A casual observer might well have noted that the indomitable Bernadette Peters was thrust into a harsh spotlight as this Gypsy prepared for opening. Was she right for the role? Meaning, was she right, by type, for the role? Could she sing the role? Meaning, could she sing the role exactly like its creator, Ethel Merman? These were not helpful expectations, nor were they fair. The question should, more rightfully, have been: Does Gypsy work in the hands of Ms. Peters? Does she enhance the material, or weaken it? And shouldn't one perhaps wait until they see a performance before offering comment?

Peters was working under a handicap of expectations. No, she is not a current-day Ethel Merman. But, then, Ethel Merman wasn't Bernadette. Ponder, for a moment, how Ethel might fare in Sunday in the Park. But enough of this. Ms. Peters gives a dynamic, full-blown performance as Rose on this new CD, making it one of the best Gypsy recordings we have.

There's one thing more to say, before we pass on to other matters. The next time you're sick — I mean, so sick, with the flu or nausea or a back severely thrown out of whack that you can barely lift your head off the pillow. Please be so kind as to try the following: Go to work. Spend an hour getting dressed and wigged and made up. Stand on your feet, take a deep breath, and then sing and act and dance for two-and-a-half hours. Without sneezing or coughing or throwing up, please.

Good. Now, do it again. Twice tomorrow, which happens to be a matinee day. Then once the next day, after a four-hour afternoon practice session. Then — between Friday night and Sunday afternoon — do it four times in less than 48 hours.

Do you feel better yet? That was a pretty bad flu you had, after all. Keep this up, eight shows a week until you collapse. Yes, you'll get better eventually. You'll be fine, and back to your old self. But a couple of days in bed — or, at least, without having to perform the role of Rose in Gypsy — is sure to hasten your recovery. And imagine, if you will, that during all this you're under a wee little bit of pressure.

Bernadette Peters was not the first Broadway star to struggle through the opening of a big, important musical under the proverbial weather. Sammy Davis, for one, opened Golden Boy in the same condition; and what was the name of that other guy who was always out sick, a couple of years back? Nathan something?

At any rate, the Bernadette Peters on this new Gypsy CD can sing the role, all right. Different than Merman, yes, with a more psychological reading than Ethel. Acting vs. instinct, if you will. One need not compare them; this is certainly a valid and powerful performance of the material. In the critical two numbers that cap the acts, Bernadette takes her turn and nails it. Again, I must report that this was not the case the night I saw the show, with an indisposed star. She hit all the notes, but the people in the seats were never quite sure whether Peters would have the stamina to get through the next musical phrase. (She didn't seem to be sure, either.) From all reports, and from what is on display on this CD, those problems are long gone.

Peters is supported by a hard-working cast. John Dossett comes off best; here is a Herbie who can not only act — you can almost feel his ulcer — but sing as well. (Jack Klugman, who originated the role, could not sing and told them so when they cast him, which is why Herbie has remarkably little to sing.) Tammy Blanchard does well in the newly routined "Let Me Entertain You" sequence, and the strippers stand out. They always seem to, mind you, in well-cast productions of Gypsy; there's something in the writing, I guess. But Heather Lee, Kate Buddeke and especially Julie Halston provide a merry trio.

Still, where this recording truly soars is in the music department. Marvin Laird provided the music direction, J. David Saks produced the recording, and the players themselves are excellent. Gypsy is an energetic score under any circumstances, but this pit sizzles in a way that continually jabs us — even those of us who know the material so well. For any number of reasons, I for one expect to continue to keep the Merman Gypsy closest to my CD player. Still, Bernadette will go in for repeated hearings, which hasn't been the case with other recordings of this score. Continued...