Type – Community Musical Theatre, Fable, Sondheim Classic
If you liked – Anything by Stephen Sondheim, Chicago, Cabaret
Gypsy: A great way to start your relationship with a genius of musical theatre, and a solid production in the true Sondheim Broadway tradition
Few musicals are as demanding as Gypsy. First staged on Broadway in 1959, its energetic score by Jule Styne and razor-sharp lyrics by Stephen Sondheim make it still fresh. It is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, and tells the story of her mother, Rose, as she tries to bring her own show-biz dreams alive via her two daughters, Louise and June. Rose’s determination and singular focus on achieving stardom for them, and vicariously her own self, means anything else get jettisoned along the way, such as love, freedom and personal choice.
The character of Rose is often described as one of the Mount Everests of musical theatre – her emotional trajectory across the time period of the play is intense. This is a show that would test the limits of any company, and the North Shore Theatre Company has shown that with passion, commitment, and imagination they are able to stage a spirited and surprisingly moving production that can more than compensate for the absence of a mainstage-sized budget. From a small community theatre group an entertaining and admirably ambitious show has emerged.
The Heart of Gypsy is ‘Coming up Roses’
Rose is at the heart of any Gypsy, and Kristin Kok fully inhabits the role. She commands the stage with authority and presence, her voice carrying the audience from brassy determination to some moments of genuine vulnerability. Sabine Anais as Louise charts a pretty convincing journey from the seemingly plain overlooked daughter to a star in her own right. Lauren Mitchell as the other sister June, on whose shoulders Rose places all her hopes of stardom, is a real star in the making, with a warm and engaging stage presence and charisma. Her dance with Tulsa, played by Sam Larielle-Jones, was stunning in the genuine chemistry in their performance, and she and Anais also showed great affinity and chemistry as sisters. The supporting cast acquit themselves well with enthusiasm and charm, and it was fun to see the kids of the vaudeville troupe get some time on stage. A few hiccups on lines and cues will no doubt be tightened up quickly.
Director Matt Dorahy gives a solid and reliable musical staging, making good use of the large cast, and ensemble numbers such as ‘You Gotta Get a Gimmick’, which sparkled with humour and personality – a reminder that the show’s heart lies not only in its stars but in the community of performers. They ensure that the staging isn’t static, bringing the performance off the stage to give us an immersive experience.
An Ambitious Design on a Limited Budget
Production values were ambitious and a few sound glitches let them down from time to time. Michael Haratzis’ set is cleverly versatile, with swift changes that keep the action flowing. The costumes by Jess Luth and Matt Dorahy are simple but well made, and the burlesque dancers have some extra fun thrown in that the audience will love. The live orchestra is a real treat: they play with conviction and give Styne’s rich score the drive and colour it deserves. A bit of work is needed on their cueing with the actors, again nothing that some rigorous fixups won’t tighten. Georgia van der Sman’s choreography is well executed, lending the musical numbers a professional sheen. A particularly clever piece depicting the transition of the child actors to adults is very smartly done.
Perhaps the most striking quality of the evening was the sense of collective purpose. The cast’s dedication was evident in every scene, and the creative team’s vision made excellent use of the company’s strengths. While a few moments showed up the limitations of budget and experience, they were minor compared to the overall achievement. What lingered was not imperfections but the sincerity and joy of the performers.
Is Gypsy Worth Seeing in North Sydney?
This production showcased the extraordinary things that can happen when a small theatre company dares to take on a classic and pours itself wholeheartedly into the task. For audiences, it was a fabulous evening of music, laughter, and unexpected poignancy: proof that the magic of musical theatre can shine just as brightly on a small stage as it does on Broadway.
Tickets and Practical Info for Gypsy in North Sydney 🎟️
Presented by North Shore Theatre Company
Venue: Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
Dates: Until 27th September
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1432108
Score: Jules Styne
Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Arthur Laurents
North Sydney Theatre Company
Director: Matt Dorahy
Choreographer: Georgia van der Sman
Musical Director: Xia Lian Wilson
