Geraldine and Gypsy and Giants

STAGES most popular guest in our first season was Geraldine Turner. She delivered fascinating anecdotes and observations from a stellar career in show business, that continues to reward and frustrate. There have been more than a few requests to get her back on STAGES for further reflections and wisdom. The first section of this interview was recorded earlier in the year when Geraldine was about to set forth on delivering a role that had escaped her on four previous occasions. We all hoped that Turner had finally been given the chance to deliver a role, tailor made for her extensive talents, life-experience and accomplished skill in the musical theatre ..... the role of Mama Rose, in the musical Gypsy. Prior to commencing rehearsals, Turner talked to STAGES about preparing such a role, the opportunities to play Rose that had escaped her previously, and the palpable excitement she experienced in the recognition of realising Rose was only months away. Frustratingly, that was not to be. And the cold, hard understanding that Gypsy had escaped her once again, was met with outrage and disappointment by eager fans waiting in anticipation. Turner was just stunned. So what must that feel like? How does a performer maintain belief in their ability within a precarious industry? How can a performer and a role avoid merger five times? What happened? The epilogue to this conversation provides a fascinating insight to a unique experience. However, throughout the episode we also get to discuss some of the great Musical Theatre composers that Geraldine has met and worked with - Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Alan J. Lerner and Lionel Bart - to name but a few. Hers is a rich, illustrious and vital career. So, on with the show - and it seems only right to say ..... Here she is boys, here she is world. Here's Geraldine!