Search - Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, Bette Midler :: Gypsy (1993 TV Soundtrack)

Bette Midler as Rose in the Broadway musical classic

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 01/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This made-for-TV version of the classic Broadway show GYPSY is remarkable. Bette Midler is ideally-cast as fearsome Mama Rose with Cynthia Gibb as a deeply-affecting Louise/Gypsy.Bette Midler is dynamite as Mama Rose, the ultimate stage mother. She reportedly recorded most of her songs live, without the pre-recorded vocal track. The role had been a dream of Midler's for years. She makes an indelible impression in the role.Cynthia Gibb (THE KAREN CARPENTER STORY) plays Louise, who would blossom into the burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. She has a pleasant singing voice, and gives the bittersweet number "Little Lamb" a lot of poignance.Peter Riegert plays Herbie, Rose's love interest. In a very under-developed and not very well-written role, Riegert tries his best. He also sings wonderfully.In supporting roles are Jennifer Beck as June, Christine Ebersole (OKLAHOMA!, 42ND STREET) as Tessie Tura, Anna McNeely (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) as Elektra, Linda Hart (HAIRSPRAY, ANYTHING GOES) as Mazeppa, and Jeffrey Broadhurst as Tulsa.Highly-recommended. [ATLANTIC 7567825512]"

Wonderful!

Lisa Verson | Dayton, OH | 08/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved watching the TV version of "Gypsy" with Bette Midler, so I decided to buy the CD. I'm glad I did. Yes, it has all of the same songs that the other Gypsy soundtracks have, but Bette Midler portrays Rose very well. When I hear her sing, I feel as if I'm watching "Gypsy." She, along with the rest of the cast do a wonderful job."

BETTE MIDLER proves that she's a STAR!

Robert Lopez | California | 06/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every song's a lively winner in this gutsy new remake of the 1960's classic "GYPSY." The fisrt film version was changed a bit and all the songs weren't accounted for. But in this new 1993 remake version, it's got all the songs and it's got Bette! Bette Midler steps up to the ultimate role for an older women in Musical Theatre. MAMA ROSE. Not only does she have to fill some pretty heavy shoes of the women who previously played the role through the years such as : Ethel Merman (available on CD), Angela Lansbury (On CD), and Tyne Dayly (On CD), but she might have even surpassed them! Every time Midler appears you're glued to the television, and the same goes for when you listen to the CD. You're glued. She's phenomenal, she's fierce, she's perfect. She won the Emmy for her portrayal as MAMA ROSE respectively. Her POWERHOUSE performance of the infamous ACT II Aria "Rose's Turn" is, in my book, untouchable. Even Ethel, even Betty Buckly's version cannot top Bette's. If you listen carefully you can hear all the sudden character changes and choices in her voice as she loses all hope and despair, into the final notes of the song "EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROOOSE! " She's the only one who clearly gets it. The supporting cast is fabulous too! Cynthia Gibb who plays meek little Louise who gets turned into the fabulous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee does a surprisingly well job. Peter Riegert plays Herby, Rose's love interest, and plays it with style. Dainty June is played by tiny belter Jennifer Beck. Baby June is played by T.V's "Party of Five's" Lacey Chabert (Claudia). All songs are wonderful. ... Interesting tib bit : For any of you who saw "Miss Saigon in L.A at the Ahamanson theatre in 1995 will notice Peter Lockyer, the actor who played Chris, in the film GYPSY as one of the Farm Boys!"