By Steven Suskin
24 Apr 2005

Switching to musicals, three specimens of distinctly different sorts have recently been released. The 1981 revue Sophisticated Ladies [Kultur] was one of those shows that managed to overcome severe tryout problems and work its way into the hit column, helped along by the presence of Gregory Hines. Hines isn't on the DVD, which was originally broadcast as a live pay-TV event; Hinton Battle, who won a Tony for his featured role in Sophisticated Ladies, stepped into Hines's shoes for the occasion. (Judith Jamison, the leading lady, also opted out of the telecast.) Even so, we get to see a lavish Broadway revue, circa 1981, more or less as performed in the theatre.

A very different type of revue, from the very same season, was Tintypes [Kultur]. This was a five-person cavalcade of popular song, which started at the Arena Stage in Washington and looked somewhat out-of-place on Broadway. What stood out in Tintypes at the Golden, and what stands out as well on the DVD, is the performance of Lynne Thigpen, who picked up a featured actress Tony nomination for her efforts. Thigpen was not only a marvelous actress, she was a thorough professional; over the years, I never saw her give a performance that was less than sterling. Also in the cast was a singing character-comedian called Jerry Zaks, who moved on to other exploits.

Gypsy [Lions Gate/Hallmark] needs no introduction to readers of this column. This is neither stage nor film, being the 1993 television adaptation starring Bette Midler. As such, there is no need for comparison with all those other Gypsys that you might have known.  Yes, I admit that I would rather see Ethel Merman doing the role; but we are not likely to see Merman's performance, not at this late date. Midler, working in a very different medium, more than holds her own. The DVD contains commentary from executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. The packaging boasts breathlessly that Gypsy comes not from the renowned Jule Styne and the legendary Stephen Sondheim but "from the director of Sister Act and Dirty Dancing." So I hereby pass the glad tidings on to any fans of Sister Act and Dirty Dancing who come across this webpage.

—Steven Suskin, author of "A Must See! Brilliant Broadway Artwork" [Chronicle Books], the "Broadway Yearbook" series, "Show Tunes," and the "Opening Night on Broadway" books. He can be reached by e-mail at Ssuskin@aol.com.

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