GYPSY To Close August 17, 2025- Page 8

[getatme]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 1:04am

Felt very honored to have been at the closing performance this afternoon. I know this production and its performances have been divisive, but it is one that I think has grown leaps and bounds since first preview and my appreciation for the work of all artists involved deepened with each visit.

This afternoon was an enthusiastic, but incredibly respectful audience. Loud cheering when appropriate, a restrained number of standing ovations, and an incredibly joyous curtain call.

I won't go on about the performances because I know people will disagree, but I found the main trio's performances grew and settled over the run and these past few times I've gone I have been floored by the work Audra, Danny, and Joy were doing on that stage. Maybe the production will be "dismissed more and more over time," but it is one I will remember for a very long time.

To the person who said George C. Wolfe didn't want to speak because he was probably embarrassed, that's a lovely fantasy for you, but it's more likely they withheld speeches because curtain call started at 6:02pm and they were already in over time.

[binau]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 1:53am

(nvm)

Updated On: 8/18/25 at 01:53 AM

[THDavis]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 5:21am

getatme said: "Felt very honored to have been at the closing performance this afternoon. I know this production and its performances havebeen divisive, but it is one that I think has grown leaps and bounds since first preview and my appreciation for the work of all artists involved deepened with each visit.

This afternoon was an enthusiastic, but incredibly respectful audience. Loud cheering when appropriate, a restrained number of standing ovations, and an incredibly joyous curtain call.

I won't go on about the performances because I know people will disagree, but I found the main trio's performances grew and settled over the run and these past few times I've gone I have been floored by the work Audra, Danny, and Joy were doing on that stage. Maybe the production will be "dismissedmore and more over time," but it is one I will remember for a very long time.

To the person who said George C. Wolfe didn't want to speak because he was probably embarrassed, that's a lovely fantasy for you, but it's more likely they withheld speeches because curtain call started at 6:02pm and they were already in over time."

I agree and support this statement 100%. Saw this production twice and was impressed both times. So glad I brought my brother back to see Gypsy for his first time. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 8:56am

I agree and disagree. I did not think the production looked cheap at all. It just felt very much in line with the aesthetic of the time period. There's just one qualm I have with the directing. In the finale scene there is the dressing room set. And Audra does this walk around while talking and steps off the set piece onto the actual stage. For some reason, that came off as super sloppy directing to me. 

[Ftworthguy]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 6:35pm

I was lucky enough to see this production.  While I realize some people (no pun intended) had issue with Audra's vocal performance, she was one of the great actors to play Rose -- it was absolutely transcendent.    And I loved her in the role so much 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 7:06pm

Ftworthguy said: "I was lucky enough to see this production. While I realize some people (no pun intended) had issue with Audra's vocal performance, she was one of the great actors to play Rose -- it was absolutely transcendent. And I loved her in the role so much"

I saw Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Linda Lavin, Bernadette Peters, Julia Murney (Cape Playhouse), Audra MacDonald and, on film, Bette Midler and Rosalind Russell, many of them multiple times.  I did not see Patti Lupone because I was 'all Gypsy'd out' at the time and had limited slots available in one of my trips to NYC while it was open.

Of them all, the only one who I felt was wrong in the role was Audra.  I didn't really have a problem with throat voice vs. chest voice at all. She has a great voice for the ages and who says that the songs can't be sung a little differently from everyone else.   I did have a problem with Rose's Turn.  I felt that her vocal inflections were just 'too black' for a character who never would have been black in the real world.  I also felt that she overacted a little too much during that number.  I found myself worrying more about the risk of ruining her voice than I did about Rose coming apart at the seams.  

I have loved Audra in everything that I have seen her in, jut not Gypsy.  It probably didn't help that the performance I attended seemed so lackluster.

Updated On: 8/18/25 at 07:06 PM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 7:32pm

Jarethan said: "Ftworthguy said: "I felt that her vocal inflections were just 'too black' for a character who never would have been black in the real world.”

 

Oh.

[getatme]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 7:45pm

TotallyEffed said: "Jarethan said: "Ftworthguy said: "Ifelt that her vocal inflections were just 'too black' for a character who never would have been black in the real world.”

Oh."

Real quiet part out loud moment.

[DanS3]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 8:46pm

I know there’s a lot of hate on this board for Gypsy, but I saw this back in January and loved every second.

I’d never seen Audra McDonald on stage before and felt honored to be in her company for one night. Her performance, to me, was a once in a lifetime experience. 

I adore the cast recording and my partner is quite sick of it at this point.

i enjoyed seeing Audra all summer in The Gilded Age and yelled Mama Rose every time she first appeared in an episode.

It was all roses for me. Congrats Audra!! I hope to see you stage again soon. 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 8/18/25 at 11:37pm

Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid, Jarethan.

Updated On: 8/19/25 at 11:37 PM

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 8/19/25 at 12:52am

Jarethan said: "Ftworthguy said: "I was lucky enough to see this production. While I realize some people (no pun intended) had issue with Audra's vocal performance, she was one of the great actors to play Rose -- it was absolutely transcendent. And I loved her in the role so much"

I saw Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Linda Lavin, Bernadette Peters, Julia Murney (Cape Playhouse), Audra MacDonald and, on film, Bette Midler and Rosalind Russell, many of them multiple times. I did not see Patti Lupone because I was 'all Gypsy'd out' at the time and had limited slots available in one of my trips to NYC while it was open.

Of them all, the only one who I felt was wrong in the role was Audra. I didn't really have a problem with throat voice vs. chest voice at all. She has a great voice for the ages and who says that the songs can't be sung a little differently from everyone else.I did have a problem with Rose's Turn. I felt that her vocal inflections were just 'too black' for a character who never would have been black in the real world. 

I've been reading your posts on here long enough to give you the benefit of the doubt, but there's probably a better way to word this, brother. And for future reference, the term is "head voice" not "throat voice." No snark intended, I appreciate your reviews etc. 

[binau]

Posted: 8/19/25 at 5:10am

Yes I think a better way would be to say that the characterisation works against the text......although I personally think it gives the revival a reason to exist and from what I've 'heard' this is probably one of the areas that Audra grew into from previews and how the revival changed over time. 
 

Updated On: 8/19/25 at 05:10 AM

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 8/19/25 at 5:55am

The best thing about Audra is her book scenes are next level compared to other Roses, and they give you goosebumps as if you are watching an August Wilson play. With Audra, it doesn't feel like you are trying to get from one number to another, but rather each musical number happens because of the book scenes. 

And to those who feel uncomfortable seeing a Black Rose because Rose "never would have been black in the real world," it must be a shocker to you that June Havoc admitted that she never performed on the same stage with Louise. What a blasphemy to have them both in Let Me Entertain You and the Vaudeville numbers!

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 8/19/25 at 11:18pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black.

[TellZ]

Posted: 8/20/25 at 12:12am

CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."

But in this production she was black. And it's not like Gypsy is true-to-life anyway.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 3:30am

CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."

It was adapted from a memoir whose narrative June Havoc later published her own to counter.

The show was also titled a musical "fable." Sure your grade school teacher taught you what that word means.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 12:18pm

Dancingthrulife2 said: "CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."



It was adapted from a memoir whose narrative June Havoc later published her own to counter.

The show was also titled a musical "fable." Sure your grade school teacher taught you what that word means."

Well one thing I’m sure of is your grade school teacher didn’t teach you how not to be a snarky b!tch. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 12:33pm

[east side story]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 1:20pm

Dancingthrulife2 said: "The best thing about Audra is her book scenes are next level compared to other Roses"

Who said that? Besides you, of course.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 3:39pm

east side story said: "Dancingthrulife2 said: "The best thing about Audra is her book scenes are next level compared to other Roses"

Who said that? Besides you, of course."

I sympathize with your need to seek validation and second doubt your own opinions all the time. Maybe finding a better group of friends can help your build your confidence. Seize the day :)

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 3:42pm

CarlosAlberto said: "Dancingthrulife2 said: "CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."


It was adapted from a memoir whose narrative June Havoc later published her own to counter.

The show was also titled a musical "fable." Sure your grade school teacher taught you what that word means."

Well one thing I’m sure of is your grade school teacher didn’t teach you how not to be a snarky b!tch."

I mean, ad hominem is pretty advanced in English so maybe middle school is a high bar here. But I’m sure your grade school teacher taught you to be more imaginative with your use of words and build an eclectic lexicon. :)

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 7:07pm

CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."

Yeah, what's next, a Black Thomas Jefferson? Or a Filipino Abraham Lincoln???

[joevitus]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 10:32pm

Dancingthrulife2 said: "CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."

It was adapted from a memoir whose narrative June Havoc later published her own to counter.

The show was also titled a musical "fable." Sure your grade school teacher taught you what that word means."

Sure you're musical theater books taught you it was only labeled "A Musical Fable" to keep June Havoc from suing. 

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 8/22/25 at 10:50pm

joevitus said: "Dancingthrulife2 said: "CarlosAlberto said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Jesus Christ. Let me guess how you felt about a black mermaid,Jarethan."

This is nonsense, the mermaid is a fictional character, whereas Rose Hovick was a real individual who was not black."

It was adapted from a memoir whose narrative June Havoc later published her own to counter.

The show was also titled a musical "fable." Sure your grade school teacher taught you what that word means."

Sure you're musical theater books taught you it was only labeled "A Musical Fable" to keep June Havoc from suing."

? They changed the name of the character of Baby June before they signed a release contract with Havoc and then changed it back. They could easily drop the title if they want. 

Also please do some reading:
'Gypsy': George C. Wolfe's New Musical Fable | The New York Public Library