CONFIRMED: Audra McDonald-led GYPSY to begin previews Nov 2024 — Page 41

I agree, though I do love Burstein, Herbie is definitely too much in his work realm. You can already see his performance as there’s really no room to stretch as written. Unless they make him a bipolar alcoholic with pedophile undertones, the role is too one note until the moment he blows up on Rose and walks out on her late in Act 2. The only thing that gave past Herbies any oomph was in their chemistry opposite the actress playing Rose. I truly don’t see any opportunity for him to truly give a groundbreaking performance.

Why does Herbie need to give a groundbreaking performance? He’s the third lead, but he’s very much meant to be part of the collateral damage Rose leaves in her wake. Why would they drastically change his dramatic purpose?

Also, I think folks are really running with this idea that George C. Wolfe’s vision of Gypsy will be some kind of radical reinterpretation of the piece. There has been nothing to imply that it will, with the exception of the subtext ethnicity-conscious casting will bring to it. He’s not known for reinterpretation; he’s known for the humanity and depth of feeling he brings to his directing work.

ColorTheHours048 said: "Why does Herbie need to give a groundbreaking performance? He’s the third lead, but he’s very much meant to be part of the collateral damage Rose leaves in her wake. Why would they drastically change his dramatic purpose?

Also, I think folks are really running with this idea that George C. Wolfe’s vision of Gypsy will be some kind of radical reinterpretation of the piece. There has been nothing to imply that it will, with the exception of the subtext ethnicity-conscious casting will bring to it. He’s not known for reinterpretation; he’s known for the humanity and depth of feeling he brings to his directing work."

All this.

Some people here talk about Herbie as though it's a role that can withstand a Richard III-level interpretation. That's not the part. He is there in support of Rose, and Burstein is ideal casting from a quality standpoint because he surely "knows his place" in this story and isn't going to try to outshine Audra or turn the part into something it isn't. It's not a terribly exciting character!!! But I have no doubt he'll be swell, he'll be great.

corninthesky said: "Joy Woods not playing Sarah anymore in Ragtime. Makes Gypsy more likely I would think."

Apparently someone close to Notebook recently let slip that Woods is also leaving on 10/6, alongside Cardoza and Tyson. Just waiting for an official press release now that Woods and Tyson are Louise and June.

Now how do we fit Plunkett in this revival? Gender-swap Mr. Goldstone?

Maybe there should be a 24hr online stream from the gravesite? Like they do for birds nests in spring.

Chappell Roan as Louise?

Just a heads-up. The film version of "Gypsy" will be shown on TCM on September 26th.

SouthAmericanCichlids said: "I'm just curious as to why there necessarily has to be a big name outside of Broadway to keep the show afloat. I mean, Merrily sold incredibly well and I think just as many people know Groff as know Audra. Company sold with the biggest name being Lupone. Nowadays, on Broadway do you have to have a massive star to be successful, is good interpretation and good material not enough anymore for a show. (I'm not saying you all don't value these things, but rather this is a gripe with the current economy of Broadway)"

Merrily... Daniel Radcliffe.

Company was not a hit. Sondheim died, which kinda gave them a bump, and the producers carried the show through the Tonys, and even after they won the most, still closed like 5 weeks after.

A revival to be a HIT needs a STAR. Like Jackman, Radcliffe, Groban. It's simple.

MadsonMelo said: "SouthAmericanCichlids said: "I'm just curious as to why there necessarily has to be a big name outside of Broadway to keep the show afloat. I mean, Merrily sold incredibly well and I think just as many people know Groff as know Audra. Company sold with the biggest name being Lupone. Nowadays, on Broadway do you have to have a massive star to be successful, is good interpretation and good material not enough anymore for a show. (I'm not saying you all don't value these things, but rather this is a gripe with the current economy of Broadway)"

Merrily... Daniel Radcliffe.

Company was not a hit. Sondheim died, which kinda gave them a bump, and the producers carried the show through the Tonys, and even after they won the most, still closed like 5 weeks after.

A revival to be a HIT needs a STAR. Like Jackman, Radcliffe, Groban. It's simple."

I completely forgot about Dan for a second. Yeah, I kinda find that sad, but I guess we'll see how they do. Do you think it's guaranteed to not do well, or do you think there's a possibility for it to be a hit?

The last two revivals weren't hits. And Audra is a big deal, but not sure if this can turn a profit. But I think everyone involved knows this.

SouthAmericanCichlids said: "I'm just curious as to why there necessarily has to be a big name outside of Broadway to keep the show afloat. I mean, Merrily sold incredibly well and I think just as many people know Groff as know Audra. Company sold with the biggest name being Lupone. Nowadays, on Broadway do you have to have a massive star to be successful, is good interpretation and good material not enough anymore for a show. (I'm not saying you all don't value these things, but rather this is a gripe with the current economy of Broadway)"

Broadway fans are a tiny and unsustainable group of people who are relatively meaningless in the longterm success of a show beyond week 6.

The most recent Broadway revivals that recouped during their Broadway run were:

• Merrily
• Gutenberg
• Funny Girl
• Into the Woods
• Sweeney Todd
• The Music Man
• Hello, Dolly!
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch

See the pattern? There isn't a single production without a star on that list.

Audra's track record must also be taken into consideration. Lady Day is her only show that attracted a sustainable audience in recent years, and that was dirt cheap ($2.6 mil) and a 1.5-person show. Gypsy is a $20 million revival. Porgy & Bess, Ohio State Murders, Frankie & Johnny, and Shuffle Along all closed prematurely (granted, Shuffle was a unique situation).

The last two revivals of Gypsy with Patti LuPone and Bernadette Peters also lost money. To the general public, the show has never had the reputation that theatre lovers see in it. It is not on a sales level of Sound of Music or West Side Story or Music Man or Les Mis or Fiddler.

This is a big uphill climb for the producers and I wish them the best!

Updated On: 9/19/24 at 04:06 PM