OFFBEAT: Drury Lane Theatre's 'Gypsy' a show biz sensation

When I wrote a column in April 2010 announcing the death of actress June Havoc at 97, I was particularly interested in how this stage star had felt about the musical "Gypsy" and its reflection of her family.

After all, the stage treatment and story for "Gypsy" came from Havoc's older sister Gypsy Rose Lee, easily the most famous stripper of the 20th century.

According to veteran Associated Press reporter Bob Thomas, who celebrated his 90th birthday Thursday, he wrote in Havoc's obituary: "June made no effort to obstruct the show, though she detested it."

"It meant so much to (Gypsy), her precious illusion; it made her into an ingenue at last," Havoc said bitterly in a 1998 AP interview with Thomas.

"And I loved my sister, but I loathed her life."

Havoc defended her mother to Thomas. "Mother was very prim, and she was tiny and lovely with big, blue eyes. She was endearing and alluring beyond belief. If she had drive and ambition, what's wrong with that?"

In 1978, she told AP: "I earned $1,500 a week when I was 6, and I knew exactly how I got the laughs and applause."

Watching the new Drury Lane Theatre production of the six-time Tony Award-winning musical "Gypsy," playing through April 1, it's even more emotionally complex and fascinating.

Add to this headliner Klea Blackhurst (and her unbelievable voice) starring as Mama Rose, surrounded by a talented cast against a beautiful set and costumes. It results in entertainment at its greatest.

Blackhurst was plucked from New York City where's she's famed for her cabaret tribute to Ethel Merman called "Everything That Traffic Will Allow."

She's never stepped into this coveted role and it's clear her Mama Rose is a purist's nod to Merman, who made the role so famous when she starred as the character in 1959 on Broadway.

When not belting out the tunes, Blackhurst's characterization at times seemed more like a less-brassy Bette Midler. In the first act, she could easily turn up her edginess. By the second act, Blackhurst seemed more comfortable and her acting ability kicked in.

The "Gypsy" cast has Jeff Award-winner Andrea Prestinario as Louise, the daughter who becomes Gypsy Rose Lee. Prestinario is spot-on as the shrinking violet whose career becomes the rose and the thorn of her mother's dream.

David Kortemeier plays a solid Herbie, the agent role owned by the late Karl Malden in the 1962 film opposite Rosalind Russell as Mama Rose.

Jarrod Zimmerman as vaudeville comedy host Uncle Jocko delivers a priceless performance to open the show.

The production is directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek, who has provided just enough twist and turns to assure his musical spin is fresh and inviting. Andrea Collier is terrific as the older June, ever eager to make her escape from the control of her mother.

And of course, deserving of praise are the three ladies cast to play anything-but-ladies as burlesque dancers who know the importance of a good "gimmick." Francis Asher as "Electra," Cheryl Avery as "Mazeppa" and Susan Lubeck as "Tessie" are a triple threat of comedic talent and surprises.

Costume design by Melissa Torchia is ideal, proving less is more, as you would expect from a musical with a stripper theme.

Tickets are $35 to $68 with dinner and lunch packages available at (630) 530-0111 or drurylaneoakbrook.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.