←Recommendations of Fable

I tend to automatically form a bond with plays that have wonderful roles for women and Doug DeVita's play has captured my heart. I've listened to the soundtrack to Gypsy but never actually seen the show. Despite that I truly adore this piece for what it is, A wonderfully written, captivating piece of drama and wit that celebrates as well as dealing with some dark and complex issues. It is very easy to see why this play has proven so popular with other playwrights. I've been a stark admirer of Doug's work and this play has only increased that admiration.

What a highly riveting take on June's story. I've seen Gypsy a few times and think I'd enjoy this just as much. Loved the drama and the high stakes convos to get the show on stage. The world of characters including three phases of June, Gypsy and Rose would be mesmerizing live. Loved how the lighting and positioning of characters helps to tell the tale and will probably read again to take in all the nuances. A fabulous read and stand back when it gets on stage.

Fable weaves an incredible history around the making of the iconic musical Gypsy. Having three June Havocs on stage at different ages, all tortured souls, has heartbreaking impact. The play is full of the biting wit that fans of Devita's work (myself included) love! It is a treasure trove of award winning roles for women and a playground for a director.

A delightful exploration where truth and memory is subjective in the story behind the beloved musical Gypsy. Even if you've never seen / worked / read the musical, you'll appreciate this play for the insight into the inner workings and ego clashes as a Broadway musical goes to the stage.

People say "hoot" and "campy" all too often, but I don't think you can say either one enough about this play that is truly fabulous (ducking). More important, amid the delicious bitchiness of showbiz monsters, Doug DeVita spins a tale of great heart and feeling, of sibling rivalry and toxic parenting, and the iron will it takes to survive it all no matter how deep the wounds suffered along the way. Then there's the sheer theatricality that's sure to dazzle an audience. A bravura piece, a marvelous accomplishment!

June Havoc's long distinguished career as a stage and screen actress was eclipsed by Baby June, the child vaudevillian portrayed in "Gypsy." She fights to prevent that from happening and to be remembered on her own terms in this marvelous play. The personalities onstage are strong adversaries. The clever dialogue is sprinkled with a word here or there that reminds you of the musical, but after reading this I'll never see "Gypsy" the same way again. I want to see a double-bill. "Fable" at a matinee, "Gypsy" in the evening. It'd be swell. It'd be great.

When I read Gypsy in my musical theatre history class in college, I must unfortunately admit that I cared for it all that much. I can say without a shred of hesitation that DeVita's Fable is a theatrical force that I would love to see and read multiple times. It's strange to think about, but for me, June's story, presented here, is the one I'll keep with me. I certainly understand why this piece has achieved so much acclaim and praise. It's more than earned it, and DeVita is an amazing wordsmith.

Beautifully theatrical telling of a fable of two sisters. Playing with historical background information from one of the most well-known musicals of all time, DeVita explores and at times seems to almost gleefully terrorize us with the story of the forgotten sister and the domineering stage mother. I was engaged, entertained, riveted and never disappointed by this brilliant script.

This seven-character play soars and succeeds in its ambition to bring to the fore the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee, both immortalised, for better or worse, in the musical Gypsy. Picking out real life facts, DeVita uses a dance marathon and vaudeville stage framework for this bitter sweet interrogation of the choices and compulsions when your lasting memorial is as a ‘character’ in somebody else’s show. Dynamic and insightful, drawing attention to its own theatricality, it manages to feel like a truthful portrayal and a rueful interrogation of show business and the nature and dangers of fiction.

A crumbling proscenium arch and Vaudevillian placards frame Doug Devita’s beautifully crafted FABLE. It is a deep, layered, and theatrically human look at the ownership of your own story. June Havoc and Gypsy Rose Lee feature in June’s remembered biography, her own fable of the creation of the legendary musical, Gypsy.

The dialogue is snappy, touching, funny, and addictive. The Vaudevillian framing is perfect. This show, June’s story, stays with you.