Gypsy (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)

The casting of cute, petite Bernadette Peters as the formidable Mama Rose in the 2003 revival of Gypsy led to a few raised eyebrows: Was this egregious miscasting? After all, previous Roses have included Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and (on TV) Bette Midler, all of them strong women who can belt with the best of them. Peters took a slightly different approach to the role, emphasizing the dramatic reading of her songs instead of blasting her way through sheer power--she acts the material as much as she sings it. Nowhere is this as convincing as on "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and especially "Rose's Turn," the latter as good a rendering of showbiz madness as you're ever likely to hear. Peters's acting skills are further emphasized by the generous helpings of dialogue that frame the musical numbers. The rest of the cast is superlative, and Marvin Laird conducts a spirited orchestra. Discussions as to which recording of Gypsy is the definitive one will never end, but this album certainly deserves to be included among the finalists. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Amazon.com

Announcing the one, the only, Miss Gypsy Rose Lee!

Of all the Broadway versions, this mix of traditional arrangements with a contemporary flair for staging is truly the one to collect if you you can only buy one. Bernadette Peters shines in My Turn. It is performed with the believable factor that Merman lacked. May 4, 2008

Bernadette Shines!

An excellent recording of a classic American musical. The show is structered near perfectly, it has become a model for American book musicals.
While I think Angela Lansbury comes as close to perfection as Mama Rose, Bernadette Peters is right on her heels. From what I have seen of Merman on tape and the original cast album, I don't think she so much created the character of Rose as much as she created a variation of Ethel Merman. I don't mean for that to be negative, any Merman was pretty great.
Forget about Russel in the film, and forget about Tyne Daly's vocally off (flat), mannered, and irritating performance.
Bette Midler also has to be included in the better versions list.
But Peter's (like Lansbury) doesn't just sing the score, she acts it, she becomes the character. And her Rose's Turn is a powerhouse.
Tammy Blanchard shines as Louise, the rest of the cast is fine. An admirable recording. July 24, 2006

GYPSY can't be beat

First of all, regardless of who's playing Rose, this show is just about the perfect quintessential American musical comedy/tragedy. It doesn't have a false moment and the score is simply superb. Every song seamlessly fits in and every song is a winner on its own.

I saw Bernadette do this production and she was terrific. She imbued the character with the right amount of maternal terror as she pushes her kids through life in pursuit of her own failed ambitions.

Get this one. Get Bette Midler's. Get Ethel Merman's. Get at least one version of Gypsy and enjoy what the musical theatre is all about! September 28, 2005

FANTASTIC!

This must be one of the best cd's I have EVER heard! A starry cocktail of failed dreams, regrets, pushy mum's and vampy burlesque entertainers. Not only the best revival of this musical but without a doubt the best version. For a start Bernadette Peters stuns as pushy stagemother Mama Rose making her character believable and her songs exceedingly enjoyable. Undoubtably her best songs being "Rose's Turn" and also "Everything's Coming Up Roses" are a pleasure to listen to, her vocals soaring and her true musical theatre pelt make her songs the most enjoyable, however, her lesser songs such as "Small World" and "You'll Never Get Away From Me" are not particularly desireable as I found the melodics slightly boring. Her vocals are still second to none. Tammy Blanchard exceeds all standards as Louise (soon to become Gypsy Rose Lee). Her first solo song "Little Lamb" touches the heart and atfirst she gives the impression of being meek and not a strong singer (intentionally) however, during her "Let Me Entertain You" number (in which we gradually hear her climb out of her hermit shell and become the famous burlesque entertainer and progress through theatre after theatre throughout the country) Blanchard amazes and we hear the full blast of her voice. Although the role of Louise is secondary to that of Mamma Rose, Blanchard's talents are a wow and are definitely worth the listen. Another great highlight of the cd is Kate Reinders' bubbly and energetic voice as Dainty June (in particular her duet with Blanchard- "If Momma Was Married"). Also, an immense amount of credit goes to the children of the piece- Heather Tepe is literally "a bundle of dynamite" and has the most angelic and youthful child voice I have ever heard whist the chorus of boys who back her provide punch and zest. John Dosset's Herbie (although only featured in practically one song) plays the character to perfection.
In conclusion, this cd is certainly NOT to be missed and is also a must have for EVERY musical theatre buff and even for those who are not. August 4, 2005

Bernadette is great! But why not Betty Buckley? Or Bette Midler?

I have every version of Gypsy, and actually my favorite is Betty Buckley (though she is not on a cast recording, I saw her at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey). Bette Midler isn't bad either. I saw Bernadette in this great revival and she was amazing! Thought that she was excellent and would have seen it again- had it not closed so soon. The cast recording is great- no complaints at all! One teeny thing is that Bernadette seems to struggle a little bit with Rose's Turn. That's sort of a problem because that's the big number where Rose realizes that she did it for herself. I love this musical! Tammy blanchard is very well trained for her role as gypsy/Louise, and the rest of the cast is amazing. here is a list of what soundtracks I prefer:
1) Bette Midler
2) Rosalind Russel (though she is dubbed, she's still great!)
3) Bernadette Peters
4) Ethel Merman
5)Angela Lansberry (though she is better in Mame!)
Whatever you do, do not pick up Tyne Daly's version of it! I've heard rumors that she was violently ill recording it, but anyway, she still can't sing! (Though I can't see why they didn't record it another day when she wasn't sick...hmmmm....)
Enjoy this great soundtrack! July 20, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...