Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "Audra's doing GYPSY on Broadway?! | What we know about the revival starring Audra McDonald"

Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)

Release Date: May 30, 2024

1. Introduction

In this episode, Mickey-Jo delivers major Broadway news regarding the highly anticipated revival of the classic musical Gypsy. She announces that the Majestic Theatre will reopen post-renovations with a star-studded production featuring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Rose.

[00:00] Mickey-Jo: "Curtain up. Light the ring. Lights. Sing out. Six time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. Oh my God."

2. Major Announcement: Gypsy Revival at the Majestic Theatre

Mickey-Jo confirms the reopening of the Majestic Theatre with Gypsy, emphasizing its significance in the upcoming Broadway season. She highlights the excitement surrounding Audra McDonald's casting and teases discussions on potential casting, creative approaches, and what sets this revival apart from previous ones.

[00:00] Mickey-Jo: "...the Majestic Theatre on Broadway will reopen post renovations with a big new revival of Gypsy starring six time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald."

3. Gypsy: A Historical Overview

Mickey-Jo provides a comprehensive background on Gypsy, detailing its origins, music by Jule Styne, book by Arthur Laurents, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. She delves into the narrative centered around Gypsy Rose Lee and her domineering mother, Madame Rose, exploring themes of ambition and familial relationships.

[00:06:30] Mickey-Jo: "...Gypsy is a golden age musical fable with music by Julie Stein, a book by Arthur Lawrence and lyrics by a young Stephen Sondheim."

4. The Legacy of Gypsy on Broadway

She traces the history of Gypsy on Broadway, noting its original 1959 production starring Ethel Merman, subsequent revivals featuring legends like Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone, and the notable gaps between revivals. Mickey-Jo underscores the Majestic Theatre's longstanding association with Phantom of the Opera and the significance of Gypsy taking over this historic venue.

[00:12:45] Mickey-Jo: "It has been a Broadway fixture. We have never gone more than about a decade and a half without having a major revival of Gypsy."

5. Spotlight on Audra McDonald

Mickey-Jo delves into Audra McDonald's illustrious career, highlighting her six Tony Awards across all acting categories, her prowess in musical theatre, and her compelling performances in plays and television. She emphasizes McDonald's unique blend of vocal talent and dramatic acting skills, making her an ideal choice for the role of Rose.

[00:15:20] Mickey-Jo: "Audra McDonald is a six time Tony Award winning actress...she is such a compellingly good dramatic actress."

6. Creative Team and Diversity

Highlighting the diversity of the creative team, Mickey-Jo mentions George C. Wolfe as the director and Camille A. Brown as the choreographer, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the production. She applauds the inclusion of artists of color, noting its significance in reimagining Gypsy for contemporary audiences.

[00:18:10] Mickey-Jo: "...multiple creatives of color as part of the creative team. George C. Wolf is going to be directing...joined by choreographer Camille A. Brown."

7. Casting Speculations for Supporting Roles

Mickey-Jo engages in speculative casting for key supporting roles such as Louise and Herbie. She discusses potential Broadway stars who could complement Audra McDonald’s presence without overshadowing her, mentioning names like Ariana DeBose, Nikki M. James, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Norm Lewis. She also explores the possibility of casting choices that address colorism by selecting actresses of varying skin tones for June and Louise.

[00:21:35] Mickey-Jo: "Are we going to see the Broadway return of a performer like Patina Miller?... Or maybe Ariana DeBose... It gives it another interesting dimension."

8. Artistic Interpretations and Modern Twists

Mickey-Jo contemplates potential modern interpretations of Gypsy, considering the use of neon lighting and possibly updating the time period settings. She draws parallels to past revivals that reimagined the material, suggesting that this production might infuse new life into the classic narrative through innovative staging and design.

[00:19:50] Mickey-Jo: "...neon signage was around in the very early 20th century... it just seemed to be aesthetically a little bit more modern than Gypsy would tend to be now."

9. Gypsy and the Tony Awards Outlook

Anticipating the Tony Awards season, Mickey-Jo speculates on Audra McDonald’s chances of securing a seventh Tony Award for her role in Gypsy. She discusses the fierce competition from other prominent actresses like Nicole Scherzinger, Kristin Chenoweth, and Sutton Foster, but remains optimistic due to McDonald's unparalleled track record.

[00:24:15] Mickey-Jo: "Does this feel like an inevitable seventh Tony Award win for Audra McDonald?... But we have to consider Audrey the front runner at this point."

10. Ticket Information and Show Dates

Mickey-Jo provides essential details regarding the show's timeline, including preview dates starting November 21st and an expected opening night in mid-December 2024. She encourages listeners to secure tickets promptly due to the high demand anticipated for this star-driven production.

[00:25:30] Mickey-Jo: "Gypsy is reopening the Majestic, which I think is exciting in and of itself... do you have them already."

11. Conclusion and Engagement

Wrapping up, Mickey-Jo expresses her enthusiasm for the Gypsy revival and invites listeners to share their thoughts and casting suggestions in the comments. She reiterates the importance of subscribing to her channel for ongoing theatre news and updates, fostering a community of theatre enthusiasts.

[00:27:50] Mickey-Jo: "Thank you so much for watching this little news update video. I hope that you enjoyed... Have a stagey day."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Excitement for Audra McDonald:

  [00:00] "Curtain up. Light the ring. Lights. Sing out. Six time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. Oh my God."

• Significance of Gypsy at Majestic Theatre:

  [00:06:30] "Gypsy is a golden age musical fable with music by Julie Stein, a book by Arthur Lawrence and lyrics by a young Stephen Sondheim."

• Diversity in Casting:

  [00:21:35] "Are we going to see the Broadway return of a performer like Patina Miller?... Or maybe Ariana DeBose..."

• Tony Awards Prospects:

  [00:24:15] "Does this feel like an inevitable seventh Tony Award win for Audra McDonald?... But we have to consider Audrey the front runner at this point."

• Encouraging Engagement:

  [00:27:50] "Thank you so much for watching this little news update video. I hope that you enjoyed... Have a stagey day."

Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo’s in-depth analysis and passionate delivery provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the upcoming Gypsy revival. Her insights into casting, creative direction, and the potential impact on Broadway’s landscape underscore the revival’s importance. The inclusion of Audra McDonald not only honors the legacy of Gypsy but also paves the way for a more inclusive and dynamic interpretation. This episode is a must-listen for theatre aficionados eagerly anticipating what promises to be a landmark production.