Broadway's 'Gypsy' to close when LuPone leaves in March
BY ROBERT KAHN | robert.kahn@newsday.com November 14, 2008
Patti LuPone is irreplaceable. So say the producers of Broadway's "Gypsy," who yesterday announced they would shutter the hit musical revival on March 1 rather than try to replace its bold, bossy and critically beloved leading lady.
The date marks the end of the scheduled engagement for LuPone, the Northport native who waited in the wings for years to tackle one of the most demanding roles in American musical theater.
"While we wish 'Gypsy' could entertain us all much longer, it has become clear to us that there is no way to replace the irreplaceable," lead producer Roger Berlind said in a prepared statement.
LuPone and co-stars Boyd Gaines, who plays Herbie, and Laura Benanti, as Louise, all won 2008 Tony Awards for their performances in the musical fable suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. "Gypsy" was directed by the musical's author, Arthur Laurents. It will have played 388 performances at the St. James Theatre by its closing date.
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Not a surprise. Gypsy is a star vehicle and besides Linda Lavin replacing Tyne Daly towards the end of the early 90s revival, no production has outlasted the contract of its star. Plus this one has never exactly been a financial hit and, depending on just how cold the winter is on Bway, I suspect it may bump up its closing date. (These sorts of months-in-advance announcements are designed to help ticket sales.)
Posts: 2803 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: August 08, 2003
I saw it and loved Patti Lupone in it but thought the production a bit too old-fashioned for its own good and would not think it worth seeing without her.
Posts: 27161 | Location: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: February 02, 2003
