Gypsy
at Langley High School

Reviewed on April 28, 2017

Amanda Hampton
Riverside High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Anyone who has ever dreamed of seeing one's name in lights can confirm this is not an easy dream to have. It takes every ounce of strength and perseverance that one can give. Even with all the dedication and talent a person could possibly have, there is still no guarantee of success in a business as cutthroat as the entertainment industry. Perhaps, though, if one had a mother as indomitable as Momma Rose, success would become all but inevitable. In Langley High School's production of Gypsy, the world's most infamous stage mom drags her daughters, kicking and screaming, down the road to stardom.

Gypsy is loosely based on the memoirs detailing the lives of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, and her overbearing mother, Rose. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, it has been referred to by many as the greatest American musical of all time, and has numerous awards and revivals to its name. This prosperity comes for good reason--there is no doubt that Rose's story is an enthralling one. Her quest for notoriety for her daughters begins with a cross-country quest to bring their amateurish Vaudeville act into the spotlight, but as time passes, she is forced to deal with the slow, but inescapable demise of Vaudeville and the steady rise of Burlesque, as well as her daughters' need for independence.

As something of a Broadway pillar, Mamma Rose is, by any standards, a role that comes with some undeniably massive shoes to fill. However, Jamie Goodson not only manages to fill them, but they fit her to a T. Goodson has the domineering presence, vocal maturity, and acting chops to play a much older woman, and she does so convincingly and with poise. She executed comedic, emotionally charged, and subtler, heart-rending scenes with equal splendor, and managed to make the larger-than-life character feel genuine. Her ability to allow Rose's intense complexity to shine through made for a truly magnetic performance.

Another standout was Jessica Peros as Louise, who began as the timid, underappreciated background singer living in her sister's shadow. Her child-like excitement and sensitivity allowed her to create a heartfelt connection with the audience which she sustained throughout the show. Her second-act transition from shy Vaudeville wannabe to sultry, self-assured striptease artist was an impressive display of the dynamic nature of the character, and her performance was elevated by soaring vocals. Cuinn Casey also shone as the idealistic dancer Tulsa. His solo number, "All I Need is the Girl" combined his noteworthy vocal talent with first-rate dance skills, making for an arresting rendition.

The technical elements served to add another dimension to the already many-faceted production. The set was deliberate and effective, lending itself to efficient, seamless scene changes and augmenting the onstage action while never being so gaudy as to remove attention from the actors. The publicity team (Caroline Burnham, Anneta Noe, Kaitlyn O'Conor) is also worthy of commendation. Using many hands-on tactics in the school and community, such as promotional buttons and invitations, Snapchat geofilters, and head cutout boards for students to pose in, they managed to fill nearly every seat in the auditorium.

The talented cast and crew encapsulated the ups and downs of show business with effortless humor and nuanced sentimentality, weaving an unequivocally captivating interpretation of the memoirs of a stripteaser. For Langley High School's production of Gypsy, everything's coming up roses.

Lily Perez
Woodrow Wilson High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Everything's coming up roses for the exceptional cast of "Gypsy" at Langley High School, whose superb commitment and execution made for an incredible production of one of the greatest accomplishments seen on Broadway.

The landmark musical, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents, was based off the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous burlesque dancer in the 1930s, whose story exposes the hardships of show business and the quest for fame and fortune. "Gypsy" explores the relationship between Rose, a fearless stage mother with an insatiable lust for stardom, and her two daughters, June and Louise. Although different from each other in their personalities, they are bound together, used by Rose to fulfill her own dreams of success. In a phenomenal turn not expected on a high school stage, Langley High School executed the stylistically, vocally, and technically demanding show with aplomb, infusing every aspect of the production with charm and creativity.

The cast of this production, led by the show-stopping Jamie Goodson as Rose, supported by the fantastic Jessica Peros as Louise and Mark Bosset as Herbie and rounded out by an unmatched ensemble, possessed no weak links. Dazzling dance skills could be found within the likes of Sydney Copp, as the talented yet audacious June, Cuinn Casey as Tulsa, an ambitious member of June's act who amazed the audience with his acrobatic skill, and the energetic Newsboys ensemble. Bosset's Herbie, a candy salesman turned agent, was an endearing counterpart to Goodson's ferocious Rose, and Peros rounded out the family with a captivating performance as Louise, evolving from an awkward adolescent to a mature star of the stage with remarkable versatility. In a league of her own, however, stood Jamie Goodson as Rose, commanding the stage as she superbly took on her complex character, executing every vocal, physical and emotional aspect of the challenging role with superb quality.

The emotional tapestry woven by "Gypsy" as a theater piece was elevated by the excellence from all facets of Langley High School's production, which included smooth transitions by the stage crew, good use of lighting techniques, and detailed set pieces. All creative aspects of the show enhanced the time period of the story, including imaginative costumes such as those worn by the burlesque dancers Tessi Tura (Elenitsa Sgouros), Mazeppa (Yoona Lee), and Electra (Anneka Noe). The use of projections to title every scene and give its location added depth to the subject of those scenes as well as detail on some occasions.

From energetic and well-executed ensemble work to nuanced and rich performances in some of Broadway's most iconic roles, the cast of Langley High School's "Gypsy" consistently exceeded expectations for a high school production. "May We Entertain You?", they asked in the opening number of a production that shone creatively and artistically--and they did just that!

Emily Lachow
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

As her life crumbles before her, a desperate woman stands alone on an empty stage, clinging to the remnants of her abandoned dream of stardom. Meanwhile, her daughter performs with confidence and ease for large audiences, a career entirely orchestrated by her mother. Langley High School's Gypsy pulled back the curtain to reveal the true ruthlessness of show business, with powerful performances and an air of glamour.

Gypsy first entertained audiences in 1959, with music by Jules Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents. The original Broadway production ran from 1959-1961 55before closing, with Ethel Merman starring as the iconic Rose. The musical has since been revived four times on Broadway; Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and Patti LuPone all won Tony Awards for their respective performances of Rose. This classic is considered a prized achievement of 20th century musical theater. Based upon the memoirs of Gypsy Lee Rose, the premise follows Rose, the quintessential stage mother, in her efforts to propel her daughters toward stardom. Rose's journey of sacrifice, heartbreak is chronicled through beloved songs that are frequently referenced in popular culture.

Jamie Goodson demonstrated remarkable talent as Mama Rose. Despite the inherent difficulty of the role, Goodson performed with a clear understanding of her character. Not only did she develop believable relationships with the characters around her, but Goodson also revealed a heartbreaking vulnerability during the eleven o'clock number "Rose's Turn." Rose's leading man Herbie, played by the enjoyable Mark Bosset, displayed a similar poignancy during his own transformative moment, an impactful scene that Bosset handled with skill. As the timid young Louise who becomes a burlesque star, Jessica Peros deftly evolved from timid to self-assured. Peros and Goodson together portrayed a layered mother-daughter relationship. Another standout performer included Cuinn Casey's Tulsa, whose impressive dancing abilities shone through as a highlight of the evening. Additionally, Casey's lively facial expressions heightened the energy of his performance. The Newsboys Ensemble as a whole danced both cohesively and sharply together.

Although the performers of Gypsy contributed emotional depth to the production, the technical aspects pulled everything together. The lighting embodied the variety of moods, most notably during "Rose's Turn," in which the lights dimmed and narrowed to only reveal Rose's lament. The set and props were noticeably intricate, as demonstrated by the period-accurate telephone and background painting of a stage. The stage crew executed crisp and clean transitions, adorned in costumes that accurately matched the scene; the costume quick changes were also seamless. Overall, the technical elements of Gypsy were commendably well-executed.

A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner-workings of show business often reveals its true merciless nature, and Langley's production of Gypsy was no exception. These students used poignancy and power to navigate their iconic tale of the pangs of stardom.

Kelsey Loesch
Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

"Sing out, Langley!" Langley High School's production of Gypsy is an undeniable hit filled with unforgettable performances, upbeat song, and dance.

Gypsy, is a musical based on the true story of vaudeville-era stage mom extraordinaire, Rose. It is based on the memoir by Rose's daughter, burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee. It details the events of her life growing up as a child star on the vaudeville circuit with a talented sister, June, and an overbearing stage mother, Rose. The show premiered on Broadway in 1959 and has been revived five times. It features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents.

Jamie Goodson stepped into the iconic role of Mama Rose. Rose has been played by a handful of seasoned Broadway actresses including Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. Goodson joins their ranks, giving an awe-inspiring performance and truly pouring her heart into the role. Rose is a larger-than-life, over the top individual and Goodson brought that to the stage, while remaining unapologetically raw and real and capturing Rose's flaws. Goodson's shining moment came in the show-stopping, "Rose's Turn." Her emotional take on the classic number unveiled Rose's frustrations with her life, as she finally drops her brash exterior, giving way to reveal a young girl who grew older with big, unrealized dreams. Gypsy is a star vehicle and Goodson was certainly that star.

In one of the most shocking transformations in Broadway history, the shy, demure Louise becomes the confident and seductive Gypsy Rose Lee. Jessica Peros was perfection in the role. Her angelic soprano in the number "Little Lamb" was heartbreaking and her sweet duet, "If Mama was Married" with sister, June (Sydney Copp), was adorable. Peros embodied innocence until, in a single moment, she sheds her skin in "The Strip" and transforms into the alluring Gypsy Rose Lee. Peros and Goodson worked extremely well together to create and develop the complex relationship between their two characters.

Mark Bosset played the lovable Herbie. Bosset put so much heart into the character, who is constantly having his heart broken. Bosset did a fantastic job acting in the background of scenes, most notably in the Act 2 dressing room scene. His duets, "Small World" and "You'll Never Get Away From Me" with Goodson were particularly enjoyable.

The Newsboys lept onto the stage with sparkling smiles, clear voices, and infectious energy. The boys showed off an impressive dance ability. Especially commendable is Quinn Casey as Tulsa. Casey is a true triple threat. He complimented an incredible talent for dance with a velvet voice and created a memorable character in the upbeat, "All I Need is the Girl."

Strong, adult-like performances from high school actors made Langley's production one to be remembered. Langley asks audiences "May We Entertain You?" With the talent displayed in Gypsy, the answer will always be yes!

Lydia Gompper
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Everyone loves a good child star – the curly hair, the adorable dimple, the wide-eyed innocence. But behind every young performer, tucked away behind the curtain, stands a mother with an endless supply of choreography reminders and spare costume pieces. In Langley High School's production of "Gypsy," the mother of all stage mothers finally takes center stage.

First premiering on Broadway in 1959, "Gypsy" can easily be counted among the most iconic pieces of American theater, with four subsequent Broadway revivals and more popular musical standards than can be counted on one jazz hand. The story follows extreme stage mom Rose – a brash, domineering woman with a insatiable passion for show business – as she pushes her daughters June and Louise to have the life of vaudeville stardom she never had. But with the talkies slowly replacing vaudeville theater, the life of a performer just isn't what it used to be – and neither is Rose's relationship with her girls.

Langley High School has delivered a spectacularly dynamic, emotionally powerful production of "Gypsy." Every member of the sizable cast was visibly committed. From June's captivating ensemble of "newsboys" to the trio of sensual, self-confident burlesque dancers, each and every performer held enough flair to get the audience thoroughly excited.

The production found its most obvious star in senior Jamie Goodson, who played the driven, startlingly complex Rose. Carrying the weight of the show's narrative and emotional core on her shoulders, Goodson wowed with her maturity and nuance. The teen believably fell into the role of an older woman, weighed down by years of hardships but still pressing forwards. From her sweeter maternal moments with her daughters to her ultimate emotional break, Goodson's interpretation of Rose was heart-stoppingly realistic; even her smallest gestures carried a well of meaning. Her vocals, meanwhile, held a strength to match her character, with an expressiveness and range that thrilled in such magnetic musical numbers as "Rose's Turn."

Goodson also formed a poignant relationship with daughter Louise, played by Jessica Peros. The pair accurately portrayed the complexities of Louise and Rose's bond, showing the many layers of love, manipulation, and frustration. Peros herself showed a lovely transition in her character, moving from a timid, self-critical girl to an elegant, self-assured performer. Similarly skilled in the art of character development was sophomore Mark Bosset, who performed the role of Rose's longtime beau and manager Herbie. When his devotion to Rose finally shattered – when her desperation for showbiz success finally became too much – his rejection of her left audience members gasping.

Another onstage standout was junior Cuinn Casey, who literally leaped into the crowd's hearts in his role as Tulsa, a dancer in Rose's act with big dreams of his own. Casey's dancing was truly extraordinary – clean and sharp, reaching fantastic heights with every jump – and his facial expressiveness was delightful even in scenes when the focus lay elsewhere.

The students of Langley High School also found success with many of their technical elements. The onstage world was brought to vivid life through detailed sets and props, from the jumble of the backstage of a burlesque show to the era-appropriate telephones the actors handled. Lighting and special effects, meanwhile, helped to create some of the most astounding moments of the show, such as when, surrounded by strobe lights, the child actors were suddenly – seemingly magically – replaced by teenagers.

Langley High School created a production of "Gypsy" worthy of a hundred standing ovations – though the audience could only give them one. Even the high standards of Mama Rose would be satisfied.

Nitai Levenson
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Curtains up! Light the lights! Everything seems to be coming up roses in Langley High School's production of Gypsy.

With lyrics by the critically acclaimed composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and music composed by Jule Styne, the story of Mama Rose is both heart wrenching and pitiful. Based off the memoirs of the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy tells the story of the ambitious stage mom Rose (Jamie Goodson) trying to force her daughters June (Sydney Copp) and Louise (Jessica Peros) to succeed in a dying vaudeville. When June, the talented daughter, elopes and leaves Rose, Louise is then pushed into the spotlight. After trouble finding a stable gig, Rose once again pushes Louise outside her comfort zone and has Louise perform in a burlesque show as a stripper, going by the name Gypsy Rose Lee. She becomes successful and eventually Rose is pushed out of her life.

From the first note of "Some People", Jamie Goodson established herself as a powerful vocalist capable of performing some of Sondheim's most difficult and most well known works. She easily paired her astounding vocals with her marvelous acting abilities. While being under the age of 18, she was able to play an aging woman and do so quite believably. Her voice rang through the whole audience with the big Act 1 finisher "Everything's Coming Up Roses", but her speech before the song had sniffles being heard from various audience members. In the big finale "Rose's Turn", a well known, technically difficult song was done with ease by Goodson, with the belting power of a professional. Before "Rose's Turn", Goodson delivered the famous lines "What did I do it for!?" which such raw power.

Jessica Peros also established herself as a wonderful actress. During "Mr. Goldstone", even though all the attention was supposed to be on Rose and the boys dancing, Louise sitting to the side seemed to pull attention away from the main scene so that the audience could see how alone she felt. Her performance of "Let Me Entertain You" showed this amazing transformation for her first strip tease, which was very awkward and uncomfortable to a very confident woman who is stripping. The delivery of "I thought you did it for me mama" from Peros in response to "what did I do it for" was heartbreaking and eye opening.

In the role of Tulsa, Cuinn Casey showed his amazing dancing skills as one of the newsboys for June. In his song "All I Need is the Girl", he was clearly able to show off his experience in dancing.

The crew of Gypsy created a beautiful set and had some cool lighting effects, such as Rose's marquee. A slight issue was mics not being loud enough but the actors were very good at projecting.

Langley High School's production of Gypsy will have you wanting more and listening to the talented performers who have all come to play the roles in this enduring classic.