Song of the Day: Rose's Turn

This is getting up here pretty late today, but oh well I was at work.  Today's song is Rose's Turn from the legendary musical Gypsy, which is now enjoying another successful revival on Broadway starring Patti LuPone.  I got to see the current revival opening night to a packed house and it was a breathtaking experience.  LuPone's performance as Mamma Rose is one for the history books as she completely dominates this role and the stage.  But she is also a gracious performer and for the first time ever in a production of Gypsy the roles of Herbie, played by Boyd Gaines,  and Gypsy Rose Lee herself, played by Laura Benanti, are able to blossom on stage.  As a result, all three of the leading players work in perfect harmony and each of them has a Tony Award to prove it.  Gypsy is probably one of the most perfect pieces of musical theater ever put on the stage with a fantastic book by Arthur Laurents, lyrics by God himself - Mr. Stephen Sondheim and music by Julie Stein.  The current revival is directed by Arthur Laurents and if any of you are in New York while it's playing, please make sure you see it.  I am including two clips below.  The first is from the current production starring LuPone and the second is from the 2003 Revival starring Bernadette Peters.  I'm including them both because of how unique the performances are.  They both play Rose's final number on stage drastically different, but both are fascinating to watch and have a similar affect on the audience.  While LuPone's version is a complete psychotic breakdown on stage, Peters's performance is more emotional, hesitant, and introverted.  Both ladies are true divas of the stage.  I prefer LuPone's overall arch to her character in the show and in this number, but there is something about Peters that makes this number really special.  Enjoy.

Note of Interest:  Out of all the women to play this part on Broadway (and there have been MANY) Bernadette Peters and the original Mamma Rose, Ethel Merman, are the only ones to not win the Tony for Best Actress.  Even Tyne Daily, who can barely sing the role, won a Tony for the part... and many would argue Merman and Peters were two of the best.  My vote still goes for LuPone.