Podcast Summary: "All Of It" – Episode Featuring Audra McDonald and Joy Woods in "Gypsy"

Released on June 6, 2025, "All Of It" is a WNYC show that delves into culture and its consumers, engaging with thinkers, creators, and cultural icons to explore the what and why of their work. In this episode, host Alison Stewart sits down with Tony-nominated actors Audra McDonald and Joy Woods to discuss their roles in the acclaimed Broadway revival of "Gypsy."

Celebrating Broadway's Tony Nominees

[00:56] Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting the excitement surrounding the Tony Awards, mentioning that 29 plays and musicals are up for awards out of 42 eligible shows. She sets the stage for an hour dedicated to musicals, introducing listeners to the upcoming segments featuring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen from the Tony-nominated musical "maybe Happy Ending," and a preview of live performances from the cast of "Real Women Have Curves."

"This hour, it's all about musicals," Alison Stewart announces, emphasizing the focus on Audra McDonald and Joy Woods's performances in "Gypsy."

Introduction to "Gypsy" and Its Significance

[02:19] Joy Woods provides an overview of "Gypsy," describing it as a retelling of the true story of a "momager" striving for stardom for her daughters. She notes that the revival is nominated for five Tony Awards, including acting nods for both McDonald and Woods.

"Gypsy, based on the true story of a momager who wants stardom for her two daughters, is back on Broadway," Joy Woods explains.

[02:19] She highlights Audra McDonald's record-breaking 11th Tony nomination, making her the most nominated performer in Tony history. McDonald portrays Rose, a determined mother during the Great Depression, while Woods plays her daughter Louise, who discovers her passion for exotic dancing.

Audra McDonald's Journey to Playing Rose

[03:43] Alison Stewart begins her conversation by asking Audra McDonald how she came to embody the character of Mama Rose.

[03:43] Audra McDonald shares a heartfelt story about her late friend Gavin Creel, who encouraged her to take on the role of Rose as a black woman.

"He just had a vision and was just absolutely determined, and that's what kind of got the ball rolling," McDonald recounts.

She discusses the eight-year journey to bring this vision to life, including conversations with the estates and securing director George's involvement. McDonald's dedication underscores the significance of diverse casting in reviving a classic musical.

Balancing Multiple Roles: Joy Woods on "Gypsy" and "The Notebook"

[05:07] Joy Woods talks about the challenges of juggling rehearsals for "Gypsy" during the day and another show at night. She emphasizes the physical and mental demands of performing in two productions simultaneously.

"Finding the similarities between the two and then trying to separate them as individual people," Woods explains, referring to her characters Allie and Louise.

She reflects on the personal growth required to navigate these roles, highlighting the importance of self-care amidst the hectic schedule.

Audra McDonald's Reflections on Character Perception

[06:04] Joy Woods brings up a compelling moment Audra McDonald shared on Instagram regarding audience perceptions of Mama Rose.

[06:21] Audra McDonald recounts an interaction where an audience member expressed disliking Rose. She initially felt defensive but later drew wisdom from her mentor Zoe Caldwell.

"The point is not for the audience to like Rose. She's meant to understand why she does what she does," McDonald reflects.

McDonald discusses the importance of portraying complex characters authentically, even if it means they aren't universally liked. She likens Rose to classic Shakespearean characters like Macbeth and Lear, who are understood for their motivations despite their flaws.

Joy Woods on Portraying Louise's Character Development

[09:45] Joy Woods delves into the character of Louise, emphasizing her journey from seeking inclusion in her mother's dreams to finding her own identity.

"She's just her wishing to be included in other people's dreams," Woods explains, detailing Louise's evolution throughout the show.

Woods explores the nuances of her performance, balancing internal dialogue with outward expression, and how her character's growth mirrors the physical and emotional changes of adolescence.

The Impact of Diverse Casting in "Gypsy"

[11:23] Joy Woods and Audra McDonald discuss the significance of having black leads in "Gypsy." McDonald shares specific decisions she made to portray Rose authentically as a black woman.

"Rose seizes upon that opportunity...she decides to make the act look like an all-white act," McDonald explains, highlighting the tough choices Rose makes to advance her daughters' careers in a racially segregated entertainment industry.

She elaborates on the strategic alterations Rose implements to navigate the restrictive Orpheum Circuit, such as changing the racial composition of the act to appeal to mainstream audiences.

Behind the Scenes: Rehearsals and the Book of "Gypsy"

[16:07] Joy Woods discusses the duality of her performance, balancing her onstage presence with her character's internal growth.

[17:33] Audra McDonald provides insight into the show's book, praising its seamless integration of dialogue and music. She recounts their first day of rehearsal, where the cast read the script without music to appreciate the strength of the storytelling.

"It's seamless the way the dialogue goes into these songs," McDonald praises the collaboration between playwright Arthur Lawrence and composer Stephen Sondheim.

She emphasizes the lean nature of the script, which demands precise and meaningful performances from the actors.

Closing Remarks and What's Next

[20:26] Alison Stewart concludes the segment with a teaser for the next part of the episode, introducing "maybe Happy Ending" and setting the stage for upcoming interviews and performances.

"So that's what I would say. But then if you wanted to look just at the scenes, were to look just at the scenes, were to look just at the scenes..." McDonald continues to praise the show's intricate writing, highlighting the deep collaboration that makes "Gypsy" a standout production.

Upcoming Segments:

• "maybe Happy Ending": A discussion with Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen about their roles as robots in the Tony-nominated musical.
• Live Performances and Conversations: Featuring the cast of "Real Women Have Curves" and composers Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez.

Stay tuned to "All Of It" with Alison Stewart weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC for more in-depth conversations and cultural insights.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the discussions surrounding the Broadway revival of "Gypsy," the actors' portrayals, and the broader cultural implications of the production.