AUDRA GYPSY Reviews- Page 41

[bear88]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 4:26am

BJR said: "Thatarticle reads like political spin."

It may have been political spin, but the article is about the Bernadette Peters revival of Gypsy and its outlook after being shut out in the 2003 Tony Awards.

binau is being cute here. The actual New York Times article is in the link. She just substituted names and other information. 

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 5:36am

DAME said: "pagereynolds said: "Play Esq. said: "DanS3 said: "I was blown away by Audra's performance. I don't understand the naysayers at all. I get it if you don't think she was "right" for the role, but, to say she wasn't amazing? That's just crazy to me. I read a post elsewhere where someone literally said she was "awful". I actually laughed out loud. I mean, "awful"? C'mon. And no ONE is going to remember the Patti LuPone absurdity in a year..except for those of us who read Broadway boards. Patti has always been a b*tch and will always be one and has nothing to do with how good or "not good" Audra was in Gypsy."

She wasn’t amazing. Many of us feel that way. You don’t. Move on."

Many people? It's a handful of people on a smallinternet message board."

No. Sorry. Many people were not into it. I guess you don't follow social media or other boards. "

Yes, Patti was goddamn awful as Mama Rose.

[binau]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 2:31am

I really hope to god they will film Audra - such as the closing performance. Ultimately this is more important than a Tony win over the long term. If I recall we ALMOST had Patti on film but when things went south and they closed early the whole thing was cancelled. Now we're stuck with Imelda Staunton's version which is FINE but I prefer Audra's vocals. 

I also think it's crazy how the competitive dynamics of the Tonys change everything - if Audra was up against Stephanie Block (Cher Show), Adrienne Warren (Tina), Joaquina Kalkukano (Paradise Square), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Maleah Joe Moon (Hell's Kitchen) I think she likely would have won in basically all cases. 

[bear88]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 3:48am

binau said: "I really hope to god they will film Audra - such as the closing performance. Ultimately this is more important than a Tony win over the long term. If I recall we ALMOST had Patti on film but when things went south and they closed early the whole thing was cancelled. Now we're stuck with Imelda Staunton's version which is FINE but I prefer Audra's vocals.”

I am increasingly convinced that getting a show filmed, if done well, is critical to its long-term reputation. The fact that so many of Sondheim’s musicals have been filmed has been so important. So many people fell in love with Sunday in the Park With George and Into The Woods because they were filmed. I first saw Pacific Overtures because it was filmed and finally saw a live production last weekend. I imagine one of the draws for the actors in Here We Are is that it’s being filmed. We’re going to get Merrily We Roll Along too and already have Sweeney Todd and Passion.

But there are still many hurdles to a proper pro-shot, especially in the United States. It’s why the production of Next to Normal most people will see eventually was shot in London. (Fortunately, it’s quite good.) I suspect the McDonald version of Gypsy won’t be filmed although I wish it would be. I’m not sure the demand for a pro-shot is there, even if Audra had won the Tony.

[inception]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 7:33am

I've been avoiding this thread.  But put me in the category of people who did not like Ms McDonald's performance on the TV.  In fact, I think it was the worst performance on the entire broadcast.

I really hated it, and it made me feel very satisfied that this past Spring I decided go to Paris instead of NYC,  where I saw a marvelous production of Gypsy that I enjoyed immensely even though 40% (the book) was performed in a language I don't speak. 

The only way what Ms McDonald did makes any sense to me is if it was supposed to be Madame Rose experiencing Delerium tremens?  In this production is she supposed to be an alcoholic?

Patti Lupone was right to make no comment.  It is too bad the writer twisted her not making a comment into her being insulting.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 8:15am

Dancingthrulife2 said: "DAME said: "pagereynolds said: "Play Esq. said: "DanS3 said: "I was blown away by Audra's performance. I don't understand the naysayers at all. I get it if you don't think she was "right" for the role, but, to say she wasn't amazing? That's just crazy to me. I read a post elsewhere where someone literally said she was "awful". I actually laughed out loud. I mean, "awful"? C'mon. And no ONE is going to remember the Patti LuPone absurdity in a year..except for those of us who read Broadway boards. Patti has always been a b*tch and will always be one and has nothing to do with how good or "not good" Audra was in Gypsy."

She wasn’t amazing. Many of us feel that way. You don’t. Move on."

Many people? It's a handful of people on a smallinternet message board."

No. Sorry. Many people were not into it. I guess you don't follow social media or other boards. "

Yes, Patti was goddamn awful as Mama Rose."

Do you like ANY stage performances…? Lol

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 9:19am

FolliesCabaret said: "Which I also find unfair, not only because 60% of the voting committee had to vote for him to win (it could have gone to nobody!) Butalso, who was going to win against him? Issac Cole Powell? Robert Joy? Chris McCarrell?Daniel J. Watts? I don't believe anybody should have an asterisknext to their Tony win, but some people act like there was this mammoth, magical, fantastic leading male in a musical performance that Covidcut short or something. Unless I'm genuinely misremembering, who else could have possibly won this, even with competition?"

Isaac Powell, for sure. Aaron Tveit sang down but had none of Ewan McGregor's depth, passion, or charisma.

 

[BJR]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 12:50pm

Isaac was a revelation as Tony and I predicted after I saw first preview he was going to win. Alas.

[George in DC]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:01pm

binau said: "

I also think it's crazy how the competitive dynamics of the Tonys change everything - if Audra was up against Stephanie Block (Cher Show), Adrienne Warren (Tina), Joaquina Kalkukano (Paradise Square), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Maleah Joe Moon (Hell's Kitchen) I think she likely would have won in basically all cases."

Victoria Clark gave one of the best performances in a musical I have ever seen and she would have won against all the actresses you mentioned, even against Ms. McDonalds brilliant portrayal of Madame Rose.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:12pm

BJR said: "Isaac was a revelation as Tony and I predicted after I saw first preview he was going to win. Alas."

The role of Tony has never been Tony-nominated and I thought this would be the chance but now I think there's actually a curse on it.  But I do think he was definitely Tony deserving and it's unfortunate the show hadn't been open for longer for all the voters to see it.

[TheOtherOne2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:08am

George in DC said: "binau said: "

I also think it's crazy how the competitive dynamics of the Tonys change everything - if Audra was up against Stephanie Block (Cher Show), Adrienne Warren (Tina), Joaquina Kalkukano (Paradise Square), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Maleah Joe Moon (Hell's Kitchen) I think she likely would have won in basically all cases."

Victoria Clark gave one of the best performances in a musical I have ever seen and she would have won against all the actresses you mentioned, even against Ms. McDonalds brilliant portrayal of Madame Rose."

I agree 1000% about Victoria Clark.  I don't agree that McDonald, brilliant talent though she is, is giving a brilliant portrayal of Madame Rose.  Rose is not meant to be a symbol of the great mothers, black, white, or whatever, that came before us.  Gypsy is written as a show about a driven but deluded woman, oblivious to the cost of putting her love for show business above all else.  Audra's interpretation and the foundation of Gypsy's book, music and lyrics do not support each other.  

 

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 1:39pm

TheOtherOne2 said: "George in DC said: "binau said: "

I also think it's crazy how the competitive dynamics of the Tonys change everything - if Audra was up against Stephanie Block (Cher Show), Adrienne Warren (Tina), Joaquina Kalkukano (Paradise Square), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Maleah Joe Moon (Hell's Kitchen) I think she likely would have won in basically all cases."

Victoria Clark gave one of the best performances in a musical I have ever seen and she would have won against all the actresses you mentioned, even against Ms. McDonalds brilliant portrayal of Madame Rose."

I agree 1000% about Victoria Clark. I don't agree that McDonald, brilliant talent though she is, is giving a brilliant portrayal of Madame Rose. Rose is not meant to be a symbol of the great mothers, black, white, or whatever, that came before us. Gypsy is written as a show about a driven but deluded woman, oblivious to the cost of puttingher love for show business above all else. Audra's interpretation and the foundation of Gypsy'sbook, music and lyrics do not support each other.

"

Your interpretation is lacking and superficial

[binau]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 2:16pm

For me, I’d personally give the Tony Award to Audra for Gypsy over Victoria Clark in Kimberly without even thinking twice. I’m a fan of hers but no way personally, it never even crossed my mind that there would be much competition and I’m genuinely surprised that not only is there a discussion many seem to believe this. Which is fine, it does make me wonder if this board/the internet went a little over the top proclaiming that Audra’s performance in Gypsy was the greatest, would obviously win over Nicole etc. it’s kind of clear as the dust settles that like Bernadette in Gypsy there are definitely some mixed reactions about her performance and voice (including the tony performance too). Maybe these were drowned out because it did seem to become unpopular especially after the Patti drama to say anything critical. I mean, I guess there is a reason she didn’t win.

Audra’s performance in Gypsy will always be an important part of my theatre going history but equally I think we should be able to express our honest opinions (unless it’s about Bernadette who to my ears could sing Gypsy right now better than Audra can and I definitely expect everyone to agree with me or else  ;))) 

 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 2:28pm

Saw this on 05/20.

The play is irrefutable, and more than six decades later it is as if "Gypsy" has not aged at all in its relationship with showbiz,. With that in mind, George C. Wolfe's production tells this story in such a classic way that it is almost an uninventive vision of this material. Does everything needs to be edgy? No, but feels simple, yet somehow is a good physical production.

The staging is very central which is not a problem, and some technical aspects, such as scenic and costumes, are rooted in a literalness that is not exactly my preference to revival productions.

I have to say that Camille A. Brown's movement direction/choreography ends up drawing more attention than the direction itself with the replacement of the boys and Tulsa's big number being highlights.

The cast is great, the complains about a lackuster Burnstein was not right in my eyes, he did have quite a presence. Jordan and Lesli were indeed good, but Joy is the rightful best supporting actress of the show - I'll say tho that in her last fight with Rose, she shouted a little bit more than I think she should.

But there is Audra McDonald, a high-voltage Audra as the main character. I just can't fanthom someone complaining about this performance. As a black woman, Audra's Rose gains dimension in her fight with the entertainment world and the feeling that she was not 'something' goes beyond the usual frustration, and reaches very strong sociopolitical layers. And McDonald is not the greatest actress of her generation by default, she builds Rose as a human without losing the immense vigor of the character. It's always present with power, but a vitality impressive in many ways that I don't think Audra has ever done.

And when she reaches ''Rose's Turn'' it is as if the world stops, and through acting (more than her vocals, I'll admit that), she encapsulates everything that this piece of work means.

Rose as a black woman didn't have a chance to be a star on stage, but the biggest star of the stage today is a Black Rose. Sublime, absolutely sublime.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 4:03pm

MadsonMelo said: "But there is Audra McDonald, ahigh-voltage Audraas the main character. I just can't fanthom someone complaining about this performance. As a black woman, Audra's Rose gains dimension in her fight with the entertainment world and the feeling that she was not 'something' goes beyond the usual frustration, and reaches very strong sociopolitical layers. And McDonald is not the greatest actress of her generation by default, she builds Rose as a human without losing the immense vigor of the character. It's always present with power, but a vitality impressive in many ways that I don't think Audra has ever done.

And when she reaches ''Rose's Turn'' it is as if the world stops, and through acting (more than her vocals, I'll admit that), she encapsulates everything that this piece ofwork means.

Rose as a black woman didn't have a chance to be a star on stage, but the biggest star of the stage today is a Black Rose. Sublime, absolutely sublime."

While I do disagree with you on everything you wrote here ( I thought the whole production was dull).. I got a giggle out your "And McDonald is not the greatest actress of her generation by default,". Not sure what you are saying. But Audra is not her generations greatest actor. I don't know where your getting that or how one comes to that. Love her.  Will see anything she is in.  But,  COME ON!

Updated On: 6/11/25 at 04:03 PM

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:30pm

SmokeyLady said: "MadsonMelo said: "But there is Audra McDonald, ahigh-voltage Audraas the main character. I just can't fanthom someone complaining about this performance. As a black woman, Audra's Rose gains dimension in her fight with the entertainment world and the feeling that she was not 'something' goes beyond the usual frustration, and reaches very strong sociopolitical layers. And McDonald is not the greatest actress of her generation by default, she builds Rose as a human without losing the immense vigor of the character. It's always present with power, but a vitality impressive in many ways that I don't think Audra has ever done.

And when she reaches ''Rose's Turn'' it is as if the world stops, and through acting (more than her vocals, I'll admit that), she encapsulates everything that this piece ofwork means.

Rose as a black woman didn't have a chance to be a star on stage, but the biggest star of the stage today is a Black Rose. Sublime, absolutely sublime."

While I do disagree with you on everything you wrote here ( I thought the whole production was dull).. I got a giggle out your "And McDonald is not the greatest actress of her generation by default,". Not sure what you are saying. But Audra is not her generations greatest actor. I don't know where your getting that or how one comes to that. Love her. Will see anything she is in. But, COME ON!"

Should I have written IN MY OPINION to make clear?

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:33pm

If you think she is her generations greatest actor ; then you simply must get out more.

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:44pm

sure, Janet

[jlindsey865]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:51pm

I saw both Audra and Nicole.  Both are fabulous performers, but felt that Nicole deserved the Tony.

Just from perusing a variety of social media discussions around this topic, I do have to say that many of the “AUDRA SHOULD HAVE WON” folks are… intense.

Updated On: 6/11/25 at 06:51 PM

[OhHiii]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:03pm

The way people are denigrating Nicole in some sort of warped proxy battle for politics (which have been refuted anyway) and after Patti said what she said, people all of a sudden turned their ire toward Nicole. The same people who were gagging over her performance when they saw her in previews now trying to say she’s untalented…it’s just absurd.

A lot of people like Audra’s Rose. GREAT! At the same time,  a lot of people had a very tepid response to her performance. The production itself was widely regarded as just fine in amongst industry people. So a lot of rewriting history going on with this response to Nicole’s clearly deserved win.

[OhHiii]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:15pm

Double post.. It's also not like Audra has been slighted by the Tony Awards!! SHE HAS SIX! MORE THAN ANYONE.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:21pm

I just looked at ticket sales in telecharge 15 minutes before tonights show and I would say only about 50% of the house is sold.  How long can this last?

[binau]

Posted: 6/12/25 at 3:14am

According to another post (I can't verify), Audra was the only nominee for best actress who was actually on last night! Even Nicole was off. THANK YOU AUDRA FOR HOLDING THE FORT!!

As for some of the Nicole Tony Award backlash, I realise I just have to stop reading reddit it's like being in a children's playground. 

[singerunlimited]

Posted: 6/12/25 at 1:05pm

Just took a quick glance at the Telecharge seating chart for this weekend, and sales are looking pretty rough...

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 6/12/25 at 1:32pm

singerunlimited said: "Just took a quick glance at the Telecharge seating chart for this weekend, and sales are looking pretty rough..."

I have to be honest, I'm not exactly sure that out-of-context Tony performance will do well for their sales. For all people that understand the show and what a superlative performance it is, there's going to be a lot of people who just saw a woman have a nervous breakdown onstage, occasionally with the music.