Broadway Breakdown: Matt Revisited Gypsy: Now What?

Release Date: January 9, 2025

In this episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik dives deep into the latest Broadway revival of "Gypsy." Known for his candid and often unfiltered critiques, Matt provides an extensive analysis of the production, examining everything from casting choices and performance nuances to directorial decisions and set design. Whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or new to Broadway discussions, this summary encapsulates all the key points Matt explores in his review.

Episode Overview

Matt Koplik revisits his previous critiques of the "Gypsy" revival, addressing both improvements and lingering issues. Joined by his friend Kevin Duda, Matt aims to provide a comprehensive assessment after a second viewing, highlighting how the production has evolved and where it still falls short.

Initial Impressions and Reactions

[01:17]
Matt begins by reflecting on the initial wave of reviews following his first inspection of "Gypsy." He notes that unlike his lukewarm reception of the last "Sweeney Todd" revival, the response to "Gypsy" has been predominantly positive, primarily lauding Audra McDonald's portrayal of Rose.

"Gypsy tends to always get good reviews. That’s just sort of the show that it is. It’s one of the greatest musicals ever written."
— Matt Koplik [01:34]

Despite the general acclaim, Matt hints at underlying issues that haven't been thoroughly addressed by the broader critical community, setting the stage for his more nuanced critique.

Second Viewing: Assessing Improvements

[03:00]
Determined to see if "Gypsy" had addressed earlier criticisms, Matt and Kevin attend a second performance. They choose closer seats to better appreciate the nuances that may have been missed during the initial review.

[04:15]
Matt acknowledges noticeable improvements in the production. The first half of Act 1 feels more streamlined, with smoother transitions and a slightly reduced runtime.

"The first half of Act 1 definitely feels like a much more smooth and speedy production."
— Matt Koplik [04:15]

However, despite these enhancements, Matt emphasizes that many of his original concerns remain, albeit less pronounced.

Audra McDonald's Portrayal of Rose

[09:55]
A significant portion of Matt's critique centers on Audra McDonald's performance. He praises her vocal prowess and dynamic acting, asserting that Audra brings a raw and powerful presence to the character of Rose.

"Audra is an extraordinary talent. She is a phenomenal actress and a terribly gifted singer with star presence and a really hard worker."
— Matt Koplik [09:55]

Matt delves into specific aspects of Audra's performance, highlighting moments where her vocal range shines and instances where the interpretation may falter. He acknowledges her ability to convey Rose's relentless drive and emotional vulnerability but points out inconsistencies in certain musical numbers.

[13:30]
Matt critiques the musical arrangement of "Everything's Coming Up Roses," particularly noting how Audra's use of the passaggio (middle voice) diminishes the song's intended power.

"Everything's Coming Up Roses and Rose's turn... it really doesn't work as well."
— Matt Koplik [13:30]

Despite these criticisms, Matt remains largely supportive of Audra's talents, suggesting that her performance is a standout element of the production.

Directorial Choices and Racial Dynamics

[20:05]
Under the direction of George C. Wolfe, this revival introduces racial dynamics not prominently featured in earlier versions. Matt discusses Wolfe's decision to transition the newsboys from an all-black ensemble to a predominantly white group as the characters age.

"Wolfe decided in this production that as the act gets older, the newsboys are replaced with white newsboys."
— Matt Koplik [20:05]

Matt appreciates the attempt to infuse contemporary social issues into the narrative but critiques the execution, feeling that the racial themes are inconsistently woven throughout the show.

Set Design and Choreography Critique

[23:50]
Matt takes issue with the production's set design, describing it as cluttered with "dead space" that detracts from intimate scenes. He questions the necessity of expansive stages for numbers that require a more focused setting.

"There's so much dead space because that is a stage that is deep, is narrow, and you feel all that empty space all the time."
— Matt Koplik [23:50]

Choreography also comes under scrutiny, with Matt arguing that certain dance sequences fail to enhance the storytelling, instead feeling disconnected from the characters' emotional arcs.

Supporting Cast Performances

Jordan Tyson as June

[30:10]
Jordan Tyson's portrayal of June receives high praise. Matt highlights her vocal precision and the passionate energy she brings to the role, particularly in numbers like "She likes to move in the moonlight."

"It's all just so perfectly lined and it fits so well and it works so well for that character and on that material."
— Matt Koplik [30:10]

Danny Burstein as Herbie

[35:20]
Danny Burstein's Herbie is described as a likable presence, though Matt feels the chemistry between Herbie and Rose is lacking, resulting in a less impactful emotional connection.

"He makes a stronger impression as a likable oaf who gets more grit as the story continues."
— Matt Koplik [35:20]

Joy as Louise

[40:45]
Joy's portrayal of Louise is a focal point of Matt's criticism. He argues that her performance fails to convincingly depict Louise's transformation into Gypsy Rose Lee, citing issues with both acting and choreography.

"There is nothing about that womanhood that ultimately reveals the intelligence and the comedy that is what Gypsy Rose Lee became famous for."
— Matt Koplik [40:45]

Matt expresses frustration with the strip dance sequence, feeling it undermines the character's developmental arc and isn't effectively supported by the choreography.

Overall Assessment

[58:00]
In his concluding thoughts, Matt acknowledges the strides made in refining the production but remains critical of persistent flaws. He appreciates Audra McDonald's performance but believes that other elements need significant improvement for "Gypsy" to reach its full potential.

"I still don’t think it’s a bad production. I think the improvements, though, have made this more consistently okay. Not a lot of highs for me."
— Matt Koplik [58:00]

Matt underscores that while "Gypsy" remains a beloved musical, this particular revival falls short of the legendary status achieved by past productions due to its inconsistent execution and unresolved issues.

Notable Quotes

• "Gypsy is not Funny Girl. Speaking of Julie Stein musicals, Gypsy is a star vehicle. You know, Rose is the lead."
  — Matt Koplik [55:20]

• "If you don’t have a good Rose, you really can’t do Gypsy."
  — Matt Koplik [56:10]

• "Everything else is is just mostly okay. There are still a couple of what the fucks. The strip being one of them."
  — Matt Koplik [58:45]

Final Thoughts

Matt Koplik's review of the "Gypsy" revival on Broadway Breakdown offers a blend of praise and constructive criticism. While Audra McDonald's portrayal of Rose is lauded for its intensity and vocal excellence, other critical aspects such as set design, choreography, and supporting performances reveal significant areas for improvement. Matt's honest and detailed analysis provides listeners with a clear understanding of the production's strengths and shortcomings, making this episode a valuable listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Broadway theater.

Tune In Next Week:
In the upcoming episode, Matt will delve into early Tony Award predictions, analyzing potential contenders and discussing insights from industry insiders. Don't miss out on his unfiltered takes and expert opinions!