"Rose's Turn" is a song from the musical ''

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''. It has been performed by such actresses as

Bette Midler Bette Midler (;''Inside the Actors Studio'', 2004 born December 1, 1945) is an American singer, actress, comedian and author. Throughout her career, which spans over five decades, Midler has received numerous accolades, including four Golden Gl ...

Ethel Merman Ethel Merman (born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann, January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer, known for her distinctive, powerful voice, and for leading roles in musical theatre.Obituary '' Variety'', February 22, 1984. ...

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, Patti LuPone,

Bernadette Peters Bernadette Peters ( ''née'' Lazzara; born February 28, 1948) is an American actress, singer, and children's book author. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she has starred in musical theatre, television and film, performed in solo co ...

, and

Imelda Staunton Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton (born 9 January 1956) is an English actress and singer. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Staunton began her career in repertory theatre in 1976 and appeared in various theatre produ ...

. The song is often regarded as the pinnacle of the eleven o'clock number.

Synopsis

The song "occurs at the point when Mama Rose realizes the frustrations of having little to show for the sacrifices that have left her with two seemingly ungrateful children." At this point in the show, Mama Rose is "a character whose dreams were too strong and whose heart held her own feelings hostage to make those dreams come true." She "finally drops her facade and admits her frustration and despair." ''Pittsburgh Post-Gazette'' argues the "unmasking of her psyche" takes place during the song.

Production

The song was written by

Jule Styne Jule Styne (; born Julius Kerwin Stein; December 31, 1905 – September 20, 1994) was an English-American songwriter and composer best known for a series of Broadway musicals, including several famous frequently-revived shows that also became ...

with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. As the finale, it contains a number of callbacks to songs from earlier in the show.

, who performed the show in the

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, said the song is her favorite piece from the show: "It's a terrifying piece of music because it's one of the two most famous arias in the musical comedy lexicon, the other being '

Soliloquy A soliloquy (, from Latin ''solo'' "to oneself" + ''loquor'' "I talk", plural ''soliloquies'') is a monologue addressed to oneself, thoughts spoken out loud without addressing another. Soliloquies are used as a device in drama to let a character ...

' from ''

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.''"

Critical reception

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'' magazine described it as "show-stopping." Michael Kuchwara, notable theater critic for the Associated Press, described it as a "blazing finale." ''The Hour'' named it a "showstopping tour-de-force." ''The Spokesman-Review'' wrote the song "may not match the other songs for lyrics and melodic value, but its emotional effect is riveting", and described it as a "magical moment." ''Boca Raton News'' names it a "torch song" and the "dramatic high point." ''Toledo Blade'' wrote "when

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sings 'Rose's Turn', a touching reflection of who she is and what she gave up for her daughters, we finally understand the passions that drove her." Kuchwara in another AP review called it a "stunning musical soliloquy," adding "it's here where Rose pours out her true feelings, letting the rage and frustration of a stymied life explode."

References

{{Authority control 1959 songs Songs from Gypsy (musical) Songs with music by Jule Styne Songs written by Stephen Sondheim