| Author | Topic: Gypsy Recommendations |
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Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
208.168.16.x | posted: 4/2/2003 at 6:53:05 PM ET
I went to see the show and really enjoyed myself, but it was not very different from any of the previous versions.
Below are my thoughts on how to improve the show.
#1. Why did they portray Bernadette as such an old woman. The fact remains that Bernadette is in her 50's and is stunningly beautiful (use that). The character of Gypsy should be a woman in her 40's and 50's who is stunning. USE the Bernadette's beauty and make MAMA Rose. WOW
P.S. Change her wardrobe and shoes. Go with something more fun.
#2. Mr Goldstone was to darn happy. You need to make him very somber and have his character come to life in a goofy way toward the end of the song. (Have Gypsy use her sex appeal with him)
#3. John Dossett has a fantastic voice but he needs to be louder "Sing out John"
#4. Choreography. The show needs to do something a little different then in the past. Gypsy needs more dancing and you need to WOW the crowed.
People want to walk away from a show going WOW the only wow is Gypsy is Bernadette Peters and she looks to old.
I hope Sam Mendes is listening
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 moljul
Registered User
Registered:
4/2/2001
From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 4/2/2003 at 7:03:26 PM ET
#1 I totally agree. And technically she should be a mother in her 30s at the beginning and her early 40s at the end. If they were really going for realistics, she should be in her 20s at the beginning and her 30s at the end. Rose was, after all, only 16 years older than Gypsy. But that won't happen. Hopefully they are working on some better costumes they make her look less matronly.
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 Krasm
Registered User
Registered:
3/29/2003
From:
Brooklyn | posted: 4/2/2003 at 7:11:21 PM ET
I agree with all of them. I have to say that the dance numbers never really made be go OMG and a good show needs to make people say OMG at least once.
Use the talent of Bernadette. They tried to hide her under the bad cloths and the old makeup. WE are going to see her play. Madame Rose so give us the real Bernadette and MAMA Rose will shine through her. Break the past and create the new.
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Bwaybaby
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Registered:
3/10/2001 | posted: 4/2/2003 at 7:27:26 PM ET
I agree, I'd also like to see Rose played like they led people to believe she'd be played in this production...sexier and more seductive. I can see why they chose to make Bernadette look older though....so people would forget they were watching Bernadette Peters and look at her more as Rose. For me, it was a completely different side of Bernadette that I have ever seen and seeing her look so different defintely added to seeing her more as Rose then Bernadette.
The costumes are still not completely finished yet...almost but it'll take a few more weeks. I'm sure by opening night they will be ready.
As for the dance numbers...unfortunately Jerome Robbins( the original choreographer) is no longer living. There has been additional choreography provided by Jerry Mitchell and Jodi Moccia in this production but they probably wanted to stay true to the original production and honor Jerome Robbin's work. It probably wouldn't even be legal to change the choreography entirely without Jerome's consent or atleast his heir's. A few years ago West Side Story was supposed to come back to Broadway. They had even cast a lot of the parts but then the librettist, Arthur Laurents, refused to give his OK for the revival so they couldn't go forward with the production.
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 Fan55
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Registered:
3/1/2003 | posted: 4/2/2003 at 8:25:33 PM ET
ALthough I have not seen the show yet (so maybe I should stay out of it for now), but I (although I havn't seen Bernadette as Mamma Rose yet...make up and all(as far as appearance)). From what I've heard, Bernadette should stay her usual looking self and leave it at that!! May I ask one thing though...how old does she look? Is it like when she portrayed Marie (the grandmother) in "Sunday in the park with George"??
Thanks,
-T-
      
ps-The point that has been made (by Mendes, etc) is that Bernadette (among soo many wonderful things) was/is going to bring sexiness to the role (you don't have to be young and "hip" to be sexy), but she is after all Bernadette Peters... !
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Bwaybaby
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Registered:
3/10/2001 | posted: 4/2/2003 at 8:35:50 PM ET
Well, from where I was sitting which was right up front...she looked to be late 50s or early 60s.Its all perspective though, my aunt is 60 and looks 45.
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Fan55
Registered User
Registered:
3/1/2003 | posted: 4/2/2003 at 8:36:48 PM ET
Also,( )...as far as Tyne Daly, Lansburry, Buckley, (and Linda Lavin too!), they were all around the same age (either a bit younger or close to Bernadette), so how old did they make them look when they appeared on stage in the role?? Although they may have look good, maybe even great for their age (I did not see any of them) so maybe since Bernadette is so exceptional looking ( ), is that a reason to really make her older looking than all the other actresses who have played Rose (am I making sense?)?
-T-
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Bwaybaby
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Registered:
3/10/2001 | posted: 4/2/2003 at 8:42:35 PM ET
I didn't see any of those productions...however, I've seen some photos and Angela basically looked her age frpm what I saw. And Roslind Russell and Bette looked their age. So I think a lot of it has to do with Bernadette looking so young for her age...she also has a very modern look to her, I think. And as I stated before, I think they made her appear older so people wouldn't look at her as Bernadette. Its sort of funny that Bernadette, being the oldest actress that's played Mama Rose, has to gte made up to look older LOL
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moljul
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From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 4/2/2003 at 9:22:15 PM ET
I think they maybe got carried away trying to make her look Un-Bernadette Peters like. I think it is important that she not look like her normal self because a lot of people feel she is so miscast. They need to let those people get lost in the character and wigging her and such will help. But I think they just took it too far and hopefully will find a good balance during previews.
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Bwaybaby
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Registered:
3/10/2001 | posted: 4/2/2003 at 9:28:09 PM ET
I see what your saying...I wish they didn't have to make her look so much older.However, you know that if they had left her the way she is people would be complaining like crazy about that and would probably be saying " Its like watching Bernadette at one of her concerts". You'd think her acting would accomodate for all of that( because she is a fabulous actress!!) but some people just can't get past looks.
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moljul
Registered User
Registered:
4/2/2001
From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 4/2/2003 at 9:37:43 PM ET
Exactly my point. I think making her look so different is because of those people. But now she looks like Baby June's grandmother.
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Anonymous
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From Internet Network:
64.12.96.x | posted: 4/2/2003 at 10:24:54 PM ET
I haven't seen the show but I do know one thing. Most people have already seen Gypsy, and probably more than once. So why go see this production? One reason....BERNADETTE. So...give us Bernadette. I hope they make costume changes, etc. because what makes this an exciting NEW production is the fact that someone as unusual (choice wise, that is) and extraordinary as Bernadette is playing the lead. Your random everyday people who will buy tickets in NYC will buy the tickets simply to see BERNADETTE (not just the show itself). She has the amazing ability to add her own personal touch of magic to every role she undertakes. People usually love her or hate her. 99% of her shows have been big hits and I think that this show will be no different. Give it time and a little TLC and I think we will all be in for a big surprise.
Brian
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 Christine-NYC
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Registered:
3/23/2002
From:
New York City
Fav. BP Song: With So Little to be Sure Of
Fav. BP Show: Gypsy
Fav. BP Character: Marie (insert last name) lol There's a few
Fav. BP CD: Bernadette Peters Loves Rogers and Hammerstein
| posted: 4/3/2003 at 8:36:42 AM ET
I agree with pretty much all of the comments. Let Bernadette look like Bernadette and act like Rose!
People can get past looks if a performer makes them. Bernadette has it in her to make us believe she is Rose! without the aide of crappy makeup and matronly clothes.
<3CMH<3
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sfs1414
Registered User
Registered:
3/3/2003 | posted: 4/6/2003 at 12:18:29 AM ET
I thought the choreography was fine. I think it fit the vaudeville time period perfectly. Nothing back then really "Wowed" the audiences. It was cute and cuddly. I think it was very creative and funny. I loved the jump roping cow.
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