Shaw Competition 2023/ Gypsy, guide by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Jay Turvey, Competition Theatre, Could 10 to Oct. 7. Tickets right here.

Gypsy is the massive ticket musical on the Shaw Competition this 12 months, however it’s, alas, a tad disappointing.

On paper, the manufacturing sounds wonderful, notably with Kate Hennig as Mamma Rose and Paul Sportelli as music director. Whereas Sportelli comes up trumps with the rating, Hennig’s voice is solely less than the duty.

Gypsy was written in 1959 for the particular abilities of the legendary singer Ethel Merman, whose loud, brilliant, brittle sound may metaphorically shatter glass. Thereafter, each lady taking up the position of Momma Rose has felt that blasting out the highest notes is a should. Sadly, Hennig’s high notes are ragged and strained, and uncomfortable to take heed to.

Even her interpretation of Mamma Rose is on the limp facet. Her uber-stage mom is all on one word — a steamroller that won’t be stopped — and whereas that may be a completely legitimate character driver, there must be some change ups. Hennig performs Rose as a continuing.

Hennig is by nature an outstanding actor, director and playwright, however this manufacturing doesn’t do that revered artist any favours.

In reality, the entire manufacturing appears like paint by numbers, virtually flat in supply. Director Jay Turvey has additionally taken a really standard strategy to the script with nothing new or revolutionary, ditto choreographer Genny Sermonia.

The forged as a complete appears to wish a jolt of adrenaline, notably Julie Lumsden who performs Louise. Her break-out transformation on the finish simply isn’t robust sufficient, Jason Cadieux (Herbie), Madelyn Kriese (June) and Tulsa (Drew Plummer) may all use a little bit of a kick.

Designer Cory Sincennes has crafted a darkish wooden backdrop that’s becoming for rundown theatres and fleabag residences. His interval costumes are terrific.

All these years later, when one takes a very good onerous take a look at Gypsy, there are issues, particularly, an excessive amount of Rose and never sufficient Louise. There’s a actual weak point within the guide.

Nonetheless, virtually each music in Gypsy turned a basic, gilded by Jule Styne’s catchy melodies, and Stephen Sondheim’s intelligent lyrics, and one can at all times benefit from the rating which is the liveliest a part of the present.

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Paula Citron is a Toronto-based freelance arts journalist and broadcaster who hosts her personal web site, paulacitron.ca. For over 25 years, she was senior dance author for The Globe and Mail, affiliate editor of Opera Canada journal, arts reviewer for Classical 96.3 FM, and dance previews contributor to Toronto Life journal. She has been a visitor lecturer for numerous cultural teams and universities, notably on the position of the critic/reviewer, and has been a panellist on COC podcasts. Earlier than assuming a full-time journalism profession, Ms. Citron was a member of the drama division of the Claude Watson Faculty for the Arts.

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