London Adventures: "Gypsy" & "Photograph 51"
Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 9:30PM In the crazed travelling of Oscar rev-up season it occurs to me that I never wrote about my London theater-going in that blessed October weekend. While I was in that great great city, I saw two favorite actresses in plays centered around their gifts: one was a revelation, the other a canny reminder.
Imelda & Nicole triumph after the jump...
Though "Mama Rose," basically the "Hamlet" of musical theater roles, is an easy vehicle with which to show off your gifts and win critical raves, it's a taxing role which is also easy to not quite fill however well you ace any particular aspect of its supersized abundance. I've seen several Gypsys in my life and nearly every lucky headliner nails something but nobody nails everything. Imelda Staunton, though, expands to fill every nook and cranny of it. A lot of Mama Roses don't quite sell the romance with Herbie, for example, but she nails that with a surprisingly fun and flirty take on the woman's libido and genuine affection, however smothered and sidelined to ambition and practical parasitical show-must-go-on fervor it may be. Many Mama Roses are cast because they're already superstars of the musical theater. This is the standard which I've personally never questioned because it pays dividends. But I was wrong. The revelation of Imelda Staunton's casting and performance is how closely it aligns with Mama Rose's inner tragedy: she's a blazing driven talent who has never been recognized as such. "Rose's Turn" takes on a Shakespearean majesty because Imelda Stauton wills herself from Respected Character Actress to Unexpected Musical Superstar right in front of your eyes. And damn her voice is amazing. At intermission I could barely move I was so blissed out. Actresses who take on Mama Rose usually save up all their starpower for Act Two. Not this one. She attacks every scene like its the climax, like she has infinite reserves for later, without sacrificing nuance or character arc or momentum. Staunton's is the best Mama Rose I've ever seen hands down.
Photograph 51 is a piffle compared to a show that's often been called the greatest of all stage musicals. But that's hardly a fair comparison! What was terrific about seeing the play, even back to back with Gypsy as I did, is how well suited it proved to be for Nicole Kidman without ever feeling like a "star vehicle". In fact, in some ways it's the anti-star vehicle. Her scientist, the woman who captured the first photographic evidence of DNA, is kind of drab. Not the kind of woman who'd require a hugely charismatic superstar to play her. She's a deadly serious scientist with few people skills, who gets written out of history because, essentially, men write it. And she isn't willing or even able to cater to their egos and needs. Kidman, always dramatically gifted, finds just the right blend of driving curiousity, powerful intellect and emotional rigidity to sell all this without simplifying the play's tricky blend of who did what to whom and maybe she self-sabotaged a little on the way to being robbed of her place in history. But Kidman is a savvy gifted actress. She plays what amounts to an "ice queen" exterior without sacrificing any internal warmth, reminding audiences that, not unlike this important woman, she's one of the best there is at what she does but remains misunderstood and perceived as "cold" due to questionable expectations of how a woman should behave.
Future Audiences?
Though Nicole Kidman already took her final bow in the play earlier today, word is that she hopes to take the play to both Australia and Broadway and to mount a film version in the future. Unfortunately this is something any actor enjoying herself would say whether or not any of those things have been discussed outside her own head. But we here at TFE hope a film version does happen. Nearly all of the play's best moment would work like gangbusters in full movie star closeup on film. But given how busy Our Ms Kidman always is -- as anyone who keeps up to date on movie news knows, Kidman never ever stops working -- and she's got three projects to film back-to-back now that her time in London is done for now: the film for John Cameron Mitchell, something with Jane Campion though people keep disagreeing on whether or not that's Top of the Lake season 2 and the HBO thing with Reese Witherspoon.
As for Imelda Staunton's theater-shaking triumph, there doesn't seem to be a Broadway transfer planned (blame Bernadette Peters & Patti Lupone whose revivals must've been too recent for nervous producers to agree that a third revival in 12 years would sell tickets Stateside) so this Mama Rose's November 28th bow will likely be her last. Previous reports suggested that this production would be filmed for broadcast by the BBC but I haven't been able to find verification that that actually ever happened. If London readers know differently please share the blessed news in the comments! In short, how'd I like those eggrolls? Very much.
I realize that actresses going on 60 that aren't a Dame or Meryl Streep aren't exactly ever flavors du jour in Hollywood but Imelda Staunton having no live action film roles on her schedule is unforgivable. This woman is at the peak of her powers. Casting directors continue to be asleep at the wheel in Hollywood.
Reader Comments (34)
I saw both of these performances when I was in London recently and Imelda Staunton's performance shook me to my core. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and felt so privileged to have experienced it.
On another note I saw The Witch at the London Film Festival and Ben Whishaw and his husband were sitting in the row in front of me. It was very distracting.
Imelda Staunton was so brilliant in Vera Drake. Also, she remains one of the best things in the Harry Potter movies. Basically, I agree, she needs more movies!
Clearly, Imelda's empty schedule is the fault of Queen Elizabeth. Make her a dame already!
Imelda Staunton having no live action film roles on her schedule is unforgivable. This woman is at the peak of her powers. Casting directors continue to be asleep at the wheel in Hollywood.
She was nominated for Vera Drake. Overseas auteurs are responsible for her agency not Hollywood. Ask yourself when was the last time Hollywood commissioned a dynamic script for a woman in the lead?
I am so jealous that you had the chance to see Imelda! All I've heard are raves and it makes me sad that it doesn't sound as if it's going to be preserved.
It is just as terrible that she doesn't have any upcoming film projects but perhaps she has stage work lined up. Still if she's free Kenneth Branagh should scoop her right up for his Murder on the Orient Express redo. She'd be perfect for either Ingrid Bergman's missionary role or the Princess's loyal maid.
@joel5 - you are reading my mind as far as Imelda being perfect for that remake of Murder on the Orient Express. I don't really want the remake but if Ken Branaugh is in charge he could cast some very interesting actors. (I want Keira Knightley for the Countess -Jacqueline Bisset part)
I understand from all the reviews that I have read that Staunton is a perfect Mama Rose. Honestly I never even knew she could sing. The film work she has done has proven her versatility, "Vera Drake", "Pride", "HP -Order of the Phoenix", and "Nanny McPhee" - what range.
Hollywood has never cast her, but surely some indie producers should get wise to what a powerhouse Staunton is.
Nathaniel I truly envy you that you saw both of these great ladies on the stage. Nicole Kidman got such glowing reviews for this play, I'm sure it will go to Broadway at some point.
according to playbill dot com, gypsy was filmed in early october for a future broadcast on the bbc
http://tinyurl.com/prfnbrp
Outside her own head is exactly right. Nicole would need a kickstarter to finance this film. That Julia Roberts movie bombing is another blow to her. Thrilled to hear MJ2 was the lowest opener of the series. With Joy being a bust, I am seeing a clear path for the true new successor. Perhaps a person with a degree.
Just adding to what par has written http://musicaltheatrereview.com/imelda-stauntons-gypsy-tipped-for-bbc-christmas-broadcast-and-dvd-release/
So jealous that you saw Staunton, I'll have to wait for the TV transfer!
Just one thing to correct - Staunton is the closest thing we have in the UK to a West End Superstar. This is likely to win her a 4th (?) Olivier for a musical, which probably makes her most awarded. In short, she kind of is our Patti Lupone already!
Completely appreciate that she's known internationally for Harry Potter, Vera Drake and Pride - the strangest thing (to me) is that due to her talents and looks, she's often cast in Dench/Smith type roles. However, she's actually much younger and much sexier than people often realise!
Trivia - her husband is Carson from Downton Abbey, who's also younger than you'd expect!
Dusty - Imelda Staunton and Joanna Lumley are my next ACTING DAME tips. With a probable Emma Thompson spoiler...
The only working dame who seems to struggle for those leading roles in UK Film & TV is Dame Harriet Walter, destined to be remembered for 5 minute supporting roles in prestige Oscar vehicles!
@ kermit: Yes! For her musical work, Staunton has won Oliviers for Into the Woods (as the Baker's Wife) and Sweeney Todd (as Mrs. Lovett) and was nominated for Guys and Dolls (as Miss Adelaide).
(I may be wrong about Miss Adelaide. But as a point of comparison: much-nominated Elaine Paige has only won one Olivier, for playing Evita in the original production.)
I always thought she would have been a perfect Mrs Lincoln but Sally was tops too.
Paul - I trawled through the Olivier Awards' website and could find a total of 8 nominations (including drama and musicals) as follows -
1981 - Nominated - Best Actress In A Musical (The Beggar’s Opera)
1984 - Won - Best Supporting Actress (A Chorus Of Disapproval + The Corn Is Green)
1987 - Nominated - Best Actress In A Revival (Uncle Vanya)
1987 - Nominated - Best Actress In A Musical (The Wizard Of Oz)
1990 - Won - Best Actress In A Musical (Into The Woods)
1996 - Nominated - Best Actress In A Musical (Guys & Dolls)
2012 - Won - Best Actress In A Musical (Sweeney Todd)
2014 - Nominated - Best Actress (Good People)
You were right about Guys & Dolls!
In vaguely-related news, Nicole Kidman was Olivier-nominated 15 years ago for her first foray on to the London stage -
1998 - Nominated - Best Actress (The Blue Room)
This whole discussion has made me realise how regional theatre is - I could list 15 British actors who'd have me rushing for tickets (and few if none have worked on Broadway), while some of the biggest stars on Broadway are unknown to me (here's looking at you Audra McDonald) unless they've either transferred to the West End or have a film/TV career...
Kermit - wow, she also played Dorothy Gale?!?!
I guess Kidman should stick to stage acting where it seems she performs admirably...
She has not had a successful movie in .. I don 't know how long.... and she certainly makes enough of them.
Rick the Kidman bashing is unnecessary. She has one Oscar from three nominations. She's no threat to the legacy of Streep like Blanchett is so maybe you should point your hateful jabs there.
Object - Paddington was rather successful! As little as that means - it was a recent success.
Barbra, darling, please make Gypsy with Imelda as Mama Rose.
Never seen the whole show but I love parts of it that I've seen and I can easily believe Imelda would give a great show in a movie version of this play.
Also, Staunton's performances from Sweeny Todd and Gypsy are on Spotify and at least some of them, I assume, on youtube.
I completely agree with your take on Staunton. it was volcanic. But if it's possible, she may have been better 3 years ago as Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd on the West End. I can't imagine Staunton will have to wait very much longer for a Dame.
I look forward to the remake of All The Pretty Horses, with Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Sarah Jessica Parker. Let's not overly glorify these adequately capable older actresses.
Thanks, James T! Just getting lost in an Imelda YouTube vortex---she is a fantastic interpreter of Sondheim (lyrics and music). I need to see her all of her Momma Rose and Mrs. Lovett on film...this is the best recording of "God, That's Good" I have ever heard. Such narrative clarity!!! (Geeking out over here.)
I saw both quite recently too and I agree wholeheartedly re. Staunton - what a voice! Not just in terms of vocal prowess but how much personality and shading she could pack into what's in many ways a one-note part. (Does someone seriously consider it the greatest of stage musicals? It's fun enough and a great showcase for the lead actress but it's so rushed relentless and it feels like there's entire sequences missing. I can't believe we never see June again after she runs off.)
re. Kidman - I had a few reservations though she had strong moments.
I hasten to emphasise that overall I did like her. But the problem I had with her performance is one I often have when glamorous movie stars take the stage. Even when they're good, you get a sense that there was a much more polished, weightier performer who could have done more with the role but didn't have the 'name' factor. I had a similar experience when I saw The otherwise Great Laura Linney (and The Once Hypnotically Fabulous Cristina Ricci) on Broadway. In both cases the supporting character actors looked and sounded so much more alive and loose and relaxed and (unexpectedly) natural in comparison to the overly fussy leading ladies.
Meantime re. theatre reviews - over the past few months living in England I've learned rave reviews for West End shows are essentially meaningless. *Everything* gets five stars from at least five major newspapers. I've seen so much bad theatre to get to this revelation. Although, to be fair, both Photograph 51 and Gypsy landed on the 'solid' end of the scale.
Hateful??? Truth is not bashing!!
By the way. I love Cate. Hope for Oscar 3 as soon as possible.
Nicole and Imelda, both of them, just won at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
Leo - I'm a bit late but I was coming in to post this before I went to bed.
Seems like Nathaniel is a lucky charm!
Imelda Staunton SO should've won the Oscar over Hilary Swank!
Goran -- i mostly agree on this with film actors but i'm surprised to hear Laura Linney in this context since she is an old pro when it comes to stage. She does a lot of it (not really a moonlighting celebrity) and usually wins great reviews.
the worst example i've seen of this is Julianne Moore who was just very flat on stage. Thankfully she also was unsatisfied so i don't think she'll do it again. Some people are just meant for one medium and if they're superb at it, aint nothing wrong with that. Julianne was made for the screen.
I agree about Laura Linney. She is a real stage actress and was always the best thing in anything I saw her in.
The cast album of the Sweeney Todd UK revival, incidentally, is fantastic. Staunton is so great but so is Michael Ball, which I admit was a total surprise to me. I've always loved (LOVED) his singing, but had no idea he had THAT in him. Ditto Imelda. I now listen to it more often than the original Broadway cast, and that is very, very rare.
I saw both Gypsy and Photograph 51,
I don't think its fair to compare both plays and performances, as they are completely different in fact they are entire opposites in terms of delivery and material with one enjoying a lavish production in the rtizy Savoy and the other a simple, cold looking ruins in the ever so serious and Noel Coward.
Imelda brought the house down and she is a riot from the instant she walks on stage and the energy doesnt stop, its full blast till curtains.
Nicole's performance is different, she makes an art of subtly with this performance, she earns our respect, our belief and emotions without asking for it, she gets underneath your skin and equals the same high by the end. it wasnt just me the woman next to me was weeping.
i'm so glad both won awards, both very much deserved it.
Cross your fingers:
http://www.broadway.com/buzz/183018/imelda-staunton-led-uk-gypsy-revival-eyes-broadway-bow-in-2017/