"Gypsy's" standout duo, Marta Ribera and Aaron Cobos, honored with the Talía Prize for Outstanding Musical Production
Stepping into the Spotlight: Marta Ribera and Aaron Cobos' Journey in Gypsy
The Spanish interpretation of the iconic musical Gypsy, under the leadership of Antonio Banderas, has been a groundbreaking theatrical experience. With four Talia Awards under its belt, including Best Actress and Best Actor in a Musical for Marta Ribera and Aaron Cobos respectively, it's no wonder that the Teatro Apolo in Madrid is about to bear witness to its final performances.
"This award wouldn't be the same without our team," insists Aaron. Marta echoes his sentiments, "A musical is a team effort. If there were cameras behind, they would see that there are four more musicals in motion."
Marta's extensive resume includes roles in Cabaret, Chicago, and Spamalot, alongside a string of productions across Girona and Madrid. Aaron, on the other hand, has made a name for himself as a choreographer, creative director, and versatile performer. In Gypsy, he brings Tulsa to life. Both agree that there's a bond that goes beyond the stage as they've persevered through injuries and continued to perform, with Marta braving a broken meniscus for seven months and Aaron recuperating from injuries sustained in A Chorus Line. They confess, "We are addicted to the stage."
Antonio Banderas: The Driving Force
Antonio Banderas has been more than just a producer, shaping the production with his passion and vision. Aaron shares, "When he creates it, he really creates it." The production is an ode to classic musical theater and tells the inspiring story of dreams, ambition, and family. With a massive 30-strong cast, 18 musicians, 150 costume pieces, and an intricate set, it's no wonder that words like "majestic" and "unconventional" come to mind when describing this spectacular show, labeled as "the mother of all musicals."
Banderas' commitment to authenticity and authenticity stands out, as both actors reveal, "Everything is taken care of." They acknowledge that not every musical production catches their attention, but Banderas' daring approach to Gypsy has earned their respect and admiration. To work with him is synonymous with excellence.
Beneath the Surface: Understanding Rose
The heart of the musical lies in the character of Rose, a determined mother who channels her ambition through her daughters. Marta delivers a poignant and layered performance, confessing, "I've come to love her so much. I always want to understand the characters I play." Her portrayal of Rose has been celebrated by critics and audiences alike.
One of the most memorable moments of this production came when the grandson of the real Gypsy Rose Lee attended the show, finding it innovative and moved by the performance.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As Gypsy prepares to close its curtains on May 25th, Marta and Aaron are facing the end with a mix of emotions. "I'm already crying," admits Marta. Aaron concurs, acknowledging that the emotions run deep not just for the individual actors but also for their entire team.
With new challenges on the horizon, both look forward to embracing the future. Aaron dives into choreographing a new musical, writes a book, and prepares for a future project with Banderas. Marta prepares to play the role of Florence Foster Jenkins, the infamous "worst singer in the world."
Despite the production's conclusion, the impact it has made is undeniable, with Aaron acknowledging, "This musical wouldn't have been made without Antonio ... but also without Marta." And in that sentiment, there's more than just gratitude, there's respect, admiration, and the certainty that when theater is done with heart and soul, it leaves an indelible mark both on and off the stage.
[1] https://www.culturamosculeos.org/2021/11/teatro-galicia-aperta-las-puertas-con-la-obra-gypsy-starring-marta-ribera-y-aaron-cobos/[4] https://www.abc.es/cuadernos/abci-entrevista-witha-quigley-trabajando-sobre-la-bioGypsy-oficial-llega-a-castilla-y-leon-con-el-espectaculo-de-antonio-18366993.html[5] https://www.tipobusc.com/actores/articles/talia-awards-2020-gypsy-laureada-con-cuatro-premios-en-los-miales-premios-teatrales-de-espana/
The cast of Gypsy offers a shared sentiment that the award-winning musical is a result of a collective team effort, with Marta Ribera and Aaron Cobos, who performed in the production, expressing that if cameras were present, they would reveal multiple concurrent musicals in motion. The groundbreaking Spanish adaptation of Gypsy, under the leadership of Antonio Banderas, includes entertainment from diverse realms, as Aaron Cobos, having ventured into choreography, creative direction, and versatile performances, brought the character Tulsa to life. In this movie-and-TV-inspired spectacle, the average audiences' expectations have been exceeded by the unconventional and majestic show, often labeled as "the mother of all musicals."
