Peters is set to record the Jule Styne-Stephen Sondheim classics "Some People," "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Rose's Turn" beginning at 1 PM at Manhattan's Right Track Studios. Recording began June 22 for the Angel Records release, which is scheduled to hit stores in August. Produced by Jay Saks, the recording features musical direction by Marvin Laird and musical supervision by Patrick Vaccariello.
The first day at the Manhattan recording studio began at 11 AM with the orchestra — under the direction of Laird — preserving the famed Gypsy Overture and Entr'Acte. Among those listening intently in the sound booth were Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes; veteran Tony-winning Broadway composer/lyricist Sondheim; Jule Styne's widow, Margaret; and producer Saks. (Playwright Arthur Laurents is expected to attend the June 23 session.)
Following the two instrumental pieces were "Newsboys," "May We Entertain You," "Broadway" and David Burtka's spirited "All I Need Is the Girl." While the orchestra broke for lunch from 2-3 PM, Burtka recorded his soft-shoe to the pre-recorded orchestral track.
Recording resumed at 3 PM for "Together," Peters' first vocals of the day. The second-act charmer also featured co-stars John Dossett and Tammy Blanchard, and the trio recorded three versions of the tune. The afternoon also included the recording of "Toreadorables," "Small World," "Little Lamb," "You'll Never Get Away From Me" and the second half of "Mr. Goldstone." (The first half of the latter will be recorded June 23, along with the reprise of "Small World".)
The Gypsy orchestra broke for dinner from 6-7 PM, and the day recommenced with Tammy Blanchard and Kate Reinders singing "If Momma Was Married." The day ended on a high as the three strippers — Electra (Julie Halston), Tessie Tura (Heather Lee) and Mazeppa (Kate Buddeke) — belted out their second-act show-stopper, "You Gotta Get a Gimmick." *
Produced by Robert Fox, Ron Kastner, Roger Marino, Michael Watt, Harvey Weinstein and WWLC, Gypsy — with a book by Arthur Laurents — began previews at the Shubert Theatre March 31 with an official opening May 1. The production — directed by Sam Mendes — features original choreography by Jerome Robbins and additional choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Jodi Moccia is the associate choreographer and Peter Lawrence the associate director.
Gypsy received four 2003 Tony Award nominations, including those for star Peters (Best Actress in a Musical), co-stars John Dossett and Tammy Blanchard (Best Featured Actor/Actress in a Musical) and Best Revival of a Musical.
The creative team includes Anthony Ward (scenic-costume design), Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting design), Acme Sound Partners (sound design) and David Brian Brown (hair design). With orchestrations by Sid Ramin and Robert Ginzler and dance arrangements by John Kander, Gypsy features musical supervision by Patrick Vacariello and musical direction by Marvin Laird, the latter Peters' longtime musical director.
Tickets for Gypsy are available at the Shubert Theatre box office (225 West 44th Street) or by phone at (212) 239-6200.
