Audra McDonald Makes History with Powerhouse Performance in Broadway Revival ofGypsy

Mar. 15, 2025

Audra McDonald in ‘Gypsy’ on Broadway.Photo:Julieta Cervantes

Julieta Cervantes

Some people ain’tAudra McDonald, alright.

Anyone who has heard the actress’ signature sweet soprano voice knows she’s in a league of her own — and with six Tony Awards to her name, more decorations than any stage performer, she’s already cemented her name in the history books. But with the new Broadway revival ofGypsythat opened on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Majestic Theatre in New York City, McDonald achieves another first, showing audiences on the Great White Way, as it were, something they’ve never seen before: a Black Mama Rose.

Oh, and she has to do all that while belting out some truly iconic songs.

Audra McDonald in ‘Gypsy’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes

Now it’s “Audra’s Turn,” if you will. And to say the pressure is on would be an understatement.

Joy Woods and Audra McDonald in ‘Gypsy’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes

But if McDonald is feeling any of that, she’s certainly not showing it.

To no surprise, she’s a tour-de-force on stage. Ferocious and funny, terrifying and terrified, raw and rapturous, every choice she makes is intentional and fully-formed. There’s not a moment you don’t believe a move McDonald makes, and not a moment you don’t recognize that you’re experiencing a performance for the ages.

Her acting is so incredible, it’s almost as if she invented the form.

Audra McDonald and Joy Woods in ‘Gypsy’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes

There are major differences from those who have played it in the past. McDonald’s Rose is all thorns; she never seems to rely on charm, something others have utilized as a tactic to show how Rose enchants those around her to get what she wants. Instead, she whips through the action of the near three-hour show like an unstoppable tornado on a mission, unconcerned about the path of destruction she leaves behind.

McDonald, in an interview withCBS Sunday Morningthat aired this past weekend, noted that Rose “can’t differentiate between the two.” And watching her inGypsy, that’s abundantly clear. Her Rose isn’t the ultimate stage mom; she’s the ultimatemother. Fiercely protective, perpetually pushy, this Rose would do anything for her girls. Because their success is what drives her happiness.

Danny Burstein, Joy Woods and Audra McDonald in ‘Gypsy’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes

If there’s one area that McDonald will leave Broadway audiences debating, however, it will be her vocals. The actress has been known to stray from her soprano, as seen in her Tony-winning turn as Billie Holiday in 2014’sLady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. And while she does add some grit to her chest voice, she’s mostly in her head voice for the higher notes, which can lack the vibrato McDonald previously establishes with her lower tones.It’s a pivot that can be jarring at first, especially to those who have listened to cast recording after cast recording ofGypsy. Does McDonald still sound incredible? Of course. But is her singing here as effortless as her acting? No.

That’s not the only thing that doesn’t quite hit its mark in this revival. Director George C. Wolfe, like McDonald, has made bold swings with his staging — some that work, like the transitional sequence coming out of “Some People,” and others that don’t (like the typically quick and spirited “Mr. Goldstone,” which feels clunky and clumsy here). Camille A. Brown’s choreography shines during numbers like “All I Need Is the Girl.” But the build to Louise’s final strip fails to showcase the character’s growth as a performer. And the choice to ditch the strobe effect that ages the cast into adults feels unnecessary.

The strengths in thisGypsyrevival far outweigh the weaknesses, specially the impact of viewing the musical through the lens of a trio of Black stars. Not a word of the source material is changed but Wolfe, a five-time Tony Award winner, still finds moments throughout to relate this story to the Black experience. It’s a fresh perspective, and gives the story more relevance than ever.

Lesli Margherita, Lili Thomas and Mylinda Hull are hilarious as the trio of strippers who introduce Louise to the realities of the business.

Mylinda Hull, Joy Woods, Lesli Margherita and Lili Thomas in ‘Gypsy’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes

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Broadway fans will sure be talking about McDonald’s Mama Rose for years to come, debating every note and line delivery. But for the lucky ones who had a chance to see it live an on stage will remember the power of her “Rose’s Turn.” As McDonald sings, “You either got it or you ain’t. And boys, I got it.”

She sure does.

Tickets forGypsyare now on sale.

source: people.com