‘Gypsy’ struts its stuff splendidly
Tom Titus, For the Independent
No biographical musical -- be it “Funny Girl,” “George M” or any of
the other showbiz life stories -- has the dramatic kick, the sterling
score or the pure entertainment value of “Gypsy,” Arthur Laurents’
lyrical valentine to the queen of all the strippers, Gypsy Rose Lee.
Yet it’s only in the show’s last few minutes that the character of
Gypsy comes into her own -- with a vengeance. Most of the musical centers
on her mother, Madame Rose, who was determined to make stars of her two
daughters if it killed them both in the process. One ended up as actress
June Havoc; the other, of course, was Gypsy.
For a high school -- even one dedicated to nurturing stage performers
such as Huntington Beach’s Academy of Performing Arts -- to attempt such
a production with a teenage student in the role of Mama Rose is risky
business indeed. Yet Kellie Nitkin pulls it off superbly, erasing from
our minds early on that she’s actually not old enough to vote.
Director Tim Nelson has assembled a marvelous production with some
high-caliber young talent in this full-blown, fully orchestrated
rendition, and Nitkin isn’t his only standout performer. Katherine
McLaughlin as the ugly duckling sister who blossoms into the sultry swan
known as Gypsy Rose Lee is equally excellent, and David Harwell
contributes a splendid performance as Rose’s low-key lover, Herbie.
No corners are cut in this production. Some numbers, which usually are
shortened, are presented with all the music and lyrics that composer Jule
Styne and lyricist Stephen Sondheim (in one of his first Broadway shows)
originally created. And Greg Gilboe’s pit orchestra adds resounding
emphasis, surrounded by the ramp on which the strippers and dancers strut
their stuff under the finely honed choreographic eye of Diane
Makis-Colwell.
On the downside, the head mikes worn by the principals often sound a
bit scratchy, and the inclusion of a live “Little Lamb” turns what is
intended as a somber musical moment, defining young Louise’s character,
into an unintentionally hilarious segment. It seems no one told theanimal
that the song wasn’t a duet. If McLaughlin, rendered a little sheepish in
this number,has her way, there’ll probably be lamb chops on the menu at
the cast party.
Scene-stealing sheep aside, APA’s “Gypsy” is a terrific production and
Nitkin revels in the role of the ultimate stage mother -- dominating her
daughters, the hapless Herbie and everyone else who gets in her way. Her
interaction with the Chinese restaurant waiters is priceless and her two
knockout solos, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn,” are
rendered with resounding confidence and vocal power.
McLaughlin’s transformation -- not only physically, but also in
attitude -- is beautifully accomplished, and her showdown scene with Rose
in the dressing room is one of the best of the show. Harwell makes the
most of his eventual confrontation with the headstrong Nitkinand holds up
his end of the trio in “Together” with aplomb.
The plum supporting roles in any production of “Gypsy” are the veteran
strippers at the Wichita burlesque house, and actresses Mindy Patrick,
Rachel Scott and particularly Allison Gibbons revel in these over-the-top
characters who demonstrate how “You’ve Gotta Have a Gimmick” to succeed
in the exotic dancing business.
Other fine supporting stints are turned in by “D” Pull as Tulsa,
Nicole Weber as Agnes (a.k.a. Amanda), Jill Prout as the stern theater
secretary Miss Cratchitt and Evonne Sturm as the grown “Baby June.”
Sisters Madison and Melissa Mitchell capably render the younger June and
Louise.
“Gypsy” is one of those musicals that possesses all the elements of
superior entertainment, and Huntington Beach’s APA program gives it the
glorious treatment it deserves. Everything’s coming up roses for this
one.
* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.
FYI
WHAT: “Gypsy”
WHO: Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
WHERE: Huntington Beach High School auditorium, 1905 Main St.,
Huntington Beach
WHEN: Closing performances 7:30 Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
COST: $8 & $10
PHONE: (714) 536-2514, Ext. 302 (during office hours)
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