Broadway's "Gypsy," and the mother of all stage mothers

[@noelfernandez2246]

I saw it Saturday just after Thanksgiving. I loved it... Audra was spectacular as was the rest of the cast, particularly the leads. She stopped the show right before the ending with her last number, Rose's Turn. It was electrifying with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. It was an honor to witness it.

[@cosmic_pursuit]

Tell me, how were the sets?

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

SO Jealous!!

[@Dimi374]

Wow!!! What an experience that was!!🫶🏽❤

[@sherryab3964]

Wow! She’s so amazing!

[@lirio7585]

@@noelfernandez2246 everybody stops the show with that number and any woman who does that number and can do it. Well , she always does that. It’s a set up that way. I’d be surprised if Audra didn’t stop the show.

[@samosullivan1744]

That delivery of “I have a job, dear”! I knew she’d be perfect for Momma Rose! P.S. Have to give a special mention to Danny Burstein for that perfect reaction to “You might get a job, dear”. Herbie knew Miss Cratchitt had gone too far!

[@LightningRound1st]

I have seen every revival since Tyne Daly, Audra was STUNNING! She was so focused and driven as Mama Rose. Just an amazing and deeply moving performance. Honestly, the entire show was great. If possible, go see it!

[@Dreadpiraterose]

Saw the show this past Friday! Stellar casting. Audra and Joy were fabulous! And the kids were particularly outstanding in their own right!

[@melissagray8138]

What I wouldn’t give to be able to go see this! I absolutely adore Audra McDonald. She’s legendary! ❤

[@christopherpuckett83]

Ok, this looks INCREDIBLE, and also, DEAR LORD, does ANYONE cry as beautifully as Joy Woods???

[@csh]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!! I'm so glad someone else noticed her amazing crying expression. Joy's crying is so ethereal- it's absolutely breathtaking!!!

[@erolibrahimovic2681]

The million dollar question though is: are we gonna get a pro shot to IMMORTALIZE Audra’s incredible performance?

[@royperez8965]

No

[@orion8835]

@@erolibrahimovic2681 Of course this will be filmed. In these times a black cast version of a musical is important.

[@MrMdprosser]

I saw the show a couple weeks ago, and Audra was just on a whole other level. One of the best performances I've ever seen on a Broadway stage. This woman is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and if you have the chance to see her in this role, definitely take it. You won't be disappointed.

[@cosmic_pursuit]

How were the sets? I have option of seeing this or Moulin Rouge.

[@MrMdprosser]

​@@cosmic_pursuit The sets were fine. Nothing to write home about, but not bad. I definitely enjoyed this so much more than Moulin Rouge.

[@broadwaymike92]

Audra looks amazing!!! Production is beautiful. One confession is it's so strange getting used to the Majestic wit GYPSY after the past 35 YEARS of PHANTOM.

[@Ambimom]

I saw the original with Ethel Merman from the second balcony! I still have the playbill. I love Audra McDonald, a very worthy successor, so break a leg!

[@cokedudebestmate7099]

I envy you for that. How was the masterful Ms. Merman’s performance back then, may I ask? And how do you feel AUDRA(?!?!) will compare?

[@NinaKeilin]

Wow Ethel Merman is the GOAT. I have seen the film with Roz Russell countless times. There’s a televised version of a London production that is great. Imelda Staunton is outstanding.

[@hummersd]

So incredible-THIS is the production to see this season. 🙌 Audra, phenomenal. This “Gimmick”, best of all the versions I’ve seen. Rising stars Joy Woods (Louise), Jordan Tyson (June) emotional and heartfelt performances.

[@elissakartman]

This is the best feature you have put together Mo. I loved it. I saw a touring company in the early 60s, and it stands the test of time. I don't King Lear, but Mama Rose loves her daughters ... and it's there in the book and song. Thank you for this feature.

[@davidgeary1511]

Why does someone always have to be the best? Murman, Russell, Lansbury and many others all brought something special of their own to the role.

[@Alejoninla]

to all the children out there being exploited or trafficked, you are worthy of love and there is help out there, it gets better!

[@NickyMay16]

WTF?

[@lmsteller9736]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@terryhammond1253]

"Goodbye to blueberry pie..." I saw Ethel Merman do it at the Imperial Theater when I was 13. Orchestra seat was $5.50!

[@DerekRoy-c6y]

Wow! 5.50$! Now 550$! What a different world! We live in! Remarkable ! thank you for sharing that! 💕

[@bryanismyname7583]

People also made a lot less money in 1959. Granted, inflation is still an issue over the years but when people say “it was so much cheaper way back when,” they don’t usually consider average incomes of the times.

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

One of my favorite movies, “Gypsy”. I would love to see Gypsy on Broadway

[@bradleycrouch7107]

Gypsy and Mame, two unforgettable dames!

[@micahcook2408]

And don’t forget”Call Me Madam!”

[@bradleycrouch7107]

@@micahcook2408 I did forget, thanks for reminding me : )

[@kallen868]

Dolly Levi feels left out.🫤😓

[@Dimi374]

The push that Mama Rose has with this production will be felt. Not only a single woman during this period but a single black woman as well. I can’t wait to hear this show sing in this light!🫶🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤

[@raeannebaruffa8828]

I saw it two weeks ago! Audra is amazing as was the entire cast!!

[@howardalter4616]

Audra is giving the greatest performance I ever seen on Broadway period!

[@geaj]

I saw it last Thursday night, and I LOVED it! WHat a show!

[@KarenChapman-p8r]

You’ve got this, Audra!!!

[@MABACTS]

This production footage has made me even more excited to see the show next month!!!

[@markdaly1648]

In the west end imelda Staunton took on the role and it is a performance for the ages. It's stephen sondheim favourite interpretation of gypsy sondheim and Staunton knew each other for a long time. She rehearsed the role for 9 months. 7 days a week. She won the olivier award as a result she may have done it on broadway.

[@NickyMay16]

She chewed the scenery.

[@NinaKeilin]

I like that version too.

[@orion8835]

That casting of Staunton is easily the greatest Rose since Tyne Daly following Merman.

[@cmtippens9209]

And don't leave out Imelda Staunton who took her turn as Mama on the West End. From what I have seen, she was great. 😊

[@1pureboy1]

She was sensational.

[@csh]

Think ppl forget her theatre chops- for many Americans, they think of her only as Umbridge.

[@kallen868]

Tubi has the whole production to stream for free.

[@cmtippens9209]

@kallen868 - Does it, really!? I'll have to see if I can find it. Thanks for the heads-up. 😃

[@deirdreparker6961]

Saw it. Loved it. This cast was incredible. :)

[@sushicourier]

The only thing wrong with this feature story was it should have been TWICE as long!

[@maryk3458]

I saw Tyne Daly years ago and she was fabulous.

[@TheGarynorman]

Oh! To be able to see this live!

[@lynettemaginnis4371]

LOVE THIS SHOW!!! I danced in it, at Front St. Theatre in Memphis at 16 yrs. old!!! Fantastic!!!

[@mananimal3644]

Audra is Broadway’s GOAT🥰

[@cherylkoski7184]

But in this show???

[@CeliniacForLife]

​@@cherylkoski7184 Book your ticket! She gets standing ovations throughout the entire show.

[@william3589]

she is really so amazing!!

[@mmjhcb]

​@cherylkoski7184 I agree. In THIS show? For one thing, with a voice like hers (and that determination), why wouldn't she have made it long ago? I'd sit there debating that for the entire show. McDonald, it seems, could easily walk off, walk back on, and do Aida.

[@NatLopezartist]

My favorited musical of all time! Can’t wait to see it! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@lorealroache7034]

I got to see it a few weeks ago during previews and WOOOOOOOOOOOWWW it is phenomenal, and Audra CLIMBS EVEREST

[@patrseym]

Fantastic! I would love to witness Audra as Rose. The character of Rose in musical theater really is a pinnacle. I did summer theater and was fortunate to play Dolly and Mame but never had a bite at this role. It's basically a one woman show with Rose's Turn being a banner for all women. Audra is a fantastic actress and singer AND person. I'm certain she's brought Rose to a depth and life unlike many others.

[@claudetteholloway1126]

I absolutely loved Rosalind Russell in this role.

[@kathleenharris3403]

I might add Ethel Merman had a amazing voice.

[@oconnorjenna]

JOY WOODS!!! an absolute star!

[@csh]

She is absolute magic!!!!

[@csh]

She is absolute magic!!!

[@clarkclarke]

I saw this on Saturday ... I was in tears .... Audra is PHENOMENAL ..... I absolutely LOOOVVEEEEDDDD it ❤ Thank you Audra and cast 💕💕💕🥰💐

[@claudetteholloway1126]

I would love to see this version on Broadway.

[@murraypeat2871]

Hear me out, if the production was to be extended, Sheryl Lee Ralph would be an INCREDIBLE Mama xx

[@royperez8965]

Too old

[@kallen868]

​@@royperez8965 Almost every Rose was too old. How many women in their 50's have children who are under age ten?

[@yvonnecooper5004]

Love musicals. I always think of tyne daily. Songs last thru the decades

[@Peter-z9t]

I saw Tyne Daly in this role. She won the Tony. Ethel Merman did not, losing to Mary Martin in 1960 in "The Sound of Music."

[@yvonnecooper5004]

@Peter-z9t cool

[@yvonnecooper5004]

I'm a fan of tyne daily.

[@JG-uu1oj]

Another of the many things I love about the show (meaning the book etc.) is you'll notice there's no song called 'Gypsy'. I little thing I know but I love that fact.

[@peggywrite]

Saw it Wed. LOVED every minute! So glad it got raves.

[@thesmileyeffect]

I would love to see this in person. Loved the film as a kid.

[@SuperSpringMusic]

If you can get to New York, it’s worth the trip, in my opinion. I live near Seattle, so go only every few years. We usually have one big “hit” we plan ahead and get great seats for, then see other shows based on whim and what’s available for a discount at TKTS.

[@KL-sw5xi]

Let's not forget actress Imelda Staunton from the recent London revival!

[@sazfretz1945]

Fabulous casting choice with Ms. McDonald. Imelda Staunton was also brilliant as Mama Rose.

[@jackienaiditch7965]

Please bring this production to L.A.!

[@WhenUrSmilin]

Everyone associated with the film worked like a dog to bring us this timeless classic. Arc lights are incredibly hot. Add the costumes, multiple takes and long days and you have an exhausting endeavor but their love for their craft shone thru magnificently.

[@brentwilson6869]

Queen Audra!!!

[@Sodapop-gi4bu]

Dance Moms and Gypsy was a crossover I never expected 😭😭😭

[@amylou22snowhite]

I need to get myself to New York to see it.

[@johnflynn9619]

Merman was the Greatest. It will always be her show. Roz Russell was Brilliant. Her Dramatics were spot on. But, her vocals were dubbed.

[@victordunson719]

Lansbury was the Gold Standard

[@stevenl8054]

Offhand, the only precedent I can recall for an obsessed stage mother like Rose would be Ida Lupino as Joan Leslie's hard-driving sister in the movie THE HARD WAY (1943)

[@lilyhogwart]

Arthur Laurents would be so happy that at no point in this segment does anyone refer to Rose as Mama Rose. He hated when people did that (as people do all the time) as she is never called Mama Rose in the show. But it started early. At least one opening night review in 1959 referred to her as Mama Rose.

[@jeaniemckelvey4176]

Actually the director did

[@lilyhogwart]

@@jeaniemckelvey4176, in this segment? Where? I'm not finding it.

[@jeaniemckelvey4176]

@ I take it back. He said it in this clip kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnXdZ6h6Z5ucmsUsi=lApFV-O6UKQXpDnP

[@rma3_3_3]

❤ Audra

[@cherylkoski7184]

We'll see what the NYT theater critic says next week. I think that it will be . . . interesting.

[@NickyMay16]

No one will say anything negative for fear of being accused to being a racist.

[@cherylkoski7184]

I doubt that. The NYT will give a rave review to every black performer no matter what???

[@shannajhullaby]

Audra Macdonald can do anything.

[@Billyjoseph1013]

History repeated; with Gypsy rose Blanchard

[@JG-uu1oj]

Listen to that. It's time all the people who were jumping up and saying she couldn't do it because her voice is too legit, can sit back down now.

[@rexlex1736]

Ethel has been gone 40 years and is still the gold standard for Mama Rose.

[@ragtmt15]

They seem to have slowed the orchestrations

[@SuperSpringMusic]

Curious as to what you mean. I’d say the tempos (speed) of songs was a little more flexible than the original (Merman) cast recording, but the actual scoring sounded to me very close to the original texture for most songs. The instrumentation was very close to the 1959 original… 5 “reeds” (each doubling flute, clarinet,, sax, oboe, bassoon etc), full brass (no fake synthesizer sounds in this pit!) (and phenomenal trumpets!) and respectable string section. (I would have liked more, but the amplification filled it out pretty well.) They did add harp, which I don’t think was in the original.

[@jenssong117]

I just want to know when the new cast album is coming out. I want to hear Joy's rendition of *Louise!

[@kallen868]

Audra is Rose. Joy is Gypsy.

[@jenssong117]

@kallen868 I meant to say Louise 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@johncommand1619]

love to hear a "why"

[@paulybarr]

I've only heard a few fragments on youtube, but even with this little to go on, her voice sounds just too well- upholstered for this role; too well- trained and rich. I can't hear the grime, the dirt, the struggle that others have given Rose- whether Merman or Midler, LuPone or Lansbury. Shoot me down.

[@chookaschookas444]

From what I have seen, I agree with you. Very mellow

[@LeeBeeDeeTree51]

I won't add to the incoming fire. I agree that Audra is so revered in the theater community that some folks feel she can do no wrong. But the first thing that crossed my mind when I heard about her playing Rose, was that her voice was too refined. Even the most gifted people can be miscast.

[@MM-ud1xf]

I plan on seeing it, but based on these clips, I have to agree with you. She needs to be more brassy for this role.

[@NickyMay16]

Yes, even the most talented can give a bad performance in the wrong role. But anybody who’s buying a ticket to this particular production has made up their mind before the curtain went up

[@lirio7585]

@@NickyMay16 it’s not a bad performance, but her voice is miscast for this role. It just is, it’s aclassical voice and she doesn’t tear up the scenery with it. She’s very careful and that’s the problem with her work. Her voice comes first.

[@curtisrobinson7962]

@01:22 Ethel Momman. She was the best.

[@CindiNelson-j2d]

Merman was her last name

[@DepezPoopsie]

Anyone know if and when there will be a soundtrack of this? I love this show!

[@princervv]

Ask any actor who has worked on stage with children or animals, and they will confirm the wisdom of the old WC Fields saying, “ I never work with Children or Animals.”

[@Beth_Alice_Kaplan]

The actual “Mama Rose” was supposed to be much worse than the musical version. But the truth is apparently obscured, so who knows? Anyway, very cool to see Audra McDonald taking on the role.

[@NickyMay16]

You can read the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee.

[@MikeA15206]

So they had to change all the keys of her songs?

[@raheemfielder-bey998]

Nope as a person who has done the show before and saw gypsy 24 last week. I can confirm that rose keys are the same as at least the 08 version. Yes Audra head voices some of rose but it doesn’t sound bad at all!

[@kl.8992]

The tix are so expensive but I hope I get to see it

[@remedy82]

So she's got the Tony wrapped, right?

[@NickyMay16]

For Nicole Scherzinger?

[@robbey10]

Why does everyone overact on Broadway now? I love Audra but it feels like she is mugging this.

[@EdieILeibman-n6w]

Good discussion. Ethel Merman still and will always own the role. Her vocal range and delivery cannot be copied. Although attempted, each actress misses some of her notes.

[@kevinm-py1nt]

Hard to top Eythel Merman and Rosalind Russell, but it looks like a great production.

[@paules3437]

It's been compared to King Lear? Is that to say that the Lear-icist is the most important contributor? hahahahahahaha

[@franklesser5655]

It's Dorothy Scott!

[@jacksonrichards-jarvis4482]

It’s Holly’s revenge ❤😂

[@lirio7585]

Of course it’s about a showbiz mama.

[@Enr227]

Michael Jeter is my favorite Rose

[@markbraunstein58]

Um...7 time winner?

[@NickyMay16]

Don’t assume. This Will be the most competitive best actress in the musical since the original show where Merman lost to Mary Martin, and the other nominees were Carol Burnett and the magnificent Dolores Gray

[@LeeBeeDeeTree51]

Calling something "woke" has lost all meaning. The term is used as a label for anything you don't like.

[@SuperSpringMusic]

I been a die hard fan of Ethel Merman, though I never had the privilege of seeing her perform in person. I have had a career as a choral educator and musical theatre conductor (mostly community /regional), and have conducted two runs of “Gypsy” over the years. I went to the the Audra McDonald revival preview just a couple days before the official, expecting to be a little disappointed, at least musically. (For example, while I loved the Sutton/Jackman “Music Man” revival, I missed the original keys and the harmonies and orchestral textures of the original Meredith Willson score.). I was BLOWN AWAY from the first trumpet call in the Overture, all the way to the end. It was a full pit, very close to the original, the only serious addition being a harp, which was really nice. The staging/ singing /dancing/tech was spectacular, the believeable characters, the pit was beyond brilliant, and sound mixing was perfect. (I often complain about over amplified shows, but this one was clear, real, and natural sound. My ONLY criticism was starting the overture and entr’acte before lowering the lights, interfering with the enjoyment of the fabulous orchestra. If you love this show, you’ll love this production. A+ all the way around.

[@davidcassaday6076]

All I can say about this production is ... WHYYYYY.....???? The role has been EXECUTED in REALTIME with REAL RESONANCE and SKILL, by MAJOR LEADING LADIES of the BROADWAY STAGE. From Ethel and Angela, to Tyne, Bernadette, Betty and Patti... ALL delivering AMAZING PERFORMANCES, with TONY AWARDS RECEIVED. THE EXCEPTION IS BERNADETTE PETERS, who had the MOST FINANCIALLY successful, and LONGEST running portrayal of MAMA ROSE EVER...HOWEVER, THE TONY ASSOCIATION CLEARLY HAS A DISLIKE FOR MS. PETERS , AND THEY CONTINUE TO FOSTER TODAY.. THEY HAVE IN THE PAST OVERLOOKED HER PULITZER PRIZE WINNING ORIGINATING ROLE IN SITPWG, AND THEN..ITW. SHAME ON THE TONY COMMITY... WHY....???? I think there have been several OFF BROADWAY versions with amazing artists giving a profound rendition of their interpretation of this role, with local and national acclaim...Audra is in receipt of several Tony awards not given on SKILL AND CRAFT, but by virtue of her her race. This GEORGE C WOLFE fictitious staging of this profoundly classical story gives this artist yet another platform for judgement based not on her tremendous skill, but on a platform of a fictitious racial reimagining. LOVELY for theater... we all love a story told differently, but let's not forget that this story has been told NUMEROUS times in NUMEROUS generations with NUMEROUS awards for the interpretations of the REAL CHARACTER.... SUNSET BOULEVARD WILL TAKE THE TONY for REVIVAL.. Hopefully Ms. McDonald will accept defeat gracefully.

[@track1949]

In the film Bette Midler was momma!! ❤

[@johnnystudly3778]

In the TV film, yes, it was Bette Midler. For the film that was in the movie theaters, it was Rosalind Russell.

[@justwastingmytime852]

How sad! They never mentioned GAVIN CREEL wants her to play the role!!!

[@schannstewart9385]

Gypsy Rose Lee was not black

[@NickyMay16]

Nor was her mother or her sister, the famous actress, June Havoc.

[@timothytikker1147]

And of course, in the time the story takes places, blacks would have been largely excluded from performing in vaudeville & burlesque houses with white audiences.

[@annademo]

Rosalind Russell was the best. Nobody else comes close. And I thought the "Hollywood" (all entertainment, really) rule was that only Black people can portray Black characters, only homosexual people can portray homosexual characters, only obese people can portray obese characters (The Whale), etc. How come Black people are portraying White characters (Rose, Louise/Gypsy and June)? That seems hypocritical to me.

[@kallen868]

Russell couldn't even handle the score and was mostly dubbed by Lisa Kirk. In my mind that disqualifies her as "the best".

[@annademo]

@@kallen868 And all of the following great actresses were dubbed during their best performances: Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood and Deborah Kerr. Russell was the best Rose Hovick, regardless of who did the singing.

[@kmf-z5c]

I don't care for her interpretation from these clips. Her voice is not right for it and she's always been both a manic and indulgent singer, which is just not my preference. If you are an actress, I guess you have to find a way to connect with your character, but to say that Mama Rose is just a strong single mother fighting for her children instead of what the character really is, is funny. I will skip this production. I hope she doesn't wind up ruining her voice over trying to sing this role. The show is in previews and she's already missed a few of them.

[@AlvesterGarnett]

I don't know where you're getting your misinformation but she hasn't missed any of the preview shows. I'm in the production and as of the morning of December 17th (when I'm writing this) she's been a powerhouse on all of the 26 preview performances we've had so far. I worked with Audra and George also on 'Shuffle Along' and there too she never missed a show even when she was pregnant. She actually stayed on an extra month to help the production last longer. Her work ethic and discipline is PHENOMENAL. This is one of the main reasons I accepted my position as the pre-production and show drummer on both Shuffle Along and Gypsy - to be around her exceedingly high level of artistry, discipline and all-around humanity.

[@lirio7585]

This woman is massively talented. Unfortunately, when I saw her do Billie Holliday, she performed it beautifully, but she never allowed us to see Billie in the raw. How about doing a stage mother in the creatively brilliant black vaudeville shows?

[@carlpacheco2058]

So when will we have white actors playing the lead of Color Purple, or Lion King, or Porgy and Bess?

[@NickyMay16]

Damn right. And the irony is that if they did want to revive the show with a woman of color, it should’ve been Sarah Ramirez, who has a big voice, a brassy personality and looks like the love child of Tyne Daly And some Latin dude. McDonald is too refined.

[@sylviagordon2183]

Audra's voice is wrong for this role.. sorry

[@dadyarusski4594]

Are they shocked by Kris Jenner😅

[@paules3437]

Who's the interviewer with the doofy glasses and expression?

[@schannstewart9385]

Wrong choice because it's based on a real person.

[@delphineblue]

Jesus was not a white man with long blond hair. That didn't stop ya'll, did it?

[@peterpanek2926]

Really?

[@iago07]

Gosh the tv movie was so bad 😂

[@johncommand1619]

should Angela Landsbury be BESS in Porgy and Bess

[@denver_is_the_devil]

well shes no longer with us... so no

[@cadicorniche]

Merman, Russell and Midler. Full stop. Period. The rest are either just singing....or chewing up the scenery.

[@NickyMay16]

Lansbury and LuPone were great but Delores Gray is the best Rose I have ever seen.

[@johncommand1619]

I am so sorry...I love this gal.................but it is a story ABOUT someone who was real and not black,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and Audra who I think is genius....but not Rose

[@sharonmcnamara6739]

What's with the fake accent