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

Rebecca Rubin

29 May 2024 at 3:30 pm·2-min read

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.

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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 pairing Audra McDonald, our most lauded stage actress, with legendary director George C. Wolfe in a musical deemed by many to be the greatest,” said producers Tom Kirdahy and Mara Isaacs. “Sometimes the theatre gods smile upon us. This is one such 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 are Kevin Ryan, Diane Scott Carter, Peter May and Thomas 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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