Arthur Laurents' durable libretto is widely considered among the most substantial ever written. It sensitively dramatizes the relationship between famed burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and her control-freak mother, Rose Hovick. The narrative is marvelously integrated with an immortal Jule Styne–Stephen Sondheim score. Yet the show is perhaps best known as the star vehicle that every mature musical-theater diva wants to sink her teeth into, following Ethel Merman's legendary original portrayal. Jan Sheldrick's take on stage-mother-from hell Mama Rose has many fine moments. She wisely doesn't reinvent the wheel, though she adds grace notes to a character that is sometimes played as a no-holds-barred barracuda. Sheldrick brings incisive psychological shadings to the part. She unfortunately falters a bit in her bravura moment—the climactic "Rose's Turn" solo, often referred to as a nervous breakdown in song. Her rendition starts well but doesn't quite reach the expected emotional epiphany.
Otherwise, performances range from superb to lackluster. Michael Matthys is splendid as Mama Rose's long-suffering business partner and paramour Herbie, finding humor and heartbreak in his interactions with his ever-difficult mate. Kailey Swanson sparkles as the teenage June Hovick, who grew up to become film and television actor June Havoc. Stephanie Wall, playing June's sibling Rose Louise, elicits more credibility as the feisty exotic dancer Gypsy, who stands up to her overbearing mother, than she does in the early scenes, as the meek also-ran in the family's musical act.
The atmospheric vaudeville numbers—crucial in this musical—are joyously performed here. The ensemble is somewhat uneven, yet there are standout performances by Kaleigh Ryan, Quintan Craig, Dan Pacheco, and Zack Salas. Eric Allen Smith, as ambitious young hoofer Tulsa, is stellar in "All I Need Is the Girl." Larry Lederman and Tony Pandolfo do yeoman's work in several choice supporting roles. As brassy stripper Tessie Tura, Sara J. Stuckey is hilarious. But Kelly Jean Clair and Jessica Schatz are on the tepid side as Tessie's cohorts, missing the bawdy sizzle of "You've Gotta Get a Gimmick." John Todd's choreography is energetic and fun.
Presented by West Coast Ensemble at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. May 13–July 3. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (323) 655-0108. www.westcoastensemble.org.