Imelda Staunton 'Gypsy'

[alxscrz2]

A revival of Gypsy is set for London next year. Imelda Staunton is to play Rose. In an article (linkd below) she said Sondheim and few others persuaded her to take on the role. This sounds awesome, I wish I lived in the UK so I could see this
Article :)

[AnythingGoes23]

Its in talks for the National...

[ComingUpRoses2]

THIS is wonderful news! I'd heard rumors for a little while now. She's gonna act the hell out of this role!

[AddisonMizner]

I am SO excited for this! Yes, she will absolutely act the HELL out of the role! As I've said on here before, I thought her performance in "Sweeney Todd" was breathtaking and one of the best performances I have EVER seen! She may not have the powerhouse voice that we have come to expect of a "Rose" but I can't wait to see what she does with the role. I just want it to be fully confirmed now and quickly!

[ClapYo'Hands]

If she cannot sing it, I will not be happy.

Excited nevertheless, though I would rather see Elaine Paige.

[rockyhorrorfan]

I really hope this happens. Imelda is amazing as Mrs Lovett and I'm sure she'd be just as amazing as Rose.

[MusicalBoy]

At this point, every age appropriate vocalist under the sun on broadway has played Rose, it's been sung fantastically at every turn in very different ways and after having noticed some productions cast with singers who can also act (a little), I'm more than ready to see a realistic Rose who, let's face it - IS NOT going to be able to sing that score the way you're used to hearing it, that's why it's going to make sense that her Rose hasn't been on stage all her life, her talent is her energy and determination, not her voice.

[theatrepaul]

Am super excited by this news. London is long overdue a Gypsy revival.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Tyne Daly couldn't sing (still can't) and she got away with it. Staunton is a great singer, I see no reason why she doesn't have the whole package. This is amazing news, I really hope it's the National.

Any ideas on production team? Director?? What about her Herbie and Louise?

[AddisonMizner]

Wasn't there talk on here a while ago that rather than being at the National, it would in fact be produced by Chichester Festival Theatre but go straight into the West End? I also thought the rumour was that it would be directed by Jonathan Kent.

[MusicalBoy]

^ I heard that rumour and that it was being held up by the Laurents estate...I'd hoped he'd stop meddling with revivals after he died, clearly he's still unwilling to relinquish director's rights, even from beyond the grave.

[theeatah]

I hope it is the National, then there's a chance that it could be broadcast as part of the NT: Live series. Though perhaps the various estates might nix the idea as undermining the proposed Streisand film...

If Staunton studies Angela Lansbury's take, as she did for Sweeney Todd, I think she'll do very well.

I hope they get an equally strong Louise. Just once I'd like to see a Louise who doesn't hideously overact the dressing room scene.

[MusicalBoy]

^ I actually found Staunton's Lovett to be the antithesis of Lansbury!

[Musicaldudepeter]

What do you mean she studied Lansbury's Lovett. That is the biggest insult you could give any actor on the planet. Every performer/actor/singer, when they approach a piece of music/role/play/musical/whatever(!) that has been done before in any way, always start at 'A' and get there on their own with their own work, not by studying any previous performance!

[theeatah]

I didn't write that she copied Lansbury's performance. Staunton has stated that she learned the songs by listening to Lansbury on the OBC recording.

Many performers study the work of their predecessors in a role. Caroline O'Connor has mentioned youtubing past Roses while preparing for Gypsy.

P.S. I think Jemima Rooper might make a really fine Louise.

[Taboolie2]

Hey everyone. I haven't posted on here for quite a while (years as opposed to months - sorry). I don't know why I feel like posting again but i just have this one comment - I would liked to have seen Patti LuPone in the part. Her Broadway 'Rose' received rave reviews (plus appetite wetted having just read the biography). i think Imelda is amazing and i love her in sweeny but Patti can really belt out a show tune.

[MusicalBoy]

^ I love the idea of Gemima Rooper as Louise!!!

[ClapYo'Hands]

Yes, there's no need to get up in arms, Staunton has stated that Lansbury was a big influence in her learning the part. Same with O'Connor and Ethel Merman for Madame Rose. And since Lansbury is the best that's ever been in both roles (IMO), Staunton can't go far wrong.

I don't think Staunton is a bad singer (neither do I think Tyne Daly is) and I also don't think that the role needs to be belted out quite like Patti LuPone did. All I ask singing-wise from a Madame Rose is that she's able to sing the score as Styne and Sondheim wrote it.

I also just think that Elaine Paige was born to play this role in every sense and I just hope that she gets to play it someday, somewhere before it's too late.

[MusicalBoy]

With regards to Elaine Paige, although she'd be extraordinary, I feel it might already be too late.

Also, though it might be sacrilege to say so, I don't like Angela Lansbury's Lovett. I don't like ham.

[sparepart973]

I'm excited that Gypsy is finally getting a London revival, but not with Imelda. While she was just fine in Sweeney Todd, I feel that ST's score is a lot more forgiving to an actress whose forte is not her singing voice. It's a completely different beast to Gypsy.

Gypsy's glorious score though would be wasted on someone who doesn't have the vocal stamina. While people say that she doesn't have to belt the score-yes she actually does because that's how the score is. While Tayne Daley is not your typical Broadway singer, her voice had strength and the stamina for Rose. I just don't see how Imelda can pull off Rose's three big songs, more singing night after night after night.

[ClapYo'Hands]

"I don't like ham."

But you like Ball and Staunton??

[Bob30]

Musicaldudepeter - Loads of actors look to other performances for inspiration, it can really help you understand a character and identify flaws in others portrayals that you dont want to make yourself, so its not really an insult to say Imelda took inspiration from the theatre goddess that is Angela Lansbury!

[theeatah]

I'd disagree that Daly has strength and stamina when it comes to her singing voice. PLaying Rose 8 times a week did her in, in terms of vocal health, fairly early into her run.

[theatrepaul]

I love Imelda Staunton but am struggling to imagine her in Gypsy. That said, she always throws absolutely everything into each role she plays and if anyone can pull it off, Imelda can.

I look forward to it - a London revival of Gypsy is LONG overdue.

[AnythingGoes23]

Elaine Paige wanted to play the part for Chichester back in 2005 and a few other attempts after, but getting the rights was a nightmare. I think it's easier now, but I also fear her time has gone for this role, sadly.

Then again, I do hate her American accent..!

[Jim Colyer]

"Gypsy" is one of my favorite musicals. Such great songs!