Out In Hollywood POLL: Who is best in "Gypsy" ???
Patti Lupone is wowing 'em on Broaday in "Gypsy" and her final big number, "Rose's Turn," is said to be astonishing. I decided to surf around Youtube for some of the previous versions to share with you. Take a look then vote for who you think is best through the comments section. I'll post the results if enough people participate!
Bette Midler in the 1993 television production of "Gypsy" which aired on CBS as a three-hour special. Bette was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance and later admitted to being "pissed off" that she didn't win since she had showed up at the ceremonies and even sang!
Bernadette Peters performed the number at the 57th Tony Awards and, I think, silenced the critics who thought she was miscast. She is absolutely fantastic. She didn't win the Tony that year but already had two at home.
Here is Tyne Daly who won a well-deserved Tony in 1989 for her Rose. Wow! I had only heard her on the soundtrack and she was kinda hoarse when they recorded that. In this clip, filmed by an audience member, she is in full voice and really is stunning. She's the best actress of all the Rose's, I think, and it really sells this number even if she doesn't have the singing voice of some of the others.
Angela Lansbury won one of her four Tony Awards for her version of Rose in "Gypsy." For anyone who knows her only from TV's "Murder She Wrote," these clips show that her greatest triumphs have been on the Broadway stage.
Ethel Merman may have triumphed on Broadway as the original Rose but when the show was made into a film, Merman was passed over in favor of Rosalind Russell who certainly has the acting chops but not Merman's singing range. She sort of yells her way through the final number.
And finally, here is the reigning Rose herself, Patti LuPone, singing "Rose's Turn." I'm not sure when the video was taken but it has to be recently. I think it gives you a good indication of why Patti is born to play the role.
Cast your VOTES!!!
Greg Hernandez has covered the entertainment industry for the Daily
News since 2001. He's considered a bit odd by some for his obsession
with box office numbers, has been known to camp out near the kitchen
at premieres for first crack at the hors d'oeurves, and Greg's never
seen a red carpet he didn't want to stroll down.
Comments
First off- Thank you. I read your blog everyday and the weight of that talent is all too much to bear.
I think that Mama Rose is as important a character to American theater as Willy Loman. She is complex and compelling. And each of those great actors shows that complete and complex nature. So I think which ever sample one likes is a matter of taste,, and also who you think that woman- Mama Rose- represents in American culture and society. I am a big fan of Russell's- I like the way she sings that rich song.
P.S. Does anyone else see this song as the preview to " The Ladies Who Lunch" ?
Posted by: Craig R. | March 29, 2008 3:59 PM
Hi Greg:
Most of Rosalind Russell's songs in Gypsy were dubbed by Lisa Kirk. Russell's voice can be heard in "Mr. Goldstone" and parts of "Rose's Turn" and in the cut "Together Wherever We Go".
Posted by: PeterTinDC | March 29, 2008 5:38 PM
Hmmmm....each had a very distinct way with the role/number. I have to say that I prefer Bette, though. The others, particularly Patti, seem to be 'performing' the number, while Bette is 'experiencing' the entire range of feelings and emotions as she lives through the scene. Now, if only JUDY had done it!!!
^^X^^
Posted by: Bruce Wayne | March 29, 2008 9:40 PM
Well, Greg, as a show queen here in New York, I've seen Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters AND Patti LuPone as Rose. Hands down, my favorite is Tyne, who acted the hell out of the role and sang it much better than the cast album would have you believe. Bette Midler's film is drab, drab, drab. I love me some Bette but she probably would've been better in a live taping of the show. Roz Russell is unfairly criticised, as is the movie. I think she's terrific, overall, even if she DID need Lisa Kirk for most of the vocals! Anyway, those are my thoughts, and I'm stickin' to 'em! John
Posted by: John S. | March 30, 2008 8:08 AM
The best Rose by far was Ethel Merman. No one else comes close. Hearing her sing "Everythings Coming Up Roses" still sends a chill down my spine (In a good way).
Posted by: Robert | March 30, 2008 11:58 AM
I grew up listening to Merman's Broadway recording. And - needless to say - it's a stunning vocal performance. Saw Lansbury do it onstage and was underwhelmed. Nor was I impressed by Midler in the dismal TV version. But I just love Rosalind Russell's take on the role. She may have had to rely on Lisa Kirk ( but her visual performance during the songs was marvelous). Not to mention the fact that she was a pretty irresistible force through every other part of the movie too. Definitely my favorite Mama Rose. Decades ago I saw Jessica Walter singing on TV. Had no idea about her (seldom used) singing skills. Ever since I've always wished she could have had a crack at the role. I think it would have been something pretty special.
Posted by: Ken | March 30, 2008 4:59 PM
Hi Greg,
The Patti clip you have up is from the August 2006 "concert staging" at Ravinia in IL.
Her performance of Rose's Turn now is nothing like the clip you are showing here. The link below is closer to how she performs it now from last summer's run at City Center. For pure theatrics LuPones version is the best. Peters never sounded better then she did at the night she sang at the Tony Awards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ji7uJGfajo
Posted by: Kevin | March 31, 2008 8:14 AM
The filmed versions have the added benefit that they are studio productions and should be judged differently than the staged versions. Midler has a great arc in the clip, and is my favorite of those. Of the live clips, I was stunned by how good Peters is, but I must agree with my brother theater 'Mo, Kevin, that the clip of LuPone nested in his comment KILLS!
Posted by: chandler in lasvegas | April 1, 2008 10:30 AM
My vote is for Tyne Daly. I caught her in a matinee performance in NY and she brought the house down, as they say. I remember thinking "Way to go Lacey!"
Posted by: Mark | April 1, 2008 11:44 AM