Gypsy at the Royal Exchange
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
This Christmas, audiences will be able to experience the exuberance, grit and glamour of burlesque when Gypsy plays at the Royal Exchange. Following on from the sensational The Producers last year, and the phenomenal Guys and Dolls the year before, the Royal Exchange’s Christmas show is always a highlight in the theatrical calendar. This year Gypsy looks set to wow audiences with the bright lights of show business.
Gypsy will certainly bring the spirit of Broadway to Manchester this Christmas.
Director Jo Davies will bring the sizzling musical to life on the Royal Exchange’s unique in-the-round stage. With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy is inspired by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous striptease artist. The show focuses on Gypsy’s mother Momma Rose, the ultimate ‘stage mother’, who travels across America – from theatre to theatre – with her two daughters, Louise and June in search of ultimate stardom and adoration.
Louise and June should be in school when Momma Rose throws them onto the stage and into the spotlight. But how will her two young daughters be affected by her actions and will both girls be subject to the same opportunities on their quest for stardom?
Looks set to wow audiences with the bright lights of show business.
We can’t wait to witness Ria Jones take on the larger than life character of Momma Rose, alongside Melissa James as Louise, Melissa Lowe as June and Louis Gaunt as Tulsa.
Ria Jones’ career spans over three decades as a leading lady in musical theatre, both in the West End and internationally. She has played roles as diverse as Eva Peron in Evita, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard and the iconic Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques, amongst others.
Bursting with dance and songbook classics, Gypsy will certainly bring the spirit of Broadway to Manchester this Christmas.
