Lyric Stage, which premiered the restored original orchestrations for The King and I and Carousel in recent years, has aligned with the estate of Gypsy composer Jule Styne and original orchestrator Sid Ramin to restore orchestrations rarely heard since the original Broadway run, and a guitar part cut before the iconic musical ever opened.
The classic musical has music by Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents. Len Pfluger will direct and choreograph the Sept. 9-18 run at the Irving Arts Center's Carpenter Performance Hall in Irving, TX.
According to a statement by Lyric Stage music director Jay Dias, "When the show opened at the Broadway Theatre in 1959, Jule Styne had orchestrators Sid Ramin and Robert Ginzler use a string section that consisted of violins, cellos, and bass. After the initial Broadway run closed, the orchestration was adjusted to allow for theatres to use a more conventional string section division. For the Lyric Stage production, Jule Styne's estate and Sid Ramin himself have not only given permission for the original Gypsy cello parts to be restored, but an originally written acoustic guitar part, cut before the first rehearsal due to budget and seating capacity of the pit, will finally be heard. Lyric Stage's production will form the basis for the Jule Styne estate's work on the critical edition of the score, and it's quite a thrill that Lyric Stage audiences will soon be part of this major step in the restoration of one of the greatest scores in American musical theatre."
Margaret Styne, widow of composer Jule Styne, added the following statement: "Congratulations to Jay Dias. He has worked long and hard to restore the complete opening night score of Gypsy. I am particularly thrilled since I have never heard this glorious score played live with 39 pieces. In addition to Jay, I send silent thanks to Arthur, Jule and Steve."
In addition to Mathys as Rose, the cast will include Mary McElree as Louise, Sonny Franks as Herbie and Ashton Smalling (Gypsy with Patti LuPone at Ravinia) as Dainty June. Also featured will be Caitlin Carter (Broadway's Chicago) as Tessie Tura, Shannon McGrann as Electra, Sara Shelby-Martin (Mazeppa) and Michael Whitney as Tulsa. Completing the cast are Kevin Acosta, Alex Altshuler, Brian Boyce, Luke Boyce, Mallory Brophy, Brendan Cyrus, Caitlin Darby, Michelle Foard, Gordon Fox, Katharine Gentsch, Ben Giddings, Hunter Hall, Skylar Halliday, Taylor Hennings, Logan Macaulay, Chet Monday, Bella Murphy, Stephen Raikes, Thomas Renner, Neil Rogers, Chloe Voreis, Lisa Ward, Keith Warren, James Williams and Kristen Wright.
For tickets phone (972) 252-2787 or visit LyricStage.
