Caption: Initially, June (Danielle Hansen, right) is far more talented and visible than her game but insecure sister, Louise (Amy Jacques-Jones). But that dynamic changes when Louise finds a whole new act, and soon history will render a rather surprising final verdict, in the Davis Musical Theatre Company production of 'Gypsy.' (Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo)I was a bit worried when the review would appear, but here it is in the Sunday paper:
In this DMTC production, Deborah Hammond has the role of a lifetime as Rose, and she makes the most of it. Hammond is powerful and unrelenting, and she has the big voice required by the role. Each of her numbers is a clear stand-out.
Hammond's real-life husband has the role of Herbie, the theatrical agent-turned-candy salesman-turned-theatrical agent who falls in love with Rose and hangs around for years, finding gigs for the act while waiting for Rose to marry him. Although the two Hammonds have been together and worked in theaters together for 30 years, this is their first shared appearance on stage.
Jason's Herbie is reminiscent of John C. Reilly, the mild-mannered husband from the film version of 'Chicago': a good guy who puts up with years of emotional abuse before finally giving up. Herbie's affection for Rose's daughters is touching.
Camila Ortiz and Lizzy Carey are the young 'Baby Louise' and 'Baby June,' respectively: two girls who really don't want to be in show business, but who can't say no to their overbearing mother. Carey does an excellent high kick and has a shriek that annoys more than impresses.
The business of their growing up is beautifully handled by a clever bit of stagecraft and a strobe light.
The grown-up Louise and June are played by Amy Jacques-Jones and Danielle Hansen. June, the star of the show, runs away when she reaches adulthood and secretly marries Tulsa, one of the company dancers; he's played by Joshua James, who brings a likable earnestness to the role.
Jacques-Jones nicely portrays the innocence of a young woman, living in her talented sister's shadow, singing to a toy lamb on her birthday and wondering exactly how old she is. Jacques-Jones handles the bumbling attempts to be the kind of performer her sister was. She's persuasive during her sudden realization, as she dresses for her first 'strip' number, that she really is pretty, after feeling like an ugly duckling for so long.
The actress hits each of the emotions spot-on.
'Gypsy' has several interesting minor characters, such as Uncle Jocko (Clocky McDowell), who runs a talent show for children, with all the frustrations that involves.
The various strippers are quite funny, as they try to explain to Louise that she needs to find her own gimmick. Monica Parisi is Tessie Tura, Christina Ray is Mazeppa (who does amazing things with a trumpet), and Karen Mo is Electra.
Steve Isaacson does triple duty in three minor roles, and makes each unique.
Jean Henderson's costumes hit the mark, whether for Uncle Jocko and his children, the outlandish costumes for the strippers, or the glamorous gowns for Louise.
Everything's coming up roses for DMTC, with this production.
*****
Details
What: 'Gypsy'
Where: DMTC Performing Arts Center, 607 Peña Drive, Davis
When: 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:15 p.m. Sundays, through May 16
Tickets: $18 general, $16 students and seniors (55 and older); call (530) 756-3682 or visit http://www.dmtc.org
No comments:
Post a Comment