AUDRA GYPSY Reviews- Page 21

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 12:00pm

Bunch of swings and covers on yesterday and today. Guess that illness is still around the theater.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 12:04pm

Who was out? Guess I got lucky the other night with only Brittney Johnson still out. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 12:32pm

ACL2006 said: "Bunch of swings and covers on yesterday and today. Guess that illness is still around the theater."

Only two swings were on yesterday (Cole Newburg and Ken Robinson) and only one today (Jordan Wynn). Facts: They matter. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 12:32pm

Just some swings on.

Updated On: 1/4/25 at 12:32 PM

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 1:10pm

Ensemble1698878795 said: "George in DC said: "I finally got to see this. Audra is wonderful, Danny even better, but the production is lacking (yes George C Wolfe, a man I have admired for decades, directed a lackluster show) and Joy Woods is dreadful, which brings down the last two scenes she is in. Imagine how great this would be with a perfect Louise."

Calling Joy Woods dreadful is highly dramatic. Is she not the level of Louise folks are expecting, perhaps not. But she’s giving it her all and she sounds fantastic. I blame the director more than I blame the actress.

I really don’t think we needed Gypsy. This production doesn’t give us anything new to see in the way that Sunset does. Audra is acting her wig off, but the role is simply not in her vocal pocket.

It’s worth seeing, but overall I wouldn’t call this evocative or special in 2025.



"

The problem here is that, with any other show, Woods would be able to skate by on an otherwise unremarkable and middling performance. But in GYPSY, the bar is VERY high because Act II rides or dies on her transformation, as well as her ability to go toe to toe and hold her own with an actress/character who is playing, comparatively, the King Lear of musical leading ladies.

It’s also important to note that the Louise from EVERY Broadway incarnation has turned in a Tony-nominated performance, with only Benanti being a winner. This role has an extensive pedigree attached to it and so I don’t think its possible to have “too high” of a standard going in - and the general consensus on Woods at best seems to be, politely, “damning with faint praise”.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 1:29pm

Joy Woods was such a stand out in Little Shop of Horrors, The Notebook, and I Can Get It for You Wholesale. I don't blame her at all because the talent is definitely there. 

I blame the director more than I blame the actress. 

I agree. 

Updated On: 1/4/25 at 01:29 PM

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 3:31pm

to be fair to Woods, I didnt understand the hubbub surrounding Benanti either- its a very tricky role because its so background/understated and then suddenly the character needs to be In Charge/Sexy for the last 20 minutes. 

And Woods is also showing some range here, because she was so successful in sexier, showier roles, and here is cast against type, and nails the Little Lamb number. Whats so frustrating is that when she needs to then bring that sass and those vocals, she....doesnt. It HAS to be a direction issue, but the last strip scene really undercuts the whole night, and she leaves little impression as a result. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 8:05pm

These comments on the role Louise plays in a satisfying Gypsy are spot on. Structurally, second act presents a new obstacle for Rose, and it arrives in an unexpected form: show biz success, not failure. It's the brilliant irony in the tale, Rose's dream of a daughter's achievement is finally met yet she's locked out of participation. Seemingly jettisoned for over investing in her child's ascension. The person who drives Rose to her cathartic epiphany is foundational; the role cannot be thankless or less critical, because it's set up as the ultimate hurdle for the protagonist. I'm wondering what Wolfe imagined if the stakes feel so lacking in the 11 o'clock confrontation. 

[Penna2]

Posted: 1/4/25 at 9:26pm

Auggie27 said: "These comments on the role Louise plays ina satisfying Gypsyare spot on. Structurally,second act presents a new obstacle for Rose, and it arrives in an unexpected form: show biz success, not failure. It's the brilliant irony in the tale, Rose's dream of a daughter's achievement is finally met yet she's locked out of participation. Seemingly jettisoned for over investing in her child's ascension.The person who drives Rose to her cathartic epiphany is foundational; the role cannot be thankless or less critical, because it's set up as the ultimate hurdle for the protagonist. I'm wondering what Wolfe imagined if the stakes feel so lacking in the 11 o'clock confrontation."

Or maybe the actress just isn't up for the role. From everything written here, this was a problem from the beginning with Joy. So, yes, it is the director's fault. Either he is blind or didn't have the balls/heart to replace her (or she has a great contract). The show is called Gypsy and while Rose is the moving force, Gypsy is still who this show is ultimately about. She's the one who changes. Rose is Rose. June is June. Herbie is Herbie. If you don't have a great Louise, you've got nothing and none of Rose's emoting in the end makes sense, however, good her acting.

[azsmalls06]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 4:09am

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.  :)

 

[kidmanboy]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 6:23am

I attended yesterday's matinee and am admittedly baffled by the criticisms thrown upon Joy Woods.  Her characterization is different from Laura Benanti's just as Audra's is from Patti's.  Laura's late show outbursts matched her mom's foghorn of a personality - but that is not Audra's take on Rose.  Her rose plays much more as a confused, delusional woman who only knows this way to show love and seems wholly incapable of noticing the people around her - not out of some ambitious drive but just because she seems to honestly believe her dreams align with everyone else's. Joy's Louise is therefore also a gentler take - and seems to share her delusion earlier in the show when she remains the constant naive optimist.  

While these changes in character, to me, resulted in a heartbreaking Rose's turn, they did slow the momentum of the rest of the production.  I will also say, while Jordan Tyson puts in great work, her character's presence in this production seems rather slight to warrant the heaps of praise.  I preferred Leigh Ann Larkin's take in the Lupone production.  

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 9:30am

I was at last night’s performance and the energy in the theatre was palpable. Absolutely insane. I’ve never been a part of such a reactive audience.

I felt Audra was everything I could possibly need in a Madam Rose. Tyrannical and overbearing while also vulnerable and broken. She didn’t really slip into her operatic voice at any point besides the end of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn”, which (as a previous poster mentioned) seemed to represent Rose’s lack of emotional control. Her mixed voice was beautiful and blew the roof of the Majestic.

I really enjoyed Joy Woods as Louise. I felt that her transformation scene worked in context with the rest of the cast. Her final dressing room scene had a lot of fire and rage too. Not sure if that was because of the reactive energy lol, but her performance was much different than what I had expected from these message boards.

Danny Burstein’s Herbie was painfully human. He reminded me of my grandfather. His chemistry with Audra was great and I was moved to tears during his final scene with her. His performance was incredibly genuine.

Jordan Tyson was great. I loved the use of anxiety attacks whenever Rose had a blow-up. The monologue before “If Momma Was Married” felt like a mental break, which worked pretty well.

The other cast members were great. I don’t have much to say for any of them besides Lesli Margherita, who is delivering the best comedic performance I’ve ever seen. The ballet moments got mid-show applause. I’ve been a fan since Looks Not Books.

Side note: “Rose’s Turn” got a ~ 1:30 standing ovation. Do with that what you will.

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 9:34am

Nolan LuPone said: "Side note: “Rose’s Turn” got a ~ 1:30 standing ovation. Do with that what you will."

Please don't tell me we're going to start report on standing ovation durations, a la the Cannes film festival. 

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 9:47am

Just thought it was interesting. I don’t get into the city much, so this was my first mid-show standing-o.

[DAME]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 2:13pm

FANtomFollies said: "Nolan LuPone said: "Side note: “Rose’s Turn” got a ~ 1:30 standing ovation. Do with that what you will."

Please don't tell me we're going to start report on standing ovation durations, a la the Cannes film festival."

I hope we do!  I would love that!  Broadways Blood Brothers centered a big portion of their ad campaign on the standing ovations.  What a positive thing to chit chat about.  I want to hear about the mid show ovations . I want to hear it all. 

[Skip23]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 3:02pm

Lesli Margherita is the reason to see this production. 

[bluetuna]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 3:40pm

To me, Jordan Tyson and Lesli Margherita were the standouts of the show.

Audra's acting was phenomenal, and her chemistry with Danny was great in the tender moments, but some of her vocal choices were just not my cup of tea for the character of Rose, and because the role is so iconic, inevitably lends itself to comparison.  Her acting during "Rose's Turn" was incredible, though, and I loved "Together (Wherever We go)."

I had really high expectations for Joy Woods, having found her to be the true star of "The Notebook," and I feel like I kept forgetting Louise was even on the stage in some of her scenes.  I didn't really feel her transformation.  

It will be interesting to see how this pans out with Tony nominations.  Audra will obviously be nominated, but I wouldn't be shocked if Jordan were nominated for Featured and Joy excluded.

 

[Huss417]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 4:44pm

DAME said: "FANtomFollies said: "Nolan LuPone said: "Side note: “Rose’s Turn” got a ~ 1:30 standing ovation. Do with that what you will."

Please don't tell me we're going to start report on standing ovation durations, a la the Cannes film festival."

I hope we do! I would love that! Broadways Blood Brothers centered a big portion of their ad campaign on the standing ovations. What a positive thing to chit chat about. I want to hear about the mid show ovations . I want to hear it all."

The other interesting fact is when Blood Brothers started that advertising not every show was receiving standing ovations like they do now.

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 6:17pm

Not every show does get a standing ovation mid performance. On Friday, I saw Sunset Blvd and neither of Nicole’s numbers received standing ovations. Patti did not receive a standing ovation for TLWL when I saw Company. Prolonged? Yes, but not standing. Audra’s standing ovation mid-show is unique for me, so I felt it was interesting to state.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 1/5/25 at 6:19pm

No need to apologize for noting a standing O, or making whatever other comment you want to make. Share what you want, and ignore the snipers--thats what makes them go away.

[Owen22]

Posted: 1/6/25 at 3:11am

Sutton Ross said: "Joy Woods was such a stand out in Little Shop of Horrors, The Notebook, and I Can Get It for You Wholesale. I don't blame her at all because the talent is definitely there.

I blame the director more than I blame the actress.

I agree."

In my opinion Wholesale was the beginning of her mediocre performance trend. I thought she was okay and sang well in The Notebook, but I thought her acting was slight and I really disliked her in Gypsy. I am pretty sure the talent is not there.

Updated On: 1/6/25 at 03:11 AM

[Ensemble1698878795]

Posted: 1/6/25 at 8:46am

Owen22 said: "Sutton Ross said: "Joy Woods was such a stand out in Little Shop of Horrors, The Notebook, and I Can Get It for You Wholesale. I don't blame her at all because the talent is definitely there.

I blame the director more than I blame the actress.

I agree."

In my opinion Wholesale was the beginning of her mediocre performance trend. I thought she was okay and sang well in The Notebook, but I thought her acting was slight and I really disliked her inGypsy. I am pretty sure the talent is not there."

“The talent is not there” is yet again a sweeping weak statement. Just because Joy doesn’t titillate your fancy doesn’t strip her of all her talent. She may have some distance to go on the acting side, but you’re delusional if you call her untalented. Little Shop. Wholesale. Six. Notebook. Ragtime (woulda been) and Gypsy all in the past 4-5 years.
 

Like it or not, she’s a young theater star on the rise and it’s why you’re still talking about her. Please go get a hobby that snaps you into reality. 

[JasonC3]

Posted: 1/6/25 at 9:02am

Ensemble1698878795 said: "Please go get a hobby that snaps you into reality."

Speaking of snapping into reality, please stop asserting your opinion is the definitive one on Joy Woods. 

Opinions obviously are mixed. Updated On: 1/6/25 at 09:02 AM

[Ensemble1698878795]

Posted: 1/6/25 at 9:23am

JasonC3 said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "Please go get a hobby that snaps you into reality."

Speaking of snapping into reality, please stop asserting your opinion is the definitive one on Joy Woods. Opinions obviously are mixed."

You’re literally delusional if you think “she’s not talented.” The industry would disagree. She’s not great in the role, that’s fine. Her not having talent is categorically false. When she’s on her 3rd Bway show and most of the haters on this board are hiding behind screen names. But, go off, believe whatever gets you through 2025.