From August 7-16, lucky theatergoers get to see Tony-nominee Sally Mayes delivering a knockout performance as Mama Rose in Jule Styne, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim’s Gypsy. Tackling the part with heartbreaking ferocity and incomparable stamina, Ms. Mayes does unforgettable renditions of “Some People”, “You’ll Never Get Away from Me” and of course “Rose’s Turn”. In a company that features stage veterans, as well as newcomers (Samantha Bruce does her stage debut as Louise/Gypsy Rose). The handsome production directed by Bill Castellino offers a true showcase for performers, all of whom excel in parts big and small. Ms. Mayes is, of course, absolutely breathtaking and as testament to her impressive commitment to her art, she was kind enough to answer our questionnaire during a two-shows day! Hats off to her.
Would you say Mama Rose is the ultimate role for an actress?
OF COURSE! Because it is a PERFECT MUSICAL. And a full bodied emotional character - who wouldn't want this chance?
Are you like Mama Rose in any way? If not, is it important for you to find similarities between you and your characters to play them?
We all have our demons in this business we call show - I understand both sides because I was a child performer with all the good and bad that goes along with it.
Why do you think that Louise and Herbie stay with Rose through the end? Would you have wanted to be with Rose in their case?
I think they all love each other fiercely and the two of them try very hard to let her have her dream- I understand that, coming from the background I do, of a child performer...
Can you comment on working with Samantha Bruce, Heidi Friese and the child actresses all of whom play your daughters?
They are all wonderful- the babies are precious and working so hard - Heidi is such a beautiful dancer and a really strong actor/singer. Sam just blows me away every night, what an amazing talent!
What advice did you have for the younger performers? Do you ever find yourself learning anything from first timers?
Of course! I love hearing their ideas and thoughts about these characters- it informs how we play the scenes!
Your "Rose's Turn" was electrifying! Whenever you have to do a number as famous as this one, which so many other performers have done, how do you find exactly what you want to do? Do you watch others or stay away from other performances to keep a fresh mind?
Honestly, I could never be a mimic, I don't have that muscle - I just looked for what made Rose, for what brought her to this place - I think women of that time didn't have choices - and I also think she loved her children- so that is an interesting conundrum and I believe it explains her.
Gypsy seems more relevant than ever because as Louise points out, people with no talent can become famous nowadays. What other parallels did you find with the plot and our society?
I didn't actually think about that- I just immersed myself in what it was like for families and women at that time, and what show biz was at that time - it depresses me to think about the fact that everybody can be famous now- it means none of us are.
Having performed for years in the nightclub/cabaret circuit, can you comment on the differences between acting in an intimate space, as opposed to doing larger venues? What do you get from the audience and how does it affect your performances?
I always find it so funny when people call me a nightclub cabaret performer - that is just one muscle I use - mostly when I have something personal to say - I love the freedom of being yourself onstage, but I also love losing myself in a character. The venue doesn't matter so much, I just love it all - the St. George is a GORGEOUS venue!
You make an appearance in "Woulda Shoulda Coulda" which is one of my second favorite episode of Sex and the City, would you mind sharing how that came to happen?
Well, I auditioned for my one line and was cast - I thought it was a lovely episode-and those girls are all awesome women - so it was lovely.
Would you consider Gypsy a cautionary tale?
No - just a story about a not so typical family- I find if I blanket a piece with something like that, it keeps me from making the choices I might ordinarily make.
What are other iconic roles you'd like to tackle next? Anyone from the Sondheim canon?
Mrs. Lovett certainly, and maybe Mame, either Mame or Vera - but most of my dreams of roles are plays- that is what I trained for- they just figured out I could sing a bit- I love to play all kinds of characters...
Gypsy runs at St. George Theatre through August 16. For tickets and more information visit Harbor Lights Theater Co.'s official website.
