AUDRA GYPSY Reviews — Page 24

FANtomFollies said: "This was low on my list of complaints but I haven't seen anyone else mention it - I found it odd that during the Chinese restaurant scene the waitress was played by one of the white ensemble members. I don't understand why they didn't have Lili Thomas play her since I think she has nothing else to do in Act 1. I know in the past the part was always played by a white actress, presumably because there were no Asian cast members, but if you have someone in the cast who is, I don't understand the decision anymore."



Well for one reason, Mazeppa was almost certainly designated as a Principal role by AEA --- so she would not be permitted to be used as an "extra" in other scenes.

Also (and more importantly) -- "she strips....she don't do no scenes", so screw, ya slob!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f4C7m49TJA

I don’t understand the hate on this board for this show? I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought Audra McDonald was amazing. But I have never seen her live and I’ve never seen this show before. So I did not go in with any expectations.

DanS3 said: "I don’t understand the hate on this board for this show? I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought Audra McDonald was amazing. But I have never seen her live and I’ve never seen this show before. So I did not go in with anyexpectations.
"

People are voicing their opinions so I just want to understand the use of the word “Hate”? I also wasn’t a fan of this production am I now considered part of the “Hate” group?

DanS3 said: "I don’t understand the hate on this board for this show? I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought Audra McDonald was amazing. But I have never seen her live and I’ve never seen this show before. So I did not go in with anyexpectations.
"

Different people and different tastes. I personally think the current production of Sunset Blvd is the best thing I've seen in at least a decade, but there are many other people that can't stand it. That's what makes theater (and life) interesting :)

Gathering recommendations (I tend to be biased towards being closer, even if off to the side, but it depends on the show):

- front orchestra, but pretty far to the side

- further back in the orchestra, either a bit to the side or in the center

- mezzanine, second or third row, on the side

For this version of Gypsy, is there a spot to choose or avoid? Is house right or house left preferable if I am on the side?

Updated On: 2/10/25 at 08:08 PM

bear88 said: "Gathering recommendations (I tend to be biased towards being closer, even if off to the side, but it depends on the show):

- front orchestra, but pretty far to the side

- further back in the orchestra, either a bit to the side or in the center

- mezzanine, second or third row, on the side

For this version ofGypsy, is there a spot to choose or avoid? Is house right or house left preferable if I am on the side?"

I think sitting in the center is a good idea. The staging has a passarelle and Audra sings her act closing numbers in the center. Since she is in front of the orchestra she is very very close to the audience. For that reason I would choose further back and more to the center than closer and to the side

ColorTheHours048 said: "I’m really fascinated by the amount of posters who think “All I Need is the Girl” doesn’t work in this production. Kevin Csolak is almost overwhelmingly charismatic in that song (if not technically the strongest singer) and it got the next biggest round of applause after Rose’s two numbers both times I saw it. Maybe because I’m not a Gypsy purist, but I thought it was dynamite and danced to perfection."

It's not that the moment itself doesn't work - it does, Kevin is sensational. But the cuts made to the number throw off how effective the *later* scenes are. Without a strong focus on Louise falling in love with Tulsa, the later scenes are emotionally undercut and don't support Audra's journey as Rose as they should.

CJRochester said: "I sat in G-10, middle of the orchestra right section. I thought it was perfect. I had a clear view of everything and was close enough to see facial expressions."

Everyone seems to have liked their seats. Prices for seats in the front section of the orchestra along the sides are decidedly cheaper ($139 with the discount for midweek performances). What’s the disadvantage of being there? And how close is too close?

Updated On: 2/12/25 at 02:57 AM

bear88 said: "CJRochester said: "I sat in G-10, middle of the orchestra right section. I thought it was perfect. I had a clear view of everything and was close enough to see facial expressions."

Everyone seems to have liked their seats. Prices for seats in the front section of the orchestra along the sides are decidedly cheaper ($139 with the discount for midweek performances). What’s the disadvantage of being there? And how close is too close?"

I was in the right side, front row. Maybe four or five seats in? Fantastic view and thrilling to be up so close.

Saw it yesterday matinee- and it was thrilling- Audra was fantastic- a force of nature- loved every second- I cannot understand how anyone could be critical of Audra's voice or her take on Rose- she was fabulous!!!!!

Updated On: 2/13/25 at 10:04 AM

This is now confirmed -- Tryphena Wade will be making her standby Rose debut on Feb 22nd matinee, also performing that evening and on Feb 23rd!

ColorTheHours048 said: "Based on a now-removed Instagram post (so it may be inaccurate somehow), it looks like Tryphena Wade will be making her Rose debut on February 22nd. She’ll also be performing on the 23rd."

Should be a cheap ticket to get. Congratulations to Wade!