Gypsy at Marriott Theatre In Lincolnshire

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Here in the last days of summer, amid reams of bad news about the state of the American theater, the good old Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire has knocked out a terrific, reasonably priced staging of “Gypsy,” an unstinting and emotionally unsettling new production that leans into this great American masterpiece’s psychological underpinnings."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Based on a memoir from mid-century burlesque superstar Gypsy Rose Lee, “Gypsy” is one of the great American musicals, full stop. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics from a young Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents (re-teaming with Sondheim after “West Side Story”), “Gypsy” turns the slow extinction of vaudeville into Sisyphean netherworld full of ghosts who don’t know they’re already dead. Styne’s score marries vaudeville pizzazz and showbiz swoon with the violent throes of an exorcism."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...A formidable role requires a prodigious talent. And Marriott Theatre's outstanding revival of "Gypsy" has such a powerhouse in Lucia Spina."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Marriott's brilliant production smoothly directed by Amanda Dehnert with great choreography by Stephanie Klemons is stunning and different as it is in-the-round, making sets far more difficult, but designer Collette Pollard has designed a set that works, and the opening scene during the overture, with its uniqueness, sets the stage for the entire production as we watch the marquee's rise to the ceiling and the workers fill the stage in order to clear it when the overture is over. The lighting (Jesse Klug) and sound (Michael Daly) are near perfect and the costumes (Theresa Ham) are classical. Sally Zack, always right on with her props, does it again, and the wigs ( there are a great number) by Megan E. Pirtle are perfect for doing their job. The tech part of a production is integral in making the production work and as always Marriott's staff is up to the task."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Each musical number and dramatic or comic scene outshines the next. From the effervescent “Let Me Entertain You,” sung by the children and their grownup versions, to Rose and Herbie’s gorgeous duet, “Small World,” sung when first meeting backstage, this is a production that’s filled with sincerity and realist characters feeling everything that life offers. Truly, Everything’s Coming Up Rose this Autumn at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, and it shouldn’t be missed."

Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended

"...The production comes to a captivating emotional climax towards the end of Act II, powered by dialogue expertly directed by Amanda Dehnert. Dialogue between Rose, played by Lucia Spina, Herbie, played by Nathaniel Stampley, and Louise, played by Lauren Maria Medina, is extremely expressive. One of the core narratives of mother-daughter conflict and expectation is made widely resonant to all viewers by the amazing acting."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended

"...Indeed, this production is a first-rate, professional Gypsy. But patrons should expect their parting thoughts to center not on a signature performance, but instead on matters more poignant: What does it mean when a mother will trade her daughters' innocence to pursue escape? It means a naïvete that Louise never completely sheds. It means Rose's continual justification for near-abusive obsession. It challenges patrons to consider where this is happening in today's sad and difficult world. Because as Rose says, "Everybody needs something impossible to hope for.""

Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended

"...The Marriott production will likely feel different from other GYPSYs because director Amanda Dehnert working with choreographer Stephanie Klemons and music director Jeff Award Winner Ryan T. Nelson emphasized its emotional toll and darker side."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...I really enjoyed Gypsy. I loved the discomfort. I loved the power shift between Rose and Lousie that twisted in the “structural knot,” as described by Vertiel. I loved the cleverness of the lyrics and the staying power of the music. I loved the history. I would see this show again with the right star (I could only dream of one of Merman, Peters, Midler, or Lupone caliber). But Gypsy is not for everyone. So I will have to let you see this most recent production at the Marriott and decide for yourself."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...The show features Broadway veterans and vocal powerhouses, Lucia Spina and Nathaniel Stampley as Rose Hovik and manager/companion Herbie, who ‘pool their resources by joining forces” to create a vaudeville show around Rose’s daughters Louise played by Lauren Maria Medina and June played by newcomer Tori Heinlein. Always the star in Rose’s dream of greatness, Heinlein’s June leads an endearing group of youngsters in the early years of the act, to the exclusion of the insecure and vulnerable Louise, who lacks the confidence of her sister and is earnestly along for the ride."

Life and Times - Highly Recommended

"...People rave about Stephen Sondheim as a composer, and rightfully so. But I first fell in love with him as a lyricist. Sondheim wrote the lyrics for Gypsy, with a book by Arthur Laurents. The two also collaborated on my favorite musical of all time, West Side Story. Music is by Jul Styne who also came up with the notes for Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Peter Pan, Funny Girl, and Bells Are Ringing."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...This classic behind-the-show business scene delights audience members with an iconic, familiar score that you want to sing out loud including: "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," "Some People," and Together Wherever We Go." 2010 Outstanding Director and Northwestern Professor Amanda Dehnert says: "Gypsy is a tale of perseverance. The story revolves around two exceptional women- a mother and daughter find themselves in the shadow of each other's aspirations. It is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and above all else it has a huge heart." Dehnert's direction makes sure you feel that."