Photo Credit: Gypsy on Broadway Official Facebook
Audra. Gypsy. These two words set the Broadway world on fire. Audra McDonald, the brightest jewel in the theater world’s crown, was taking on one of the most iconic diva roles in American theater. But there were some whispers and doubts. After all, the magical voice that had won her 6 Tony awards was seen by a few as fundamentally wrong for the role that helped cement Patti LaBelle’s legacy. Too beautiful, too big, too operatic.
Audra proved the critics wrong not by changing the things that made her great but by changing Rose and Gypsy itself. The role dangerously navigates unflattering passagios for a soprano like Audra, but she places each expertly, the skill and complete mastery that allows her to deliver vocally without compromising a moment of her emotional embodiment of Rose.
Seeing Audra near the end of its run is a master class in technical and emotional brilliance. From the first moment she bursts onto the stage to thunderous applause, she never loses steam. The supporting cast is wonderful, but this is undoubtedly Audra’s vehicle from start to finish. She gives heart to this portrayal of the mother of all stage mothers, who can’t even admit to herself the desire to bask in the spotlight she fights so ferociously to thrust her daughters into.
Amazingly, her voice is as fresh at the end as it was in the beginning. As though when Gypsy takes the stage in her striptease, she’s gone off to the spa and come back completely ready for another round, and boy does she deliver! The power of her voice is stunning. Holding the audience captive, either in unaccompanied moments or over the full orchestra.
The merch from the show lists the actresses who have played Rose and ends with Audra in red letters. She has not only made her name on the list but also redefined what it means to be a successful Rose.
This is Audra’s world after all, and we humble theater goers are just lucky enough to be alive and say we experienced Audra’s Gypsy in real time.