Every once in a while, network television does something right. That's the case in this production of "Gypsy." If anything, I like the soundtrack recording more than I did the television production. Bette Midler does an admirable job as "Mama Rose," and her interpretations of the material are outstanding. The score, which is almost 50 years old, is so much smarter than anything coming out of musical theater today, which is sad to say. At least there are revivals.

I just saw GYPSY and the well-known actress, Patti LuPone, playing and singing Mama Rose was superb. Her voice was a miracle of covering all the emotional turmoil that is Rose. She soared from sexy to demented to determined to clever.

I came home and put on Midler's Gypsy, and it sounded flat, stale, weary, unprofitable. I have always liked Bette Midler, but this CD seems to have no dynamic, no sparkle. I think that you need a true Broadway diva to sing Rose, and perhaps even one with some operatic experience.

I can only fervantly pray that the Ravinia Festival will release a DVD or a CD of the LuPone production.

It may be unfair to compare Roses. Midler does excel in different material but I don't think that she was able to find the turmoil that is Madame Rose and to sing it.

Gypsy was a popular stage show & vehicle for Ethel Merman and made into a film with Rosalind Russell & Natalie Wood as Gypsy Rose Lee or Louise Horvick. In 1993 a TV version was made with Bette Midler as Mama Rose at the same length as the original film release time. The soundtrack CD appears to be taken from the film's soundtrack with the incidental dialogue intact thru the songs. There are many hits from this show and overall the CD is pleasant listening and an added bonus to the DVD of the show.

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]

but Merman Rules!!
but seriously...this is a truly excellent version of one of my favorite shows. Bette sparkles and struts and does her stuff so well. she can belt the songs as required, the entire production is so full of energy and wit. buy it!! (But Merman rules!! :))