Here she is, boys! Gypsy is back on Broadway and Audra McDonald is a Mama Rose for the ages. This new revival breathes new life into one of musical theater’s most iconic works.
Based on the memoirs of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, the show follows the indomitable Mama Rose, a mother determined to turn her daughters into stars, no matter the cost. Set during the decline of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque, Gypsy is both a gripping character study and a poignant reflection on ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of success.
First premiering on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy features a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original production was an instant classic, earning critical acclaim and establishing Mama Rose as one of the most coveted roles in musical theater.
Numbers like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “Rose’s Turn” have become standards, showcasing a score that balances rousing optimism with deep emotional complexity.
This new revival seeks to honor the show’s legacy while offering fresh perspectives. Directed by a visionary creative team, the production highlights the shifting dynamics of the relationships at its core: the relentless Mama Rose, the underestimated Louise, and the overlooked June. With innovative staging and bold new interpretations of the classic score, the revival offers a deeper dive into the themes of family, ambition, and identity.
Over the years, Gypsy has been a star vehicle for some of Broadway’s greatest leading ladies, including Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. This revival continues that tradition, with a powerhouse performance from its leading actress anchoring the production. The ensemble and creative team bring energy and nuance to the show’s timeless story, while the design elements—evoking the glitz of vaudeville and the grit of backstage life—immerse audiences in its world.
Often hailed as the greatest American musical, Gypsy is celebrated not only for its unforgettable score but also for its rich storytelling and complex characters. This revival reaffirms its place in Broadway history, offering a fresh take on a show that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of humor, heartbreak, and humanity.
The trick seems to be that she doesn’t feel it… or, at least, show it. For the musical's three hour runtime, McDonald is singularly focused on her character’s objectives — making her daughters vaudeville stars. She doesn’t merely play Rose; she embodies her. The vocals — which are, of course, rich and operatic and often jaw-dropping — feel utterly seamless with Rose’s way of expressing herself. Onstage, McDonald isn’t a Broadway diva, but a storyteller. This is why she’ll most likely break her own record in the spring as the most Tony-nominated performer of all time with what would be her 11th nod. To put it in Rose’s terms: She’s got it.
However, the text has not been altered to explicitly support this thesis, leaving the racial subtext as an intriguing but peripheral layer to an otherwise outstanding production of one of the greatest musicals. One wonders whether Wolfe intended to develop the concept further and ultimately decided against it, which may have been for the best. I look forward to seeing “Gypsy” on Broadway again in 2040 – but not before attending this remarkable production at least a few more times.
1959 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1961 | US Tour |
1st National Tour US Tour |
1961 | US Tour |
2nd National Tour US Tour |
1973 | West End |
London Revival West End |
1974 | Broadway |
Broadway Production Broadway |
1976 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
1989 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
1998 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
2003 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
2006 | St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
St. Louis MUNY Production St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
2006 |
Regional Concert |
|
2007 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway Revival Off-Broadway |
2008 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
2014 | Regional (US) |
Connecticut Rep Production Regional (US) |
2015 | West End |
West End Revival Production West End |
2018 | St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
The Muny Revival St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
2024 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
Videos