The successful Dundee bandwagon just keeps rolling along. Scotland’s only ensemble group was formed six years ago and many plaudits and awards have come its way. Another shelf in the trophy cabinet will not go amiss, for this production of Gypsy had the patrons on their feet.
Tour de force may be an overused cliche, but none is more apt to describe the performance of Ann Louise Ross. Already an award-winner, her Mama Rose was a powerful portrayal in the Elaine Stritch mode - in complete command as she played out Mama’s ambitions through the talents of her daughters.
This must rank as the biggest production ever staged at Dundee Rep - over 30 in the cast and a seven-piece band, led at the keyboards by Hilary Brooks.
Under James Brining’s direction, the lavish settings were effortlessly moved around by the cast in an efficiency that belied the first night tag, albeit after a couple of previews.
Choreographer Rita Henderson brought out the best in the quintet of Torreadorables and the Newsboys octet, and it was easy to understand why the words West End figured largely in their biogs.
Gail Watson was a delightful coquettish daughter, June, and Emily Winter’s transformation from in-the-shadows Louise to Gypsy Rose Lee was a joy. Robert Paterson brought pathos in his role as Herbie and was a strong contrast to the irrepressible Mama. There is always a huge contribution from Irene Macdougall, whether, in this case, as a grumpy waitress or a frumpy stripper. Local kids played the family as youngsters and set the high standard that was to prevail.
It does not get any better than this.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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