Music composed by Julie Styne. Lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim.
Principal cast includes: Ethel Merman (Mama Rose); Jack Klugman (Herbie); Sandra Church (Louise); Lane Bradbury (June); Paul Wallace (Tulsa); Jaqueline Mayro (Baby June); Karen Moore (Baby Louise); Faith Dane (Mazeppa); Chotzi Foley (Electra); Maria Karnilova (Tessie); Bobby Brownell, Gene Castle, Steve Curry, Billy Harris (Newsboys); Marvin Arnold, Ricky Coll, Don Emmons, Michael Parks, Ian Tucker, Paul Wallace, David Winters (Farmboys).
Producer: Goddard Lieberson.
Recorded on May 24, 1959. Originally released on Columbia (OL 5420).
Composer: Jule Styne.
Lyricist: Stephen Sondheim.
GYPSY, which opened on May 21, 1959 at the Broadway Theatre in New York, remains one of the most enduring works of American musical theater, thanks largely to Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's memorable score and the inimitable voice of Ethel Merman, all beautifully captured on the original cast recording. For Styne, GYPSY was a crowning achievement and a perfect example of his ability to suit his music for a particular singer. And while Sondheim had initially hoped to write not only the lyrics but the music as well, the task turned out to be the ultimate proving ground: his lyrics were perfectly suited both to the music and the characters.
This remastered version of the original cast recording offers a few departures from its predecessor, particularly in the restoration of several edits and the occasional use of alternate takes. As explained in the liner notes, a longer production schedule (to say nothing of more advanced technology) allows for careful examination of the original masters, a luxury not afforded the original producers, who were under pressure to get the job done as quickly as possible. In addition, the reissue contains several bonus tracks not included in the original release.