Venue: HK Cultural Centre
Date: 4-7 May
Enquiries: N/A
Website: hongkongsingers.org/
The veritable plethora of Tiger Mothers/Monster Parents – choose your label of preference depending on your Hong Kong or mainland affiliations – may have a shot across their bows this month with the arrival of Gypsy, a highly instructional American musical, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The show launched the career of US composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and focuses on a hungry, powerhouse of a woman who dreams of propelling her two daughters into show business. It all seems to come to nothing, however, when one runs away and the other becomes a stripper. Nought out of two on the pushy parent front.
The piece is loosely based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, one of the most famous burlesque artists of her day. Legend has it that a dress malfunction saw her shoulder strap give way and her gown tumble to ther feet. It proved the highlight her performance and she seldom kept her kit on, on stage, ever again.
Running from 4 to 7 May, it is particularly recommended for those wanting a catchy song cycle lodged in their head for ever.