award ceremony and concert, on Monday, June 1st, at a fundraising event that benefits the Arden's extensive educational and outreach programs.

FLASH SPECIAL: Sondheim By The Decade, Part 1 - 1950s & 1960s
by Pat Cerasaro - Dec 24, 2014


The feature film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved fairy tale musical INTO THE WOODS is coming to movie theaters nationwide on Christmas Day and BroadwayWorld celebrates the man behind the music and lyrics with a new series highlighting the work of the iconic composer and lyricist, kicking off today with a look at his work in the 1950s and 1960s.

David Benedict Will Write New Sondheim Biography- HOW DID IT HAPPEN
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 1, 2014


According to Variety, London theatre critic David Benedict will soon pen a new Stephen Sondheim biography for Random House, titled: "How Did It Happen: The Life and Career of Stephen Sondheim." The book will include interviews withe the man himself, as well as information gathered from his frequent collaborators. Random House expects Benedict's first daft by December 2017.

Fiasco Theater's INTO THE WOODS Extends Through August at The Old Globe
by BWW News Desk - Jul 28, 2014


The Old Globe today announced additional performances for the second production of the 2014 Summer Season, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, which made its World Premiere at The Old Globe in 1986. The production is an inventive reimagining by Fiasco Theater, directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, in a production that originated at McCarter Theatre Center. By popular demand, it will now play through Sunday, August 17. Tickets for the extension will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, July 29 at noon.

San Francisco Playhouse Presents INTO THE WOODS, Now thru 9/6
by BWW News Desk - Jun 24, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs today, June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

San Francisco Playhouse to Present INTO THE WOODS, 6/24-9/6
by Tyler Peterson - May 28, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

BWW Contests: Win Tickets to Tarragon's MARRY ME A LITTLE
by Alan Henry - Mar 11, 2014


I am very pleased to announce a brand new BroadwayWorld Toronto contest! I'll be giving away two tickets to a performance of Tarragon Theatre's Marry Me a Little for the evening performance on March 25, 2014. To enter the contest, please send an email to torontocontest@broadwayworld.com with your favorite Stephen Sondheim show and song. Entries missing the show and song will be discarded.

Broadway at the Oscars - BWW Rounds Up 2014's Theatrical Nominees
by BWW Special Coverage - Mar 2, 2014


The Academy Awards will air live on ABC tonight, March 2, 2014, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and featuring a performance by the great Idina Menzel. BroadwayWorld has rounded up this year's Broadway alums, so scroll down to learn more about the stars, and be sure to let us know your picks!

Broadway at the Golden Globes- BWW Rounds Up 2014's Theatrical Nominees
by BWW Special Coverage - Jan 12, 2014


The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, air tonight, January 12 on NBC, and BroadwayWorld has rounded up this year's Broadway alums. Learn more about the stars below, and be sure to let us know your picks!

Arthur Laurents' NYC Townhouse on the Market for $12M
by Arielle Ozery - Sep 9, 2013


Playwright Arthur Laurents lived in a beautiful townhouse on Saint Luke's Place until 2006. According to Curbed, his former home has been on and off the market since the middle of 2012, upon first entering the market it was asking $35000 a month and then it drastically reduced its price to $18,000 a month. According to StreetEasy, the owners are not ready to give up landlording and sell the house. The 4,368 square-foot, 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home is asking $12 million.

STAGE TUBE: Stephen Sondheim Talks SWEENEY, Songwriting & More on PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 8, 2013


Master composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim appeared on this evening's new edition of PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND. Sondheim's interview with PBS' chief correspondent for arts, culture, and society Jeffrey Brown, featured his thoughts on SWEENEY TODD, songwriting, and a BroadwayWorld mention! Check out his entire appearance below!

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Stephen Sondheim on PBS NEWSHOUR, Set to Air 9/8
by Stage Tube - Sep 6, 2013


Master composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim will appear on September 8th on the new edition of PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND. Below, check out a new sneak peek at Sondheim's interview with PBS' chief correspondent for arts, culture, and society Jeffrey Brown!

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis Collaboration, A BED AND A CHAIR: A NEW YORK LOVE AFFAIR to Play City Center in November
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 15, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, with choreography by Parker Esse and musical supervision by David Loud, was conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, and will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center.

Stephen Sondheim to Receive 54th Edward MacDowell Medal Today
by BWW News Desk - Aug 11, 2013


The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal today, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.

Stephen Sondheim to Be Awarded 54th Edward MacDowell Medal on 8/11
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 16, 2013


The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal on Sunday, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.

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