'Gypsy' review — it's Audra McDonald's turn in the mother of all Broadway roles

Read our review of Gypsy on Broadway, a new revival of the classic musical starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and directed by George C. Wolfe.

You either got it or you ain’t, and oh boy, she’s got it. In the decades that Gypsy has been a Broadway classic, stars like Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, and Patti LuPone have taken on the monumentally complex role of Momma Rose, the original stage mom. But now, it’s Audra McDonald’s turn. With six Tony Awards under her belt, an iconic role like Rose almost seems like a natural next step.

This production, directed by George C. Wolfe, marks the first time that Momma Rose has been played by a Black woman on Broadway and the first time Black women were cast as all three leading ladies. A hush fell over my audience one of the few times the book seems to allow a direct acknowledgment of race, when Rose lovingly remarks to her daughter Louise just before her first performance as Gypsy Rose Lee: “Just thank God the Lord gave us good color.” Dainty June (a spirited, dynamic Jordan Tyson), in a blonde wig, is notably lighter-skinned than both Rose and Louise, adding deeper meaning to Louise’s protestations in the beginning of Act II: “Momma, I’m not June! I am not a blonde!”

Louise is one of the production's many shining stars: In the role, Joy Woods makes such a convincing transformation from a shuffling, awkward kid to the self-possessed Gypsy that to watch her timidly try her first dance is to root for her as if she actually had never done it before. Danny Burstein offers an infinitely sweet portrayal of Herbie, the family’s agent and father figure, and Kevin Csolak’s Gene Kelly-channeling number “All I Need Is the Girl” is show-stopping. And the riotous “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” by burlesque dancers Tessie Tura (Lesli Margherita), Mazeppa (Lili Thomas), and Electra (Mylinda Hull) was an audience favorite on my night.

McDonald’s take on Momma Rose is all her own from her very first line to her triumphant final song. She oozes with all of Rose’s insecurities but loves so fiercely and protectively. McDonald throws her entire being into “Rose’s Turn,” building and building until you begin to marvel that you are lucky enough to witness such a performance. And when Rose finishes her song, soaking in the adoration from the audience that is both imaginary and also very real, there is no other choice but to give her a standing ovation.

Gypsy summary

Gypsy is loosely based on the memoirs of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, adapted by Arthur Laurents with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. First performed on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy follows the struggles of show business mother Rose and her two daughters: the talented, coddled June and the older, more awkward Louise. Rose devotes her life to making her daughters a success in the dying world of vaudeville. The family leads a scrappy life on the road with their agent (and Rose’s lover) Herbie, getting by on Chinese takeout and Rose’s grand dreams. But the pressure consumes June and Louise, and each sister must learn how to step out of their mother’s shadow and live life on their own terms - with or without Rose.

What to expect at Gypsy

Gypsy marks the first production at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre since the closure of the long-running Phantom of the Opera and a subsequent renovation. The esteem of the theatre, the musical, McDonald, and Wolfe means expectations are high.

In some ways, and maybe because of these expectations, Gypsy plays it safe with a very traditional, though engaging, set design. The only time the production leaves the proscenium is for Rose’s entrance in the very first scene, when she marches through the theater and forces her way on stage. It’s a fitting introduction that immediately betrays Rose’s deepest desires.

What audiences are saying about Gypsy

With a 77% rating on Show-Score at the time of publication, Gypsy has largely positive audience reviews. While some users say the straightforward take on this classic musical seems dated, many raved about McDonald’s singular performance.

• “Oh, my. The incomparable Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Rose is superb.” - Show-Score user Elisa G 2100
• “The production starts out interesting but makes a turn and becomes a by-the-numbers 'Gypsy.'” - Show-Score user RandyK
• “It’s such a nice homage to what these older shows used to be.” - Show-Score user BroadwayRod
• “Some great singing, but I somehow was expecting more.” - Show-Score user Susan 604366
• “Greeks had their marbles, Italy had their paints, we have this production.” - Show-Score user BZ

Read more audience reviews of Gypsy on Show-Score.

Who should see Gypsy

• The sets recall not just the show’s time period, but a different era of Broadway for fans interested in a comforting, evocatively old-school musical.
• Any Broadway newcomers who want to get to a classic Broadway musical will be delighted by this accessible, visually engaging, laugh-out-loud production.
• Audra McDonald gives a once-in-a-generation performance, and any theatre fans who follow her career will not want to miss it.

Learn more about Gypsy on Broadway

Audra McDonald carries this revival on the strength of her performance, but this production wins hearts on its own for its tender portrayal of Broadway’s most iconic family.

Learn more about Gypsy on New York Theatre Guide. Gypsy is at the Majestic Theatre.

Photo credit: Gypsy on Broadway. (Photos by Julieta Cervantes)