Let Me Entertain You: Gypsy

Sometimes “reimagining” is not even the right word. It’s just simply seeing the same story through a new lens.

Gypsy labeled as one of the greatest American musicals ever written is currently on Broadway with in a new revival. The fifth Broadway revival to be exact. Any actress to take on the role of the infamous Momma Rose has big shoes to fill. Now it’s 6 time Tony winner Audra McDonald’s turn in a new take on the infamous story.

I have never seen the show live before. I know the 1993 film with Bette Midler as Rose. I also may have seen a cough cough slime tutorial here and there. But this revival is something special as it is the first time all three leads are played by black women. With the Tony Awards quickly approaching I felt it was only right to give my review of one of the most talked about shows of the season.

For starters, AUDRA MCDONALD. From scene one, she’s got you. And she not letting you go until the curtain call. I’ve heard chit chat about her singing and if it was a fit for the role. In my opinion, it’s Audra McDonald. She can sing the theme to SpongeBob and make it sound amazing (google it, it’s real). However for me her acting blew me away. She is playing the mother of all mothers and truly made it her own. This was something truly special. There’s so much depth and fight in this. I overheard some older ladies in the lobby after the show talking “it was like watching Merman again”. If that is not a seal of approval, I don’t know what is.

The subtle changes. While it has been emphasized that not one line or lyric has been changed. There has been some tiny details that have been added. I think are a nice touch and add a whole new layer to the story. Especially with this cast and this new approach. While not everyone can relate. Those who understand will have a new understanding for the story.

Joy Woods as Louise. She is a powerhouse. The second act is really Louise moment to shine. And much like Audra she grabs you. Someone write a show for this girl. A true triple threat

The orchestrations. This revival is backed by a full orchestra and sounds incredible. You feel like you’re in a movie. I’m also obsessed over the new dance orchestration for Louise. I’m so happy they recorded it. Hear it on the cast album, it’s gorgeous.

Jordan Tyson as June. I will start by saying that she was robbed of a Tony nomination, yes robbed! Because her performance was incredible. I’ve never seen it done this way. Not for laughs, not for a plot point. Going back to the tiny changes for this revival. It adds a new layer to June. Again robbed!

Also shout out to Leslie Margherita, eating the scenery every moment she’s onstage.

Love you Aunti Lesli!

So was i entertained by Gypsy? Did it make me smile? This is one of those shows that I can say “I was there, I got to see it”. This is a very special revival. If you get the chance go, go. Even if it just to experience the story of one of the greatest musicals.

Audra McDonald as Rose

Gypsy is currently playing on Broadway at the Majestic Theater.