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Critics and audiences around the world consider Gypsy to be the best ever American musical.A spectacular new production at The Crescent Theatre in Brindley Place, Birmingham, with a cast of more than 25 and a full orchestra, opens on Saturday 11th May and runs until the 18th. This will be the first time in decades that this iconic and brilliant show has been staged in Birmingham – so it’s there for all lovers of musicals anywhere in the West Midlands … and beyond!
With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by the unmatchable Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy is loved around the world and has won too many awards to list – though Tonys, Grammies and an Oliver are amongst them. Its songs are simply amazing and include globally iconic numbers, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You”. It has everything you want of a musical: fabulous music and dance routines; staged with showbiz spectacle; fascinating characters and a super story.
Gypsytells the tale of Rose Louise Hovick, who became the USA’s most famous striptease artist (Gypsy Rose Lee) and her mother, Rose – now globally recognised as the iconic pushy “stage Mama”: the “stage mother from hell”!
Following the breakup of Rose’s second marriage, she decided to put her daughters on the stage to generate an income. One became that superstar, Gypsy Rose Lee, and the other, June, became a successful stage and Hollywood actress, dancer and director. So Mama Rose pulled it off, but that’s hardly surprising! As this production’s director, Kevin Middleton, explains: “According to sources, including her daughters, Rose was notorious for lying, bullying, cajoling, stealing and sabotaging rival acts and was masterful at conning people with her genteel, brave-but-helpless single mother act.”
The role of Mama Rose was created for and by Ethel Merman. Top artists have jumped at the chance to play it ever since, including the UK’s Imelda Staunton whose performance was a tour de force.
The Crescent, with a long track-record of top quality musicals, has pulled out all the stops to make this a very special production, not least with having sets for more than 20 locations!
This is a show and a production of it that offer something for everyone, as Kevin Middleton summarises: “It’s a really strong, gripping and thought-provoking story, but that doesn’t stop the show being enormous fun. It’ll be an evening of toe-tapping, joy, drama, romance, laughter and tears … not to mention three ageing strippers! A great evening out.”
Tickets are still available and there are discounts for groups, children and students. For more information, contact 0121 643 5858, book online at www.crescent-theatre.co.uk or email boxoffice@crescent-theatre.co.uk
LISTING
Venue: 20 Sheepcote Street, Brindley Place, Birmingham B16 8AE
Dates: Sat 11th to Sat 18th May
Times: 7:30pm (excluding Mon 10th); 2.30pm mats (Sun 12th and Sat 18th)
Tickets: From £12
Offers: Child, Student and Group discountsavailable
CONTACT
Website: www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0121 643 5858
Email: boxoffice@crescent-theatre.co.uk
About The Crescent
We are one of Birmingham’s oldest theatre companies, with a history stretching back to 1923. Our membership of 250 actors, technicians, set designers and costume designers come together each year to expertly craft up to fifteen of our own company productions. The Crescent is both a home to members who wish to develop their creative talents and skills and the first step for many actors who have gone on to work in theatre, film and television.
We are committed to supporting local talent within the West Midlands’ arts scene, and regularly host performers from the worlds of theatre, live music, and dance. Our long-running Youth Theatre provides a welcoming space for young people between the ages of 11 and 18 with an interest in the theatre arts.
We also have a dedicated cinema programme with regular film screenings and special themed events. We have a wonderful mix of old and new films; cult gems nestled among more established names and nostalgic favourites, all at the affordable price of £5.
For more information, please visit: https://www.crescent-theatre.co.uk/crescent-membership/