Audra McDonald to Star in Broadway’s ‘Gypsy’ Revival as Mama Rose

Audra McDonald will portray the ultimate stage mom, Mama Rose, in the upcoming Broadway revival of “Gypsy.”

George C. Wolfe, a Tony winner for “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches” and “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk,” is directing the show, which returns to the stage in the fall. “Gypsy” features a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by the late Stephen Sondheim. Camille A. Brown will choreograph the musical.

Considered one of the greatest musicals, “Gypsy” tells the story of an ambitious stage mom’s unflinching efforts to propel her two daughters into show business. Ethel Merman in 1959 originated the meaty role of Rose, which has since been taken on by theater legends such as Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone.

“When we began this journey we had the specific dream of pairingAudra McDonald, our most lauded stage actress, with legendary directorGeorge C. Wolfein a musical deemed by many to be the greatest,” said producersTom KirdahyandMara Isaacs. “Sometimes the theatre gods smile upon us. This is one such -

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time.”

Preview performances will begin Nov. 21, 2024 ahead of opening night on Dec. 19. “Gypsy” will play at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre, which housed “The Phantom of the Opera” for the last 30 years before it closed in 2023. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Along with Kirdahy and Isaacs, “Gypsy” producers areKevin Ryan, Diane Scott Carter, Peter May andThomas M. Neff.

“Gypsy” reunites Wolfe and McDonald after their collaboration on 2016’s “Shuffle Along.” McDonald has received a record six Tony Awards for shows including “Carousel,” “Ragtime” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” She most recently appeared on Broadway in the play “Ohio State Murders,” for which she received a Tony nomination.

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