NEW YORK (AP) — Audra McDonald, Broadway’s six-time Tony winner, brings fresh intensity and nuance to the iconic role of Momma Rose in George C. Wolfe’s revival of “Gypsy” at the Majestic Theatre, even as the production around her struggles to find its footing.
McDonald’s portrayal of the quintessential stage mother marks a historic moment as Broadway’s first Black Rose, adding compelling new dimensions to the classic musical. Her performance brings both vocal refinement and raw emotional power to the role, particularly in showstopping numbers like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and the climactic “Rose’s Turn.”
“Her gleam is formidable,” even amid uneven production choices. McDonald’s classical training shines through her interpretation, offering a different take from Ethel Merman’s original belting style, while still capturing Rose’s fierce determination and complex psychology.
The supporting cast shows moments of excellence, particularly Jordan Tyson as June and Danny Burstein as Herbie. Joy Woods delivers a touching rendition of “Little Lamb” as Louise, though her transformation into Gypsy Rose Lee lacks some of the explosive impact the role demands.
Wolfe’s direction presents mixed results. While the main performers maintain focused, nuanced characterizations, many ensemble performances tip toward broad caricature, undermining Arthur Laurents’ sharp dialogue. The production’s design choices by Santo Loquasto (sets) and Toni-Leslie James (costumes) sometimes work against the story’s themes of hardscrabble survival.
Particularly problematic is the handling of the show’s burlesque sequences, where visible body stockings on the strippers feel at odds with the material’s themes of body acceptance and empowerment. The production’s polish occasionally undermines the script’s depiction of vaudeville poverty.
However, McDonald’s performance transcends these limitations. Her interpretation adds layers of meaning to Rose’s struggle, particularly in the context of being a Black woman with ambitions in early 20th century America. While this subtext isn’t overtly emphasized, it enriches the character’s complexity and desperation.
The classic Jule Styne-Stephen Sondheim score remains powerful, with McDonald bringing both technical excellence and emotional depth to the music. Her “Rose’s Turn” becomes a searing exploration of rage, defiance, and painful self-awareness.
Despite its inconsistencies, this “Gypsy” succeeds on the strength of its lead performance. McDonald proves once again why the role of Rose continues to attract Broadway’s finest talents, finding fresh relevance in this timeless story of ambition, sacrifice, and the price of dreams.
