Audra McDonald Ignites Broadway With a Fierce New GYPSY
Broadway has a fresh jolt of star power this season, courtesy of six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald. The record-breaking performer is front-and-centre in the Majestic Theatre’s bold new revival of GYPSY, and a newly released music-video montage of “Some People” proves exactly why tickets have become near-impossible to score.
A Historic Mama Rose
McDonald’s casting marks the first time a Black actress has played Mama Rose on Broadway. Her electrifying portrayal not only re-imagines one of musical theatre’s most coveted roles but has also earned her an unprecedented 11th Tony Award nomination, solidifying her place as the most-nominated performer in Tonys history. The revival itself has picked up five nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical, with featured nods for Danny Burstein and Joy Woods.
Directed With Vision
Helmed by multiple Tony-winner George C. Wolfe, the production balances classic showbiz razzle-dazzle with a contemporary edge. Choreographer Camille A. Brown infuses the timeless Jule Styne–Stephen Sondheim score with dynamic movement, while the newly refurbished Majestic stage gives the story of relentless ambition and maternal devotion a striking new canvas.
A Stand-Out Ensemble
Alongside McDonald, the cast features Jordan Tyson (June) and Kevin Csolak (Tulsa); fan favourites Lesli Margherita, Lili Thomas, and Mylinda Hull as the show-stopping strippers; and a 30-strong ensemble packed with Broadway veterans and newcomers alike. Their collective energy underscores the show’s themes of aspiration and reinvention.
Cast Recording & Limited-Edition Treats
Fans eager to relive McDonald’s powerhouse vocals can already stream the original cast album. Physical formats arrive 25 July: an eight-page-booklet CD and a two-LP deluxe hardback edition boasting 64 pages of essays, photos, and lyrics. The first 500 vinyl sets include a hand-signed studio photo of McDonald — an instant collector’s item.
Box Office Buzz
Originally slated to run through early summer, the revival has already extended performances into October 2025 to meet demand. With the new “Some People” video fanning the hype, industry watchers predict further extensions once awards season kicks in.
Why It Matters
From trail-blazing casting to record-setting accolades, GYPSY 2024–25 is more than just another revival; it is a testament to how classic material can be re-energised for modern audiences. And at its heart stands Audra McDonald, delivering a Mama Rose whose ferocity and vulnerability feel both timeless and urgently new.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
