Gypsy is a popular American musical. It is based on the memoir Gypsy (1957) written by Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous strip tease performer in vaudeville during the 1930’s. The show opened on Broadway on May 21, 1959.
Gypsy follows the career of Rose Louise Hovick, who took the stage name of Gypsy Rose Lee. She and her younger sister, Ellen Evangeline Hovick, worked in vaudeville as children under the demanding supervision of their mother, Rose. As an adult, Ellen Evangeline became a successful movie actress under the name June Havoc.
Although Gypsy is built on Gypsy Rose Lee’s rise in show business, Rose dominates the show. Her ruthless ambition to make her daughters show business stars becomes an obsession. The role of Rose became an enormous personal success for Broadway musical star Ethel Merman. Merman sings the show’s major hit song, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” But her most memorable number is the solo “Rose’s Turn,” a long explosion of resentment, anger, and craving for recognition after she realizes that her daughter, now independent and a celebrity, no longer needs her.
Sandra Church played the role of Gypsy on Broadway. Jule Styne composed the music. Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics, and Arthur Laurents wrote the book (story). Jerome Robbins was the director and choreographer (dance designer).
