Here she is, boys! Gypsy is back on Broadway and Audra McDonald is a Mama Rose for the ages. This new revival breathes new life into one of musical theater’s most iconic works.
Based on the memoirs of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, the show follows the indomitable Mama Rose, a mother determined to turn her daughters into stars, no matter the cost. Set during the decline of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque, Gypsy is both a gripping character study and a poignant reflection on ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of success.
First premiering on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy features a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original production was an instant classic, earning critical acclaim and establishing Mama Rose as one of the most coveted roles in musical theater.
Numbers like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “Rose’s Turn” have become standards, showcasing a score that balances rousing optimism with deep emotional complexity.
This new revival seeks to honor the show’s legacy while offering fresh perspectives. Directed by a visionary creative team, the production highlights the shifting dynamics of the relationships at its core: the relentless Mama Rose, the underestimated Louise, and the overlooked June. With innovative staging and bold new interpretations of the classic score, the revival offers a deeper dive into the themes of family, ambition, and identity.
Over the years, Gypsy has been a star vehicle for some of Broadway’s greatest leading ladies, including Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. This revival continues that tradition, with a powerhouse performance from its leading actress anchoring the production. The ensemble and creative team bring energy and nuance to the show’s timeless story, while the design elements—evoking the glitz of vaudeville and the grit of backstage life—immerse audiences in its world.
Often hailed as the greatest American musical, Gypsy is celebrated not only for its unforgettable score but also for its rich storytelling and complex characters. This revival reaffirms its place in Broadway history, offering a fresh take on a show that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of humor, heartbreak, and humanity.
At the end of, shall we say, a testing year, it seems perverse to cheer for a malignant narcissist, a thieving liar, a fake patriot and toxic parent who exploits their children in bitter pursuit of fame. But if the world has become a sad, sleazy circus, more reason to welcome the consolation of art. The miraculous Audra Mcdonald blooms as Rose in what may be the most heartstopping Gypsy you’ll ever see. The fifth Broadway revival of this shatterproof classic, and the third I’ve witnessed after those starring Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone, the current version carries a thousand-volt electrical charge and lands at the Majestic with the force of a tornado. McDonald is the thunder-tossing center of that tempest, reminding us that the root of Audra means storm.
One’s mind returns to the banner names—AUDRA GYPSY. McDonald’s commanding performance certainly delivers, but the structure and look of the show are significant negative distractions. Gypsy remains magnificent, but this production—with its excellent singing and cast—requires a stronger conceptual execution to make it truly great.
1959 | Broadway | Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1961 | US Tour | 1st National Tour US Tour |
1961 | US Tour | 2nd National Tour US Tour |
1973 | West End | London Revival West End |
1974 | Broadway | Broadway Production Broadway |
1976 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) | Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
1989 | Broadway | Broadway Revival Broadway |
1998 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) | Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
2003 | Broadway | Broadway Revival Broadway |
2006 | St. Louis, MO (Regional) | St. Louis MUNY Production St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
2006 | Regional Concert | |
2007 | Off-Broadway | Off-Broadway Revival Off-Broadway |
2008 | Broadway | Broadway Revival Broadway |
2014 | Regional (US) | Connecticut Rep Production Regional (US) |
2015 | West End | West End Revival Production West End |
2018 | St. Louis, MO (Regional) | The Muny Revival St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
2024 | Broadway | Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
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