Gypsy // Spotlight Theatre

Review By Lucy Martin

Well, here she is BOYS! 

Opening night of Gypsy, and everything was certainly set to be coming up roses for Spotlight Theatre. 

We were instantly greeted by Rose and Herbie via the graphics on screen at the front of the building, which flowed beautifully with the screens lining the wall in the entryway of the foyer. Here we got to see a glimpse of the cast of Gypsy along with the theatre’s ‘What’s On Next’ which added to the excitement of the night. 

‘Gypsy’ is a much loved, musical fable based loosely off the 1957 memoir of famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee. 

The story of ‘Gypsy’ actually focuses on the journey of Rose, the quintessential ‘Stage Mother’ and her two girls Dainty June and Louise (who we see later become Gypsy Rose Lee) 

Baby Dainty and Louise are pushed onto the stage, gracing the theatres of Vaudeville with their shows, created from Rose’s ‘dreams’, for anyone who will have them. And anyone who won’t, will certainly hear about it. With Dainty June a natural born star, and Louise being a complete introvert the road becomes rocky. And unfortunately Rose learns, that her babies may not be babies forever and that just perhaps, she may need to readjust her show to compensate for that growth. 

After her father’s financial assistance runs out, she finds herself without a dime, but there’s always something coming… right? 

Rose finds herself engaged in conversation with an ex-agent named Herbie, and promises him success again. All he needs to do is agree to take on her and her girls. Boy did he get more than that. And like any good fable, this is also where we see love blossom. 

We quickly realise throughout this narrative that Rose is searching for her own identity and is attempting to find healing through the vicarious life she is living through her girls.

This vicarious living from their mother plays out very differently within the lives of the two girls, and those around Rose who have invested in the journey. We meet some VERY interesting characters along the way, and end the show with a very raw and beautiful display of metamorphosis for our adored Rose. 

The show commences with an absolutely beautiful overture, and bam the curtains open. 

First and foremost, I have to APPLAUD Red Nada Kulic and her costuming team on this show. Absolutely exquisite. 

From the very first costumes we see on the children in the talent show (inflated balloons et al) to the very last dresses (or lack there of!) we see on Gypsy Rose Lee it was just such a high level of excellence and cohesive design. A special mention to the three distinct costumes for the strippers in the Burlesque theatre, they were very impressive and really elevated the scene.. Or should I say, illuminated the scene! 

This may have been the first show directed by the very talented David Valks here at Spotlight, but it certainly will not be the last. 

Wow. 

Every decision, transition and intention was so brilliantly thought out and very well executed. The use of the set pieces in each scene was effective yet simple and left room for the actors to really fill the story with their enormous talent. An absolute standout moment for me (which even involved an excitable knee slap) was when we saw the characters transition from kids to adults. Valks used mirrored costuming, flashing lights and clever choreography to take us through a smooth and quick moment that left a ‘ah ha’ moment for the audience which is always a good feeling. What a genius way to handle what could’ve been an awkward part in the story line to portray to the audience. 

Another highlight from Valks’ direction of this show was the scenes throughout the Burlesque theatre – beautifully timed, thought out and effective. A special mention to the moment we see Louise transform into Gypsy Rose Lee in front of the mirror. From blocking, to costuming, to set transitions – gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS! Well done David and team. 

Cannot wait to see what you do next.

Set design from David Valks, Michael Sutton and team was stunning. From the classy car to the split up ‘house’ pieces – it was simply brilliant and very easy to see how experienced this theatre is when it comes to delivering such high level productions. Although a few scenes felt a little empty on stage, the restaurant and talent show, they were quickly overshadowed by the brilliant use and fullness of sets through the remainder of the show. 

A special mention to the incredibly impacting moment we see the set revealed of ROSE in lights with the mid framing lit to match, it was just beautiful and really gave us a WOW moment. 

Spotlight Theatre are always delivering beautifully smooth set transitions and this production was no exception to that. A wonderful use of the mid tab curtain and set transition music really allowed the show to consistently lift. 

I especially loved the use of the mid curtain for when Gypsy Rose Lee is taking a moment before her debut to the stage, clever concept. 

The lighting design by Jamie Watt and sound design from Nick Willner were flawless as would be expected from these two. The lighting was always well suited to the time of day or intention of the character within the scene with an impressive pattern used with the spots during particular character moments. And although there seemed to be a mic issue with one of the performers on this night, it was handled beautifully by the cast member (Yonkers played by Andrew Kassab) who allowed some extra projection and unwavered in confidence. The issue was then quickly seen to when the show allowed. 

Always such a high calibre from Watt and Willner and I was not disappointed here. Kudos to the lighting and sound operators on a solid performance here too. 

Choreographed by the wonderful Jackson Kook, the show was timely, neat and beautifully symmetrical. Each piece was laced with class and quality of movement that was well suited to the performers. A special mention to the kids choreography throughout the start of the show along with the consistency and well thought out references in this choreo that we then saw replayed by the adults later in the show – very clever choices here by Kook. Another favourite was ‘Together Wherever We Go’ where the family’s choreography was deliciously sweet and really took us along the story being told within the lyrics. Assistant/tap choreographer Bianca Riek really showed her ability as a growing creative in this industry with outstanding tap numbers that helped the performers really shine within their moments. A standout number for me was Tulsa’s tap solo, played by the wonderful Andrew King, doing ‘All I Need Is The Girl’ were accompanied by this performers wonderful talent, this choreography really shone. And then mirrored so lovely by Madeline Harper as Louise – it was just a stunning moment. 

Well done to Jackson and Bianca who clearly worked well together to produce the numbers in this show. 

Vocal direction by the beautiful Kyla Price was polished and pure. With a wonderfully talented cast alongside her, she really helped them shine. A special mention to her work on ‘If Mumma Was Married’ with the girls, it was beautifully delivered with a very lovely blend between the two voices. 

A huge congratulations to Price on her debut into Vocal Directing. 

Now before we go any further… I just have to get this out of the way. THE COW?! 

Genius!! 

This certainly could’ve been a crash and burn type of recurring character but it was far from that. It was SO wonderfully and comedically planned out that it left me in constant stitches. It was so well executed (not literally don’t worry) from the dance moooooves to the head spins when the cow were referred to within the script, it was just hilarious. Well done to the creative choices made by all involved here. 

Now to the wonderful cast! 

With alternating junior members, this night we were graced with the wonderful ‘Joey Cast’ which included Maddie Terzis as Baby June and Madalyn Davies as Baby Louise. Both girls did a wonderful job of portraying their chalk and cheese styled sibling moments. With Terzis very convincingly giving us the ‘happy to be centre of attention/mumma’s favourite’ character and Davies giving us the ‘do I have to be here again’ character, these two budding young performers really showed how far they will go in this industry. 

Baby June’s standout was certainly her beautifully impressive dance ability and technique. And Baby Louise really shone in her acting and line delivery. Great job girls! 

All youth ensemble members did such a wonderful job on stage with bright happy, expressive faces and energy throughout each movement. And lovely to see such a high level of dance technique overall. Well done to these young performers!

Now to Rose…. ROSE!!! 

What can we say about the lovely Carole Williams as dear mumma Rose, other than WOW. Williams ranked herself as a true professional from the minute she walked on the stage. 

From her EXQUISITE vocals to her never ending commitment to character in each line delivery, she absolutely nailed this role. A perfect casting here. Some of my favourite moments from Williams were ‘Some People’ where we really started to fall in love with the antics that make up Rose as a character, portrayed so well here. Another was the incredibly moving performance in ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’ which was a remarkably strong way to finish act 1, especially at the end of what would have been a very long act for this talented performer who spent barely any time off the stage. 

But the absolute standout was saved for the final curtain, when we saw Williams take on ‘Rose’s Turn’. A home run to round out such a brilliant performance. I was pulled to my feet upon her walking out for her bow, as was everyone around me. I can’t wait to see what you do next and congratulations on a truly incredible performance. 

Chris Hawkins plays the loveable and optimistic Herbie. Hawkins played this character beautifully, layering his moments of frustration with care and strength upon his scenes with his great love Rose. The moment he realises that him and Rose’s love is beyond repair, was brilliantly portrayed and executed by this talented performer. A few opening night nerves meant we did lose a few lines at times but overall a great performance. 

Madeline Harper as Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee was positively divine and along with Rose, another standout actress and vocalist. 

My first time seeing this lovely performer and I was astounded by her talent. Her rendition of ‘Little Lamb’ was breathtaking in vocal and acting ability. Her finale number ‘Let Me Entertain You’ was a very impressive and consistent performance from start to finish. 

A standout moment for this lovely performer was definitely her realisation moment in front of the mirror which as an audience member, was very impacting. Her change in temperament from Louise to Gypsy Rose Lee was brilliantly executed, especially in her white gown at the vanity. Gorgeous acting shown here.

Kimberley Rigby as Dainty June really sold us the ‘child star’ character. Her portrayal of following her mother’s dream while battling an inner sadness that came from living a life that wasn’t hers, was very convincing and showed her strength as a performer. I really enjoyed her vocals in her sister duet, a lovely performance indeed. 

The dapper Andrew King was such a solid and trustworthy presence each time he entered the stage. His tap solo in ‘All I Need Is The Girl’ was clean, clear and a standout dance number for this show. King’s entrance in Act 2 as Pastey was absolutely hilarious and showed such impressive diversity in his acting ability. Well done on such a solid performance from a performer we always love to watch. 

A special mention to Kat Lardner and Jessica Papst who really shone in this show in their respective character moments and songs. With ‘You Gotta Get A Gimmick’ being the highlight performance of this show for me from the costuming, to the performers, to the blocking and vocal direction. So thoroughly entertaining. 

I loved Neil Watson as Uncle Jocko, he really set the bar high with his energy at the commencement of the show along with the lovely Natalie Cassanti who you can never seem to take your eyes off when she enters a stage. 

With too many to name, all the performers in this show layered this wonderful musical fable really brilliantly and truly supported the narrative being told. Each showed that they are a very high leveled group of performers who must’ve been a dream to work with and should be very proud to have been an integral part of this show. A nod to performer David Benn who plays L.A, he was a brilliant storyteller and I couldn’t help but watch him whenever his character arrived on the scene. 

Spotlight Theatre and David Volks have truly outdone themselves and should be so proud of how they’ve handled and retold the story of our dearest Madame Rose and her hidden gem, Gypsy. 

Until next time!