Am very fond of 'Gypsy' as a musical, and find it pretty much a masterpiece of character and music. The music sticks in the head for a long time, mixing comedy, tragedy and vaudeville with adept ease, and the lyrics sparkle in both wit and emotion (then again it is Stephen Sondheim, who is a genius with lyrics). The heart and spirit in the story always has the ability to resonate.
Both film versions, the 1962 one with Rosalind Russell and the 1993 one with Bette Midler, are well worth watching though neither as good as the musical. Don't know what my preference is between the two, put them about equal in quality though things in one version are better done in the other. The quality of production values, fun and emotional impact are equal for both version, and the supporting cast are better in the 1962 film in my opinion, while Midler's has the better staging and Midler's singing superior to Russell's. 'Gypsy Live' for me is better than both and is a great production, feeling like the musical come to life which is exactly what the feeling should be like.
Do agree that the filming is a little flat and should have been far more expansive. There is so little to fault though.
The production values are bright and colourful, the kitchiness more than appealing and appropriate. The music is still unforgettable, the energy and pathos never lost, and the wit and emotion of the lyrics come over in a way that's very funny and very poignant. It's beautifully performed with lots of brassy power and also nuance, going at a lively pace.
Will always love the script too, which is often droll but also sincere, nothing is one-dimensional or too much of one thing or emotion in 'Gypsy' which is what is so great about it. The story has lost none of its heart and spirit, and the staging is always lively and smooth and like it comes easily to the cast, didn't see any clunkiness here. The comedy and tragedy is balanced beautifully, did find myself laughing and crying and this is not me being hyperbolic, very like the rest of this review which is a one hundred percent genuine one. Nothing is excessively overblown or static.
Everybody in the cast are excellent with no real weak link, the accents may be come and go and Peter Davison's raspiness is not always appealing on the ear but they were overlookable when the passion and energy was so brilliant. It is Imelda Staunton's, in the title role, show all the way though, she doesn't just play Mamma Rose, she is Mamma Rose.
In conclusion, absolutely great. 9/10
