I saw this last weekend. She was at times, nearly brilliant. Her Mama Rose was at times sexy, fearless and a terrible monster. I was really suprised, the Act One finale of 'Everythings Coming Up Roses' was thrilling. Truly.
Production value was of course very low, but the most was done with both the staging and ensemble. The entire production once again proves what a wonder GYPSY is as a musical.
Ms. Dewitt is, above all else, quite an affecting actress. She has a darling figure and quite a bit of physical grave, both of which she uses to her advantage. Vocally, she's not a powerhouse. She hits the notes and is hardly ever off-pitch. But she doesn't have (yet) the command of the music to really sail through the whole show.
As Eddie said, her Everything's Coming Up Roses was a revelation. Her Rose's Turn could be as well. What she (and every actress) needs for this role is a terrific, strong director. There are moments that need more exploration and others that are emotionally extravagant that could be more focused. But she was nothing if not a true professional who threw herself headlong into this mammoth role. With a bit of vocal coaching and a helping hand in building the character arc, she could be a first rate Rose.
A pleasant surprise, for sure.
And that Everything's Coming Up Roses...wow.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."
Hmm, that's something I would not have expected from her. I wish it was here so I can go see it. Gypsy is my all-time favorite musical, and whenever I hear it's in town ( college production, etc) I'd do my best to make the performance. I think I've read last year in the Sondheim Magazine that it is played quite possibly over than 100 times every year, from college productions to local theatres.
You either got it or you ain't, and boys I got it!
Yeah, I was hoping for another Betty Buckley in SONG IN DANCE (i.e. disaster) but friends who saw DeWitt in GYPSY said she was pretty great, and really deserves another go in a first rate production.
I'm not quite sure how Joyce DeWitt's name became instant parody. I mean there have been countless other actors who had one hit sitcom and did "nothing" else afterwards. DeWitt just seems to be the postergirl of C list celebrity. A shame perhaps.
Admire her tenacity and talent. Like Sally Struthers, she's getting work. I hear both are terrific onstage. As a serious theater fan, i will no longer giggle when their names are associated with a show.
I've seen Struthers on stage as well (well...in a rehearsal hall) and she's quite terrific.
Dewitt was always my favorite on the show on THREE'S COMPANY. I always found Sommers cloying and pretty terrible. Great tits though, so, of course, she became famous.
I think THREE'S COMPANY did make her bitter. There was a lot of bullsh*t involved with that show and it took a toll. But she gave a curtain speech after GYPSY that was thoroughly heartfelt and quite moving. I hope she does more stage and gets to do some work here in NYC.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."
I am not surprised she is good in this role. She was always too cartoonish in 3s C...which I think could work for her onstage.
Perhaps she can be put on the same Mama Morton/Miss Lynch circuit that Miss Struthers is on.
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
I love Joce DeWitt and have always missed seeing her in the public forum. SHe is a terrific actress and I am so happy for her.
Unfortunately, the only production I have ever seen of GYPSY was a horrific one with the Mama Rose doing nothing but yelling for 2 hours so the show left a very bad taste in my mouth.
I remember a takeoff of that commercial on SCTV with Andrea Martin coming out in that outfit...
" Hi...I'm Joyce DeHalfWitt..."
hee hee!
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
Wow! Joyce DeWitt was terrific as Momma Rose. She was thrilling, exciting, driven, an affection mom, and worked her butt off. I was so pleased to have had the opportunity to see her in this. And, no question about it, GYPSY is a masterpiece of the American musical.
Wow! I didn't know so many BWW'ers were in the audience last Saturday. Should we start wearing something that identified us when we go to the theatre--like red hats?