Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Philadelphia

Gypsy
Arden Theatre Company
Review by Rebecca Rendell | Season Schedule

Also see Cameron's review of How to Use a Knife


Mary Martello
Photo by Mark Garvin
The most amazing thing about Gypsy is its phenomenal score (music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim), and director Terrence J. Nolen knows it. Nolen lets numbers like "Some People," "You'll Never Get Away from Me," "All I Need Is the Girl," "Together, Wherever We Go," and "Everything's Coming Up Roses" shine like the musical theater jewels they are. This impressive collection of songs tells the bittersweet story of Rose's travels with her daughters June and Louise.

Rose is the original stage mom, singularly devoted to making her daughters headliners on the vaudeville circuit. June is the effusive and energetic star of the show, and Louise is a devoted if untalented second fiddle. They travel the country in search of work, fame, and the occasional egg roll. A cautionary tale about the danger of projecting our hopes and dreams onto our children (newly relevant in the age of Instagram graduation pictures and live video stream piano recitals), Gypsy tells a powerful story about family and the search for fame.

Director Terrence J. Nolen has assembled an impressive cast for this high energy production. Mary Martello is gut wrenching in the iconic role of Rose, playing the indomitable matron with a frazzled edge of desperation that is simultaneously enraging and sympathetic. Martello cannot belt out the big numbers like others who have played the role, but her performance more than makes up for her vocal limitations. The endearing Caroline Dooner pulls off an impressive transformation as practical and kind hearted Louise. With a sense of warmth and humor, Anthony Heald brings an everyman charm to the role of Rose's love interest Herbie. Malik Akil's (Tulsa) rendition of "All I Need Is the Girl" is spectacular. "You Gotta Get a Gimmick" is another highlight, thanks to Monica Horan (Tessie), Meghan Strange (Electra), and most especially Joilet F. Harris (Mazeppa).

Jenn Rose's cheerful choreography is fun and especially enjoyable during the burlesque sequence in the second act. Thom Weaver's lighting designs are top notch. Costumes by Richard St. Clair are a great asset to production. James Kronzer's set is a bit underwhelming. The projections are odd and distracting and Weaver's lighting designs do most of the heavy lifting.

If you have never seen Gypsy, this is a great opportunity to see it for the first time. If you have seen it, this production may not show you anything new, but it will be a thoroughly enjoyable reminder of what makes this great musical so special.

Gypsy runs through Sunday, June 25, 2017, at the Arden Theatre Company's F. Otto Haas Stage, 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia. For tickets call the box office at 215-922-1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org.

Cast:
Rose: Mary Martello
Herbie: Anthony Heald
Louise: Caroline Dooner
June: Rachel Camp
Tulsa: Malik Akil
LA: Zack Aguilar
Yonkers: Andrew Betz
Angie: Jordan Dobson
Waitress/Mazeppa: Joilet Harris
Tessie Tura/Miss Crachitt: Monica Horan
Electra/Renee: Meghan Strange
Agnes: Emily Kleimo
Marjorie Mae: Paige Smallwood
Pop/Mr. Goldstone/Cigar: H. Michael Walls
Jocko/Pastey/Weber: David Bardeen
Baby June: Alexa Hunt
Baby Louise: Veronica Nardo
Child 1/Ballet Boy: Ethan Jih-Cook
Child 2/Clarence: Avery Hannon
Child 3/Balloon Girl: Abigail Brown
Chowsie the dog: "Andy" Murphy Nolen

Crew:
Director: Terrence J. Nolen
Music Director: Ryan Touhey
Choreographer: Jenn Rose
Scenic Designer: James Kronzer
Lighting Designer: Thom Weaver
Costume Designer: Richard St. Clair
Sound Designer: Jorge Cousineau
Stage Manager: Alec Ferrell