Gypsy

Gypsy was written in 1959. It has a score by Jule Styne who, amongst other things, wrote the music for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Funny Girl and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, who of course went on to write such shows as Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods and A Little Night Music. The libretto was penned by Arthur Laurents, who went on to direct the Broadway revivals in 1974 and 2008.

The show is based on the true story of Louise Hovick, her sister June and their mother Rose. It follows the family from humble beginnings performing on the American Vaudeville circuit and culminates with Louise’s star turn as internationally renowned stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee.