Gypsy hits a high note
LET me entertain you, one of the hit songs in Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s latest, sensational musical offerings Gypsy did just that and a whole lot more on opening night at Leongatha’s Mesley Hall last Friday.
If there’s a great American musical, Gypsy is it and 56 years after it first opened on Broadway Lyric director Colin Mitchell has made sure it is back in the spotlight, a fitting tribute to his friend and Lyric life member, the late Mary Eagger in Lyric’s 50th year.
Get the awards ready, as Colin will be in the running. His direction is amazing, and his set design and costumes incredible. This show is “electrifying”.
Leading lady Elly Poletti is a star, a dynamo in the role described by many as “the” role for a woman in musical theatre, the over bearing, show biz Mama Rose.
Elly is the standout in this show and wowed the audience with her knockout singing, with downtrodden boyfriend Herbie played to a tee by Brad Beach and their songs You’ll Never Get Away From Me, Everything’s Coming Up Roses, Together Wherever We Go and Rose’s Turn.
She is a natural and would be at home on any major stage; she blazes from start to finish.
In fact, the whole show and cast shine from start to finish. The show opens with stunning sets and Elly (Mama Rose) and her daughters Baby June, played expertly by the adorable Bella Kent and Young Louise by Ashley Geary (she was gorgeous) singing, Let me entertain you, as the talented trio go on to work the vaudeville showbiz circuit.
The show follows their story and along the way Rose picks up a man, the girls grow up, and June abandons the act.
And by the time the curtain comes down, Louise (Tash Nagel) has reinvented herself as Gypsy Rose Lee, the biggest burlesque star ever. As far as standouts, Tash is definitely up there and a favourite of many following the weekend performances.
Others to mention Janie Gordon (Dainty June) is a delight. The talented Will Hanley as grown-up newsboy Tulsa shines; his song and tap dance solo All I Need is the Girl dazzling.
The jaded strippers Electra (Kerrie Giles), Tessie Tura (Nicole Cooper) and Mazeppa (Rhonda Melhuish) livened up the show with their shockingly fabulous costumes and gave the audience a good laugh with a show favourite, You Gotta have a Gimmick.
There is no weak link in this show. The whole cast is brilliant and the sets, music, costumes, lighting just wonderful.
Lyric is on a winner with this show, being described as one of its best ever shows and is a must see for the whole family.
The show runs on July 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, and tickets can be booked online www.lyrictheatre.net.au.
Gypsy cast shone: Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s director Colin Mitchell (Mr Goldstone-seated) and his amazingly talented cast put on a winning show on Friday night
Short URL: /?p=15395
Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jul 7 2015. Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
