Gin and Vodka Productions. Star Theatre One - 24 Nov to 2 Dec
Vince Fusco and Josh Penley’s latest collaboration as producer and director is on the musical Gypsy, which traces the life of famous American burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. Born Rose Louise Hovick, the musical’s story follows her from her youth, when she performed in the shadow of her sister with a troop of supporting singers and dancers, to her adulthood, when she becomes famous in burlesque as Gypsy.
Despite being entitled ‘Gypsy’, the story isn’t really about Rose Hovick at all. The musical is more or less a vehicle which tells the tale of Mamma Rose, or Rose Hovick - Gypsy’s mother - and her obsession with turning her daughters into Broadway stars. It also focuses on the failure of her previous three marriages and particularly Rose’s relationship to Herbie, a character in the play who also acts as the girl’s theatrical agent.
At just over 3 hours this was no short production, but it was held together wonderfully by the leads, particularly April Stuart as Mamma Rose, and Lindsay Dunn as Herbie. Stuart has a great stage presence and a wonderfully interesting voice which was particularly suited to this role. She embodied the hardened Rose so honestly, it was easy to forget that Stuart was playing a character. Lindsay Dunn played opposite Stuart as both actor and in character. His Herbie was a beautiful balance to Rose. Compassionate, loving and gentle with the right amount of masculinity to keep his character assertive.
Chloe Truehl plays the role of Dainty June with Vaudeville charm, pushing the ham right to the limit but still maintaining a serious side to her character, despite having only a few opportunities to do so. Jessica Voivenel, in the title role of Gypsy, definitely looks the part and gave the pre-Gypsy character Louise a generous innocence and modesty. Voivenel wore a huge smile throughout the production, which made her contrasting outbursts as the older Gypsy stronger. Vocally, Voivenel was great despite being a little shaky in some of the higher numbers.
The huge ensemble cast had an equal sharing of the stage, many working only in the first half of the story and not returning after interval. Others started on stage after the interval, having waited patiently back stage for over an hour. Luckily the energy didn’t suffer these long absences from the stage, and the second act received a huge lift with the introduction of Tessie Tura, Mazeppa and Electra, played by Amy Hutchinson, Nicole Christopoulos and Vanessa Shirley respectively. All three girls were great, but Hutchinson was outstanding, creating the most amazing characterisation for her Ballet Burlesque character Tessie Tura.
The orchestra, led by musical director Jonathan Bligh played wonderfully well, especially considering they were at audience height without the sound reducing quality of a pit. Occasionally the brass was a little loud and shrill, but overall the sound achieved in the Star theatre was the best heard there for some time.
Penley and Fusco can be proud of this huge undertaking. Having produced some very high standard work with the company’s premiere production, Gin and Vodka have given themselves a hard act to follow. Whilst not setting a new standard with this show, they have created a comparatively excellent production with a great cast. Stay tuned for their next instalment, this company is one to watch.
Paul Rodda
