Momma's Goin' Strong: Gypsy Breaks All-Time Shubert Box-Office Record

By Andrew Gans
23 Jun 2003

The current revival of Gypsy — starring two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters as Momma Rose — has set another box-office record at the Shubert Theatre.

The musical, directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, brought in $874,397 for the week of June 15-21, the highest gross for a show in Shubert history; the previous record was set by the Chicago revival, which grossed $864,163 for the nine-performance holiday week ending Dec. 30, 2001. This is the second record-breaking week for Gypsy: the box office took in $853,476 for the week of June 9-14, the highest gross for a non-holiday week ever at the famed Broadway house.

This production of Gypsy marks the fourth Broadway mounting of the musical, which was created by Arthur Laurents (book), Styne (music) and Sondheim (lyrics). The original 1959 production cast Ethel Merman as the indomitable “Momma” Rose. Subsequent Roses include Angela Lansbury (1974) and Tyne Daly (1989).

Produced by Robert Fox, Ron Kastner, Roger Marino, Michael Watt, Harvey Weinstein and WWLC, Gypsy opened May 1 at the Shubert Theatre. The production features original choreography by Jerome Robbins and additional choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Jodi Moccia is the associate choreographer and Peter Lawrence the associate director.

Joining Peters onstage are Tammy Blanchard (Louise), John Dossett (Herbie), Kate Reinders (Dainty June), David Burtka (Tulsa), Heather Tepe (Baby June), Addison Timlin (Baby Louise), Heather Lee (Tessie Tura), Julie Halston (Miss Cratchit/Electra), Kate Buddeke (Mazeppa), Brooks Ashmanskas (Mr. Goldstone/Pastey), Michael McCormick (Uncle Jocko/Cigar) and William Parry (Pop/Mr. Kringelein).

Gypsy plays Monday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Wednesday and Saturdays at 2 PM. Tickets, priced between $60 and $100, are available at the Shubert Theatre box office (225 West 44th Street) or through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.

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Angel Records concludes recording the Gypsy revival June 23.