Review: 'Gypsy' at Maryland Arts Festival in Towson

 

 

 

What a great idea for the Maryland Arts Festival to present the classic musical
"Gypsy".  It is interesting to note that while now acclaimed as a masterpiece of musical theater, "Gypsy" was not so honored when it opened in 1959 with the great Ethel Merman playing the role of the mother of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. It did not even garner a Tony nomination for its incredible score by Jule Styne or book by Arthur Laurents, who had just finished penning the book for "West Side Story" in 1957. Also involved in both "West Side Story" and "Gypsy" was a young Stephen Sondheim who penned the lyrics to both.

 

 

 

In one of many Tony travesties, Merman lost the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical to Mary Martin's portrayal of Marie Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music".

 

 

 

But thankfully, Director/Choreographer has found a tremendous Mama Rose in Tiffany Walker Porta. She makes her first entrance in the show from the audience carrying her very own cute Bichon Frises "Angel" (who deserves a credit in the program). Angel was a last minute replacement for a Jack Russell Terrier who Porta was allergic to.

 

 

 

Porta from the beginning takes hold of the show and gives a masterful performance and seems to be singing hit after hit during the first act and she nails every number. But, you will never forget her take singing the classic "Rose's Turn" at the end of the show. The audience had to be restrained from giving her a standing ovation DURING THE SHOW!

 

 

 

I give Pearthree kudos for his choice of using a trio of softig, full-figured, Reubenesque strippers instead of the normal tall and thin variety presented normally.  The trio of Tammy Crisp, Lanor Long and Lynda McClary are all superb in their respective roles.

 

 

 

It's always great to watch talented Lauren Spencer-Harris who has a small role as Dainty June.

 

 

 

Many of you may recall Kevin Korczynski from his Charm City Choir days in the Lyric's first production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". Ok…well at least I do (and his many family and friends). We have watched him grow from "Wild Party", to "Ragtime" and now Pearthree has given him the opportunity to play Tulsa and what a job he does in a great dance number "All I Need is the Girl".

 

 

 

Playing the leading role of Louise in a much understated roll is Kathryn M Lyles who slowly develops the confidence and understanding necessary to make it to the Big Time as a successful burlesque queen. You really feel for her after watching how her stage mother has abused her for so many years.

 

 

 

I have always enjoyed the work of Michael Himelfarb who I just saw in the Pumpkin Theatre's great production of "A Year with Frog and Toad". But I think he is much too young for the role of Rose's Herbie. Many of you recall Karl Malden played this role in the film and I believe someone like John Ford (who I just can't get out of my head from "The Full Monty" at Cockpit in Court) would have worked better. And this became very apparent towards the end of the show when the trio of Herbie, Rose, and Louise are singing the wonderful "Together Wherever We Go". It is clear that Herbie and Louise looked like a great couple together versus Rose and Herbie. Himelfarb is terrific, has a great voice, and is a believable Herbie but is just too young for this role.

 

 

 

The fifteen piece orchestra under the direction of Phillip Collister is superb but I wish the string section was not limited to two violins and no bass. Many of the orchestrations beg for more strings! Kudos to drummer/percussionist Troy Hernandez who does a yeoman's job.

 

 

 

Special mention should be made about the sound which is terrific thanks to John Suchy. You can hear every word of the fabulous Sondheim's lyrics.

 

 

 

 Baltimore is so lucky to have Todd Pearthree. He has weaved his magic once again. You have until July 22 to see "Gypsy". Don't make the mistake and miss it.

 

 

 

For tickets: 410-704-2787 or www.towson.edu.maf.

 

 

 

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