Gypsy Ethel Merman - Broadway's Unforgettable Voice
When we think about the truly grand moments on Broadway, the name Ethel Merman often comes to mind, and for a very good reason. She was, in many ways, the very definition of a stage powerhouse, someone who could fill a theater with just her presence and that incredible voice. Her time as the character Rose in the musical "Gypsy" is, you know, something that people still talk about with a lot of awe, a performance that, frankly, left a really deep mark on everyone who saw it or even just heard about it. It was a role that, in a way, just seemed to be made for her, and she, in turn, made it entirely her own, creating something truly special that has stood the test of time.
The story of how "Gypsy" even came to be is, well, pretty interesting in itself. It all started, apparently, with a producer named David Merrick, who, as a matter of fact, happened upon a chapter of Gypsy Rose Lee's own life story in a magazine. He was, it seems, rather taken with it and, consequently, went to talk with Ms. Lee herself to get the okay to use her experiences for a show. This was, basically, the very first spark that would eventually ignite one of the biggest hits Broadway has ever known, a show that would bring the story of a famous performer and her very determined mother to the stage.
At the same time, Ethel Merman, a stage legend in her own right, was also thinking about her next big project. She, too, had ideas about who she wanted to work with, specifically hoping that Leland Hayward would be the one to put together her next production. It just so happened that Merrick and Hayward, you know, came together, and from that point, the idea of a musical based on Gypsy Rose Lee's life, with a starring role designed for Merman, began to take shape. It was, quite honestly, a coming together of some really big talents, all with a shared vision for what could be.
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Table of Contents
- Who Was Ethel Merman?
- What Sparked the Idea for Gypsy Ethel Merman?
- How Did Ethel Merman Make Rose Her Own?
- Who Else Helped Bring Gypsy Ethel Merman to Life?
- What Made the Original Gypsy Ethel Merman Production So Special?
- The Lasting Echo of Gypsy Ethel Merman
- Seeing Gypsy Ethel Merman Through Time
Who Was Ethel Merman?
Ethel Merman, born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann, was, essentially, a name that became synonymous with the musical stage. She was, you know, the kind of performer who just commanded attention the moment she stepped onto a platform. For many, she was seen as the absolute top lady of musical comedies, a true star who had a way of singing that was completely her own. Her voice was, frankly, something people remembered long after the show ended, a sound that was, in a way, powerful and clear, really filling up every corner of the theater. She had a career that spanned many years, and her work in "Gypsy" is just one example of the truly remarkable things she did.
| Birth Name | Ethel Agnes Zimmermann |
| Known For | Starring as Rose in the original 1959 Broadway production of "Gypsy" |
| Reputation | Undisputed first lady of the musical comedy stage |
What Sparked the Idea for Gypsy Ethel Merman?
The whole concept for the musical "Gypsy" began, actually, with a creative spark from producer David Merrick. He had, as a matter of fact, come across a piece of writing from Gypsy Rose Lee's life story in a magazine called Harper's. This particular chapter, it seems, caught his eye and made him think about the possibilities for a stage show. So, he went to talk with Ms. Lee to get the go-ahead, to obtain the rights to her personal tales. It was a very important first step, you know, in getting this massive project off the ground, setting the stage for what would become a beloved classic.
At the same time, Ethel Merman, a celebrated performer, had her own thoughts about what she wanted to do next. She was, apparently, hoping that Leland Hayward would be the one to produce her upcoming stage appearance. It was, in a way, a fortunate alignment of interests that brought these important people together. Merrick and Hayward, as a result, joined forces and, you know, went to speak with Arthur Laurents, the person who would eventually write the story for the show. This coming together of minds was, essentially, the starting point for building the entire creative team that would bring "Gypsy" to life, with Ethel Merman right at the heart of it.
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The Genesis of a Stage Legend: Gypsy Ethel Merman's Beginnings
It's rather clear that the initial push for "Gypsy" came from two very significant figures: the legendary producer David Merrick and the Broadway star Ethel Merman herself. Both of them, as a matter of fact, were quite enthusiastic about the idea after reading Gypsy Rose Lee's life story. They were, it seems, very much looking to create a starring part specifically for Merman, something that would really let her shine. This shared desire was, essentially, the driving force that got the ball rolling.
Once that initial excitement was there, Arthur Laurents was brought in to put the story together, to write the book for the musical. Jerome Robbins, a very well-known figure in the theater world, was also brought on board to handle the movement and staging, to choreograph the show. However, finding the right person to create the music was, apparently, a bit more of a challenge, taking a little longer to figure out. But, you know, all these pieces were slowly but surely coming together, creating the foundation for what would become a truly remarkable production, with Ethel Merman at its core.
How Did Ethel Merman Make Rose Her Own?
Ethel Merman's portrayal of Rose in "Gypsy" was, you know, something truly special, a performance that people talk about even now. She was, in some respects, already seen as the undisputed top lady of the musical stage, and with this part, she really cemented that reputation. Her work as Rose left, honestly, a mark that just couldn't be erased on Broadway. It was, apparently, an iconic turn, meaning it became a symbol of what a great stage performance could be. She took on the role of the very strong-willed mother of Gypsy Rose Lee, a mother who, in a way, just wouldn't give up.
Thirteen years after she wowed people as a sharpshooter in another famous show called "Annie Get Your Gun," Ethel Merman once again captivated audiences. This time, she played a mother who just couldn't be stopped in "Gypsy," which tells the story of Gypsy Rose Lee and her performing sister, June Havoc. Her voice, her "pipes," as they say, were, apparently, full and strong, and her spirit on stage was, quite frankly, something to behold. She just wouldn't let "Gypsy" be anything less than the most satisfying musical of that particular season, really putting her all into it.
The Unstoppable Force: Gypsy Ethel Merman's Impactful Performance
The character of Rose, Gypsy Rose Lee's mother, was, you know, a very compelling one, even just from the written page. But it was, essentially, the strong-willed, rather overbearing nature of this mother that really resonated with people from the story. For producer David Merrick, there was, honestly, only one performer he felt could truly bring this character to life on a stage. That person was Ethel Merman. She starred as Rose, and her performance was, frankly, something people still talk about as being utterly hers, making the part truly unforgettable.
When the original "Gypsy" production opened on May 21, 1959, at the Broadway Theatre, with Ethel Merman as Rose, it was, apparently, a moment that nothing could go wrong. Brooks Atkinson, a writer, noted that Merman was playing the mother of Gypsy Rose Lee, a performer who had a bit of a twist to her act. He said she was playing a mother who just couldn't be swayed. Her performance was, in a way, so powerful that it seemed to guarantee the show's success. She made that role completely her own, leaving no doubt about her command of the stage, which is, you know, quite a feat.
Who Else Helped Bring Gypsy Ethel Merman to Life?
While Ethel Merman was, quite clearly, the central star of "Gypsy," many other talented people helped make the original production a true success. Alongside Merman as Rose, Jack Klugman took on the part of Herbie, and Sandra Church played Louise. These were, in some respects, key figures in the story, and their performances helped create the world of the show. The visual look of the production, the scenery and the way the lights were used, was put together by Jo Mielziner. The outfits, the costumes, were designed by Raoul Pene Du Bois, giving the characters their distinct appearance.
The famous opening music, the overture, was, you know, arranged by Sid Ramin and Robert Ginzler, setting the mood even before the curtain went up. The musical itself had a very rhythmic score, put together by Jule Styne, and the words to the songs, the lyrics, were carefully crafted by Stephen Sondheim. It's often said that "Gypsy," with its powerful music and well-made words, stands out as one of the two most perfect musicals ever created. This is, you know, a very high compliment, showing just how much thought and skill went into every part of the show, beyond just the performers, even with Ethel Merman leading the way.
What Made the Original Gypsy Ethel Merman Production So Special?
The original Broadway production of "Gypsy," starring Ethel Merman as Rose, opened its doors on May 21, 1959, at the Broadway Theatre. This show was, apparently, guided by the skillful hands of Jerome Robbins, who not only directed it but also created all the dances and movements. It played for a good long time, capturing the hearts of many. This particular staging is, in a way, what set the standard for all future versions, showing just how powerful and moving a musical could be when all the right elements came together. It was, essentially, a moment in theater history that people still look back on with fondness.
The musical, with its very strong story and memorable characters, was, you know, a hit right from the start. It later went on to have other runs, for example, opening on March 29, 1961, at the Rochester NY Auditorium and closing later that year in St. Louis. These productions were also put on by David Merrick, alongside Leland Hayward, and again, Jerome Robbins was there to direct and choreograph. The fact that it traveled and was presented again shows, in some respects, just how much people loved the show and wanted to experience it, even beyond its initial Broadway run.
The Magic Behind the Scenes: Gypsy Ethel Merman's Creative Team
The magic of "Gypsy" wasn't just about the person on stage; it was also about the truly remarkable people working behind the curtains. Jule Styne, who created the music, a young Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the words to the songs, and that force of nature known as Ethel Merman, all joined forces. They teamed up, as a matter of fact, to really take Broadway by storm with this 1959 musical. It was, essentially, a coming together of incredible talent, each bringing their own unique contribution to the show.
"Gypsy" is, you know, often thought of as the very last great musical comedy. It tells the backstage story of a performer named Gypsy Rose Lee, who started in vaudeville and later became a striptease artist, and her rather forceful mother, Rose. The film version of the story also featured Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood, Karl Malden, and Paul Wallace, showing how the tale continued to capture imaginations. The musical, based on the Broadway success, really dug into the life and times of Gypsy Rose Lee and her very determined stage mother, Mama Rose, making it a story that resonated with many, thanks to the collective efforts of its creators, including the unforgettable Ethel Merman.
The Lasting Echo of Gypsy Ethel Merman
The influence of "Gypsy" and, particularly, Ethel Merman's performance in it, has, quite honestly, continued to be felt for many, many years. The stage stars who have taken on the role of Rose in "Gypsy" over the past six decades represent, in a way, a list of the most important female performers in theater. People like Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, and now Audra McDonald have all stepped into that very big part. This shows, you know, just how significant the role is and how it continues to attract the very best talent, all following in the footsteps of the original Rose, Ethel Merman.
Gypsy Rose Lee herself was, essentially, known as the most famous striptease artist in the entire world. And her mother, Mama Rose, is, you know, often seen as the ultimate example of a stage mother, someone who pushes their children to perform. The story of "Gypsy" was, frankly, very interesting on its own, but it was the character of the mother, the one who just wouldn't be stopped and was rather controlling, that really stuck with people from the book. This character, brought to life so powerfully by Ethel Merman, is what many remember most vividly about the show, even today.
Seeing Gypsy Ethel Merman Through Time
There are, as a matter of fact, some rather special glimpses into the original "Gypsy" production, like a 16mm home movie shot by Ray Knight. This film shows, you know, parts of the original Broadway production, with Ethel Merman in her famous role. Even though the picture quality might not be the best, these bits of film offer a rare look at what it was like to see the show back then. It's a way, essentially, to connect with that moment in time and see the energy of the performers, including Ethel Merman, on that very first stage.
We keep hearing, you know, about Ethel Merman's original Broadway version of the show, and for good reason. People talk about it as being something truly special. Even if you couldn't be there to see it live, there are ways to experience parts of it. For example, some people have listened to other famous singers perform "Rose's Turn" from "Gypsy" on video sharing sites. But the memory of Ethel Merman's original performance, her voice and her spirit, continues to resonate, making her portrayal of Rose a benchmark for all who follow, showing just how much of an impact Gypsy Ethel Merman had.
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