The production of Gypsy at the Round Theatre in Nunawading is a revival of the classic 1959 musical, which tells the story of the ambitious and domineering Rose, who is determined to make her daughters, June and Louise, vaudeville stars. Based on the memoirs of famed striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical explores themes of ambition, family dynamics, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of fame.

The show is set during the decline of vaudeville and features iconic songs like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You.” As June grows older and leaves to pursue her own career, Rose shifts her focus to Louise, who eventually transforms into the burlesque sensation, Gypsy Rose Lee. Throughout the show, Rose’s relentless drive affects her relationships with her daughters and those around her, leading to a powerful and emotional climax where she confronts her own unfulfilled desires.

Gypsy was brought to life by a talented and cohesive creative team. Director Kim Edwards skilfully balanced the emotional depth of the story with the larger-than-life energy of vaudeville, ensuring that each character’s arc felt authentic and compelling. Her direction highlighted Rose’s complex journey, providing a thoughtful exploration of ambition, family, and the sacrifices made for stardom.

Choreographer Renee Maloney added a layer of dynamism with her lively and period-appropriate choreography. Maloney’s work seamlessly blended vaudeville routines with the more grounded emotional moments, ensuring that the dancing always served the story. Her choreography for group numbers was energetic and engaging, while solos and duets carried a personal touch, highlighting the performers’ abilities and adding a burst of vitality to the show’s big moments.

Lizzie Matjacic’s portrayal of Rose was a standout highlight of the production. She brought a compelling intensity to the role, capturing Rose’s fierce determination and vulnerability. She expertly navigated the complex layers of Rose’s character, from her relentless ambition for her daughters to her personal insecurities and moments of emotional unraveling. Her performance was particularly powerful in the show’s iconic numbers like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn,” where she conveyed both the grandeur of Rose’s dreams and the deep emotional cost of her obsessive drive. 

Anthea Ellis’s portrayal of Baby June in Gypsy was remarkable for her phenomenal stage presence and skills. She brought a captivating energy to the role, commanding the stage with her vibrant personality and impressive talent. Her portrayal captured the essence of Baby June’s early vaudeville stardom, highlighting her character’s charm and precociousness. Her stage presence was undeniable, drawing the audience into every scene she was in, and her skillset ensured that Baby June’s journey from child performer to star was both entertaining and heartfelt.

The costume design by Victoria Horne and her team in Gypsy was a standout aspect of the production. Horne’s attention to period accuracy, vibrant textures, and detailed embellishments brought the world of vaudeville and burlesque to life. The team managed to create visually stunning pieces that were not only historically grounded but also expressive of each character’s personality and transformation.

The most memorable costume was worn by Elissa Lidstone in her role as Electra. This intricate piece, handcrafted by Steven McClure, was an electrifying spectacle in its own right. It featured a dazzling combination of lights, frills, and sparkles, capturing the flamboyant essence of Electra’s burlesque persona. The addition of lights to the costume made it particularly striking on stage, adding both a literal and figurative sparkle to Lidstone’s performance, enhancing the theatrical experience for the audience.

Special mention goes to Clay Carlaw, who played Tulsa, and Mark Monroe, who portrayed Herbie. Clay Carlaw brought warmth and charm to the role of Tulsa, particularly in his standout number, “All I Need Is the Girl,” where his smooth dancing and heartfelt performance captured the character’s dreams and aspirations beautifully.

Mark Monroe’s portrayal of Herbie, the loyal and long-suffering agent and love interest of Rose, was both grounded and compassionate. He added a sense of stability and tenderness to the production, providing a heartfelt counterbalance to Rose’s fierce ambition. Mark’s performance made Herbie’s devotion and eventual heartbreak deeply resonant, adding emotional weight to the show. Both actors delivered memorable performances that added layers to the story.

While the show boasted fantastic costumes, impressive set pieces, and strong performances from the entire cast, the production did encounter some technical hiccups. Issues with microphone sound and occasional clunky set changes were noticeable, slightly interrupting the flow of the show. Despite these technical difficulties, the overall quality of the production shone through, with the talent and creativity of the cast and crew making up for those moments.

If you haven’t seen Gypsy at the Round Theatre in Nunawading yet, don’t wait any longer! make sure to catch it before it closes on Sunday, October 20th!

Run Time:
Approx 3 hrs
Including 20 min interval