Hi everyone! Occasional lurker and few-time poster here. I saw this Friday night and absolutely loved it. I was familiar with a few songs and plot points from Gypsy, but I didn’t watch any productions of it, stage or screen, because I wanted my first complete engagement with the musical to be live and I wanted Audra to be my first Rose (even if I’ve watched Patti’s Rose’s Turn a couple times on YT lol).
Audra was absolutely resplendent, as I was expecting. She’s my absolute idol in musical theatre, especially as a Black actor with classical vocal stylings myself, and frankly she’s one of the many reasons why I’m applying to drama school. To me, she’s always been the peak of what a theatrical performer can and should be and I thought she turned in brilliant work. I mean, that Rose’s Turn? She’s one of the GOATs of Broadway for a reason. I think what made her work so poignant to me was, for want of better phrasing, how Black her Rose felt to me. It’s so hard to articulate exactly why, though, so perhaps take my word for it haha. Would love someone more eloquent than me to elaborate on this thought if they agree. And I need Heather Headley as the next Rose, if we’re ever so lucky to have another Black actress play her.
I think I accepted early on that Audra’s operatic tone would make for a different Rose. I see why her going into head voice where we would otherwise anticipate a chest-y belt would make her singing feel unsatisfying. But I guess just as a classical singer myself, I know all too well the technique of going into your head/mixed voice in place of a high chest belt, so it didn’t hurt my enjoyment of her vocal performance because I knew to temper my expectations. It all works and the notes are still hit. In fact, I have to say her silky lyric soprano was perfect for “Small World” — speaking of which, where has this song been all my life? What an utterly *gorgeous* song and I’m thrilled Audra sang my introduction to it. Probably my favorite in the show. Will be on repeat when the cast recording is released. Tangentially, imagining Rose as an opera singer “past her prime” made Audra’s characterization really fun for me.
I kind of have to agree with those underwhelmed by Joy Woods as Louise. I suppose I’m being unfair to the poor girl because I’m comparing her to Benanti, but the latter actress showed what that role can be and unfortunately the former didn’t deliver for me. I wish she had more bite in her big scene with Audra, who I felt rose (pun intended) to the occasion there and outmatched Joy. Despite my overall disappointment, though, I almost wonder if her casting was worth it for having to been able to witness the beauty of her “Little Lamb”. Incredible vocals there and puts her strengths (as far as the show is concerned) on full display: subtle, intimate tenderness. Conversely to my being lukewarm on Woods, I thought Jordan Tyson was an utter delight as June. Knockout voice, impeccable comedic timing, and heartbreaking in June’s unraveling under her mother’s pressure and longing to be closer to her sister. And the aspect of colorism between the two sisters really makes the favoritism shown by Rose feel more nuanced and richer. I quite liked Danny Burstein as Herbie, too, though I do wonder what dynamic could have been explored if Herbie was also Black. And can we shoutout the children of Gypsy? Such phenomenal talents at such young ages.
I also loved the scenic and costume design! I don’t know, I feel like everything fit the grandeur and glamour of the world and business that surrounds them.
Overall, I had a wonderful time! It was my first trip to NY by myself as a college student and I’m so glad I spent it finally getting to see a musical I’ve always wanted to watch. Highly recommend if there’s anyone here who feels, even if a little bit, that they might interested in seeing this. Thank you for indulging my ramble if you made it this far. :)
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