I thought her Rose was excellent, and it was a little different. She definitely played it sexier, although I think it was part of a portrayal of a more conscious attempt at manipulation by Rose. Her voice was weaker early in the run, but sounded fine in general. It was not my favorite way to hear either BP or Gypsy, but it worked well for her portrayal. For all his nastiness and sometimes questionable judgment, Laurents was 100% correct that the Mendes production was directed a little slow. I think Gypsy needs a fast pace, because the speed of events keeps the other characters (and the audience) from confronting Rose until they hit a hard wall. I did, however, love the staging of the ending. Rather than having Rose see the ROSE lights in her mind, grasping in vain at a chance at fame, she looked sadly at the bare stage and turned to leave looking defeated.
FWIW I think Marissa deserved the Tony. |
