Broadway Breakdown: Matt Reviews GYPSY Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host: Matt Koplik
Guest: N/A
Production Details:
- Show: Gypsy
- Cast: Audra McDonald (Rose), Danny Berstein (Herbie), Jordan Tyson (Dainty June), Melinda Hall (Elektra), Leslie Margarita (Tessie Torah Mazeppa), Joy (Louise)
- Director: George C. Wolfe
- Choreographer: Camille A. Brown
- Theater: The Majestic Theater
Introduction
Timestamp: [07:00]
Matt Koplik kicks off the episode by expressing his long-anticipated review of the new production of Gypsy. He shares his excitement about witnessing Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Rose, directed by the esteemed George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Camille A. Brown. Matt also touches upon his recent endeavor to write a review on Instagram, highlighting the challenges of balancing thoughtful critique with the often superficial nature of social media feedback.
Audience Feedback and Personal Reflections
Timestamp: [12:30]
Matt reads a heartfelt five-star review from a suburban mother, praising his insightful and sharp commentary despite her being a casual theater-goer. He appreciates the support from listeners like her, which reinforces his passion for providing nuanced analyses of Broadway productions.
Casting Choices and Performance Analysis
Timestamp: [20:45]
Audra McDonald as Rose
Matt delves deep into Audra McDonald's portrayal of Rose, comparing her performance to legendary actresses like Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, and Tyne Daly.
- Quote: "Never underestimate Audra McDonald. She's absolutely one of my favorite musical theater artists."
Matt acknowledges Audra's powerful voice and commanding presence but critiques her vocal execution in specific numbers. He points out that while Audra brings vulnerability and strength to Rose, certain key moments felt underwhelming due to vocal strain and key changes that diminished the intended emotional impact.
Danny Berstein as Herbie
Matt describes Danny Berstein as a consistently solid performer. However, he feels their chemistry on stage lacks the depth and complexity seen in previous productions, resulting in a more subdued portrayal of Herbie's desperation for Rose's approval.
Jordan Tyson as Dainty June
Dainty June is highlighted as one of the standout performances. Matt praises Jordan Tyson for capturing June's brashness and underlying bitterness, making her the best Dainty June in his experience.
- Quote: "Jordan is definitely the best Dainty June I've ever seen."
However, he notes that there is still room for growth in portraying June's isolation and internal struggles more profoundly.
Directorial and Choreographic Choices
Timestamp: [45:10]
George C. Wolfe's Direction
Matt expresses admiration for George C. Wolfe's previous works but feels this production of Gypsy lacks the fiery intensity and boldness characteristic of Wolfe's direction. He believes the production is overly cautious, especially concerning the race elements introduced in the casting.
Camille A. Brown's Choreography
Matt critiques the choreography for not fully embracing the vaudeville roots of Gypsy. He feels that Camille A. Brown's contemporary dance style doesn't seamlessly integrate with the traditional musical theater movements required for the show.
- Quote: "The choreography is something that is interesting to me. The original production and all the subsequent revivals had used the original Jerome Robbins choreography... but this feels like a mishmash."
Design and Technical Elements
Timestamp: [55:30]
Matt discusses the set design, finding it poorly spaced despite the Majestic Theater's large stage. He believes the extensive dead space forces actors to compete visually, diminishing the intimacy of performances. The lack of cohesive thematic elements in the set design leads to a disjointed aesthetic, making the production appear uneven.
Sound Design:
While acknowledging the large orchestra, Matt feels the sound design is muffled, likening it to issues he noticed in other productions like Sweeney Todd. This results in a less immersive auditory experience for the audience.
Race and Representation
Timestamp: [1:10:00]
A significant portion of Matt's review addresses the race-conscious casting decisions in this production of Gypsy.
- Quote: "When the casting breakdown came out for Gypsy of, oh, we now have Dainty June being played by an actress who's going to be mixed race...".
Matt appreciates the attempt to incorporate racial diversity but criticizes the execution for lacking depth and meaningful integration into the narrative. He feels that the production only superficially touches upon race without fully exploring its implications on the characters and storyline.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Timestamp: [1:25:45]
Matt wraps up his review by summarizing his mixed feelings about the production. While acknowledging that it isn't a disaster and appreciating certain performances and technical elements, he remains largely disappointed due to unmet expectations and missed opportunities in direction and choreography.
- Quote: "This production, despite not being a travesty, did upset me. I'm kind of sad that this is where I'm at with it."
He expresses hope that the show will continue to evolve throughout its run and remain open to revisiting his opinion as the production settles. Matt concludes by teasing upcoming episodes focused on other Broadway topics and performances.
Key Takeaways
-
Strengths:
- Audra McDonald's commanding performance as Rose
- Jordan Tyson's exceptional portrayal of Dainty June
- Strong supporting performances by Melinda Hall and Leslie Margarita
-
Areas for Improvement:
- Vocal execution and key changes in performances
- Integration of race-conscious elements into the narrative
- Cohesive set design and effective use of stage space
- Choreography that aligns more closely with the show's vaudeville roots
-
Overall Rating:
Matt considers the production an "okay" rendition of Gypsy—not exceptional but not poor. He remains hopeful for potential improvements as the show progresses.
Notable Quotes:
-
Matt Koplik on Audra McDonald:
"Never underestimate Audra McDonald. She's absolutely one of my favorite musical theater artists."
[20:45] -
On Dainty June (Jordan Tyson):
"Jordan is definitely the best Dainty June I've ever seen."
[32:10] -
Choreography Critique:
"The choreography is something that is interesting to me. The original production and all the subsequent revivals had used the original Jerome Robbins choreography... but this feels like a mishmash."
[55:30] -
On Race Conscious Casting:
"We are making race not a blind issue here... there is nothing about the act in its aesthetic. There's nothing about the act in its musical stylings."
[1:10:00] -
Final Reflection:
"This production, despite not being a travesty, did upset me. I'm kind of sad that this is where I'm at with it."
[1:25:45]
Conclusion:
Matt Koplik's review of the Gypsy revival featuring Audra McDonald presents a nuanced critique that balances praise with constructive criticism. While appreciating standout performances and certain technical aspects, Matt emphasizes areas needing refinement to truly honor the legacy of this iconic musical. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and stay tuned for future episodes diving deeper into Broadway's evolving landscape.