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Audra McDonald Shines in the New Broadway Revival of Gypsy
As the latest rendition of Gypsy continues its run on Broadway, Audra McDonald made an appearance on The View to share her experiences with this much-anticipated production. Acclaimed for her portrayal of Mama Rose, McDonald revealed that the role wasn’t one she initially sought after.
“I didn’t actually have a desire for this role,” McDonald confessed during her interview. She reminisced about a Thanksgiving gathering with the late Gavin Creel, who played a pivotal role in encouraging her to take on the character years ago. “He said, ‘I want to talk to you about something!’ and he pulled me into the garage and said, ‘You need to play Mama Rose in Gypsy. Why shouldn’t it be a Black woman? You should really do it!'”
After reflecting on this conversation and subsequent discussions with producers, McDonald secured the role in the current production. “Gavin passed away the first day of rehearsal, but I feel his presence with us,” she expressed.
This revival is notable not just for McDonald’s performance; it marks the first time that all three lead roles are played by Black actors. However, McDonald emphasized that the script and music remain unchanged. “The story is the same… Rose is a single woman with two children in the 1920s facing limited opportunities. When viewed through the lens of a Black woman, it resonates in a different way,” she remarked.
In her interview, McDonald also recounted the experience of performing for former Vice President Kamala Harris during a January performance. “I prefer not to know who is in the audience because I don’t want to overthink my performance. So, I had no idea she was there,” McDonald shared. Learning about Harris’s presence during intermission influenced her rendition of “Rose’s Turn” in the second act. “I felt an overwhelming emotional surge, unlike anything I’ve experienced before,” she noted.
Audra McDonald is currently starring in Gypsy alongside a talented cast, including Tony Award winner Danny Burstein, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and several others.
The story of Gypsy, inspired by the memoirs of the famous Gypsy Rose Lee, tells a compelling tale of the relationship between mothers and daughters, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream. Premiering on Broadway in 1959, the musical is renowned for its distinctive story and rich score, created by the distinguished talents of Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne, and Stephen Sondheim.
George C. Wolfe’s revitalized production of this classic features excellent choreography by Camille A. Brown, music supervision by Andy Einhorn, and additional arrangements by Daryl Waters, contributing to a fresh yet nostalgic theatrical experience.
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www.broadwayworld.com