Making history as Broadway's first Black Rose, McDonald transforms an iconic role without sacrificing its timeless power.
Audra McDonald's performance in Gypsy has redefined what a Broadway musical revival can achieve. As the first Black woman to embark upon the celebrated role of Rose, McDonald doesn't merely join the ranks of Broadway legends like Merman, LuPone, and Peters—she brings new dimensions to the character through her extraordinary interpretation. Her groundbreaking casting marks a significant moment for representation in theater, even as the production follows the traditional storytelling of the classic musical. In a season distinguished by bold casting choices—from Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal commanding Othello to Nicole Scherzinger transforming SUNSET BLVD., Idina Menzel making her anticipated return in Redwood, and the widely admired George Clooney in Good Night, and Good Luck—McDonald mines Rose's character with such depth that we encounter her humanity as if for the first time.
Gypsy tells the story of Rose, an overbearing stage mother pushing her daughters through the dying vaudeville circuit of the 1920s and 30s. When daughter June leaves to pursue her own career, Rose redirects her obsession toward shy Louise, who eventually transforms into famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy remains a perfect integration of song and story.
Under the visionary guidance of two-time Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe, known for Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk, Jelly's Last Jam, and Topdog/Underdog, this production balances the musical's golden-age brilliance with contemporary dramatic urgency. Wolfe's direction embraces subtlety rather than melodrama, giving emotional truths space to land while maintaining the show's essential theatrical vitality. He guides audiences through the story's journey with precision, creating moments where Rose's desperate ambition is all the more potent for its measured presentation. Santo Loquasto's set design mirrors the narrative arc—starting minimally before expanding into Broadway grandeur as Louise becomes Gypsy Rose Lee. Kimberly Grigsby's orchestrations honor the original score while introducing subtle jazz inflections that make classics feel fresh.
"I was born too soon and started too late" —Rose
McDonald's Rose is absolutely phenomenal—a performance that changes how we'll think about this iconic role for years to come. Her interpretation of "Everything's Coming Up Roses" is revelatory—transforming what could be a mere showstopper into a devastating portrait of a woman's unraveling disguised as a pep talk. The genius of McDonald's approach lies in how she honors the towering legacy of performers before her while creating something wholly new.
Though the production doesn't explicitly recontextualize the narrative through a racial lens, McDonald's presence as a Black woman playing this quintessential American stage mother adds an unspoken but palpable layer to the theatrical experience. For audiences willing to engage with this additional dimension, her essence invites a deeper consideration of what Rose's ambition and struggle might have meant in a society where racial barriers would have made show business dreams even more unattainable. Without changing a word of the script, McDonald's performance subtly illuminates the line "I was born too soon and started too late" with new resonance, creating a conversation that extends beyond the theater walls for those who wish to explore it.
McDonald's Rose is compelling because she balances the character's relentless ambition with genuine humanity. She doesn't portray Rose as a villain but as a woman haunted by dreams deferred. McDonald's "Rose's Turn" brings down the house, revealing layers of grief, regret, and defiance that leave the audience stunned before they erupt into thunderous applause.
McDonald's Rose is absolutely phenomenal—a performance that changes how we'll think about this iconic role for years to come.
The supporting cast shines equally brightly. Understudy Shanel Bailey stepped into Louise's role for Joy Woods with impressive assurance, convincingly evolving from awkward sister to confident performer. Scene-stealing Darlesia Cearcy, Kimberly Marable, and Anastacia McCleskey bring the house down with "You Gotta Get a Gimmick," with McCleskey's trumpet-playing Mazeppa drawing special cheers. Young Marley Gomes captivates as Baby June, bringing unnerving precision to her performance.
What elevates this Gypsy beyond entertainment is its emotional depth. This story is about a mother who never lived her dreams and a daughter determining her own path. The final confrontation resonates with the universal truth about family dynamics - the painful necessity of breaking cycles and finding one's voice.
McDonald's Gypsy is a landmark production that both breaks barriers and honors tradition, reminding audiences why this show endures as the greatest American musical and why McDonald remains one of our most extraordinary theatrical talents.
Audra McDonald and Cast in "Gypsy" on Broadway
Now playing at the Majestic Theater in Manhattan. Tickets and the complete performance schedule are available at https://gypsybway.com/. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday.
Derrick Hemphill covers art and culture, including Broadway, and resides in Harlem, New York.
The Skinny | Review: Audra McDonald is Exquisite as Rose in “Gypsy”
Sensational!
Audra McDonald delivers a magnificent performance as Rose in the current Broadway revival of Gypsy at the Majestic Theater. Under George C. Wolfe’s direction, this production brings fresh energy to the classic musical while honoring its traditions. McDonald’s powerful interpretation, complemented by an exceptional supporting cast, creates an unforgettable theatrical experience that reminds audiences why this show remains a cornerstone of American musical theater.
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