THEATRE GOSSIP #578 Will Audra be appearing at her own Opening Night?

Link to previous thread

I predict raves for Audra. Not so much for the new choreography.

That was Sheridan Smith, not Audra, in Opening Night.

sergius gave Audra a rave. He seems to be one of the more discerning and seasoned theatre enthusiasts at ATC.

Former Madame Morrible Carol Kane Was ‘Blown Away’ by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in ‘Wicked’

Kane spent years playing Morrible in the Broadway production of "Wicked," as well as the national tour.

“I was blown away by their vulnerability and truthfulness in these characters,” said Kane, “which is so essential because they come from opposite ends of belief and upbringing and they come together in a way that is so moving and I definitely think they captured that.”

“I was just swept away and it’s very true to the musical, so all the songs, I know all the words and the plot and the great characters,” Kane told IndieWire. “There are changes, like Doctor Dillamond and the goat is a goat. In the play, he’s a person who’s goat-like. So there are those changes that you can do on film and the sets are extraordinary, but much of it is extremely reminiscent of the play and it was just a joy to watch.”

We need Carol Kane back on the stage.

This title seems pernicious.

[quote]Didn't he say the same thing about Ann Miller's?

Oh, he didn’t care for Miller’s at all. He felt she didn’t have a clue what she was actually singing about.

The Roommate closed today. Standby Carol Halstead posted on Instagram that it was one wild ride. Oh, Carol, I'm sure it was. At least she got to go on for Patti once. I guess Marsha Mason was busy that day.

Such a weird story. Why even have an understudy when they cancelled performances rather than she perform as well having an uncredited actress play the part instead of using the understudy

I believe Equity requires the producers to hire an understudy. Whether or not she goes on is at the discretion of management.

How audracious!

I see what you did there, r12, you little devil!

I watched the CBS Sunday Morning segment with Audra McDonald discussing GYPSY. I saw the entire show just before Thanksgiving. CBS showed a few clips from the show.

I know many people are raving about her performance, but I was not impressed. For some reason, she plays Rose as a hunchback old lady with a weird accent. If they had put a grey wig on her head and given her a walker, she could have been one of the old ladies from THE PRODUCERS. And the voice is all wrong - sounding more operatic than belty. I especially felt that way about EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES. I know she is beloved in the community, and I wanted to like her...

Take another look at Imelda Staunton's performance as Rose in Gypsy. That continues to impress me.

Broadway’s box office union, which is in contract negotiations with the Broadway League, claims that the industry’s embrace of TodayTix Group represents an unfair labor practice.

[quote]Take another look at Imelda Staunton's performance as Rose in Gypsy. That continues to impress me.

And with that you lost us all, R14.

In the photo at r14, is that Grandmama Rose?

I saw the YouTube video of Imelda singing some people and I was really impressed. She got every laugh line in that song and really batted it out of the park. And I mean that in a good way.

Incidentally, the Imelda Staunton production was pro-shot and is available to watch for free on YouTube.

Saw Imelda live in London. Knocked it out of the park. I saw Angela, Tyne and Patti. Loved them all, but Imelda may be my favorite.

Miss Krakowski's bio...

Interesting, R21.

Jane was offered Xanadu and begged to do it by the producers, but she turned it down.

She would have been perfect, but it was a hit anyway.

And nothing about 30 Rock and Kimmy Schmidt? Tina Fey paid her bills for years.

Staunton has her schtick, which is that she plays every character angry and/or crazy from the get-go and escalates from there.

That acknowledged, she was terrific as Mama Rose when I saw her at the silver filagree Savoy Theater in London. I was particularly impressed with her “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” which was a ferocious and terrifying exhibition of misplaced ambition. (And Peter Davison in that production is the best Herbie I’ve ever seen).

R22, you didn't notice that the bio focuses entirely on projects that never happened?

No shit, R24. I question the focus.

I question your tediousness.

Girls, girls, you're both pretty

I performed, too, mama.

The Mo Rocca piece on GYPSY spotlighted its classic status, but mentioned only Laurents. No mention of Sondheim or Styne, who had a pretty good hand in making the show a success.

It ain’t the same.

From what R14 says, it sounds like Flip Wilson went on for Audra the night he was there.

Girls, girls, please, you can both get plastic surgery!

Geraldine's really more of a Miss Mazeppa.

R31 omg that’s it!! I saw Gypsy too and couldn’t put my finger on Audra’s performance and it all makes sense when the context is that it’s a Flip Wilson homage.

Bigot here, bigot there.

God this thread sucks.

[quote]Staunton has her schtick, which is that she plays every character angry and/or crazy from the get-go and escalates from there. That acknowledged, she was terrific as Mama Rose when I saw her at the silver filagree Savoy Theater in London.

That sure sounds like a self-contradictory statement to me.

Audra! Stand up straight! We love you!

With everyone always gushing about how perfect a musical GYPSY is, I seem to be the only one who always things, meh.

What's the difference between a standby and an understudy?

I'm ready for my spot in the Dreamgirls revival!!!

R40, I can't stop laughing!!!

One of the commenters: The ending is incredible. She's going for all 12 keys! At once! Bless her heart.

[quote]What's the difference between a standby and an understudy?

Stature

R42 - Bibi Osterwald

Speaking of...

11 best Broadway debuts according to Theatre Mania, in alphabetical order:

Kit Connor as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet

Zoey Deutch as Emily Webb in Our Town

Robert Downey Jr. as Jacob McNeal in McNeal

Adrian Blake Enscoe as Little Brother in Swept Away

Cole Escola as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!

Adam Lambert as the Emcee in Cabaret

Rachel McAdams as Mary Jane in Mary Jane

Maleah Joi Moon as Ali in Hell’s Kitchen

Sarah Pidgeon as Diana in Stereophonic

Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard

Helen J Shen as Claire in Maybe Happy Ending

Zzzzz

Joe Blow, as Joe.

R45 I would have eliminated Adam Lambert in CABARET and replaced him with Tom Francis from SUNSET BOULEVARD. Terrific actor/singer and hot as hell!

Theatremania is still a thing?

[quote]What's the difference between a standby and an understudy?

A standby is on call if a principal player is unable to perform for whatever reason, but otherwise is not in the cast. A standby might be semi well known in his/her own right.

An understudy is a cast member who has a smaller role and also covers a principal role. A "swing" (someone who covers more than one role) then performs the understudy's usual role. A star performer will generally have both a standby and an understudy.

R49, the definitions you gave are the ones I learned, but I think the problem is, so many people use the terms so interchangeably that the distinctions have been lost.

What’s Funny About John Mulaney and Simon Rich’s Friendship? Everything:

THIS DAY IN BROADWAY HISTORY: In 1998, "Parade" opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Saw "All In" last week. Its ambitions are low and they reach them. Korin's set is insane for 4 people sitting on chairs. I kept thinking, this is like reading "The New Yorker" and then I come to find out a bunch of them were originally from The New Yorker. The music was fun, and the cast was fun, and it all went by before my eyes. Kind of felt like I was at a benefit.

[quote]R49, the definitions you gave are the ones I learned, but I think the problem is, so many people use the terms so interchangeably that the distinctions have been lost.

The distinctions haven't been lost among those working under Equity contracts. It really doesn't matter what casual theatergoers think. Casual theatergoers also refer to cast albums as soundtracks.

Agreed, R54, but I would say the distinctions have been largely lost among the general public, including many theater fans who are not Equity members.

When I was a young theatre-going gayling and read all the credits in the back of the playbill after the show I'd think, "Swing girl? I don't remember anyone on a swing in the show." Now, of course, I know better but still laugh at my younger self.

r56 has apparently never seen "Ragtime."

Wheeee!

I inspired the crime of the century ya fuckers! Don't you dare forget me.

Audra is giving the performance of her career. The show is terrific. But Audra is spectacular!

R59 = Nicole Brown Simpson

All In makes me long for Once Upon A Mattress. It’s absolute shit..

Has Lindsay Mendez been served with divorce papers yet? She’s overdue, if histrionics are — sorry, if history is any guide.

Broadway Box Office:

She IS...Patty McCormack.

R59 Although the newspapers called the shooting "the crime of the century," Goldman knew it was only 1906 -- and there were 94 years to go!

My favourite line in Ragtime, R66. I think of it often when media people exaggerate today's events.

r63 And you're bringing her up because...?

Because it’s a theater gossip thread, cunt?

Your failed attempts to be witty with out-of-date references do not count as gossip.

Whatever happened to the plans for a Broadway production of The Mousetrap?

Someone built a better one.

PETA filed a protest.

Wow...Audra in Gypsy is really dividing people. Not as much as Bernadette did, but I've heard both raves and pans.

[Quote] Whatever happened to the plans for a Broadway production of The Mousetrap?

The policeman did it

Dead Outlaw's got the Longacre.

R76: The Longacre is cursed.

R76: My condolences.

[quote] In the photo at [R14], is that Grandmama Rose?

You can cut that out. Audra barely looks her actual age.

[quote]You can cut that out. Audra barely looks her actual age.

Yeah, but in those frumpy costumes, old lady hairstyles, and that hunchback posture, she really does look like Granny Rose.

^All she needs is some spectator pumps, r80.

Yeah, my original comment calling her Grandmama Rose is all about how Audra is costumed and wigged, not about Audra herself, who indeed looks much younger than she really is. I can't imagine choosing grey as a color for Rose. Or that deadly greyish blue she sings Rose's Turn in. Where's Leading Lady Red when you need it?

R80. Is that dress from the Bea Benaderet collection?

I thought it looked familiar!

New Oh, Mary! cast just dropped.

Follies at Pasedena Playhouse has Stephanie J Block as….Phyllis Rodgers Stone.

I’m sorry….but she is a Sally not a Phyllis

Are we that desperate for another Follies revival??

Does Audra's GYPSY have a gender nonbinary Mazeppa?

[quote]Are we that desperate for another Follies revival??

It's a concert, r87.

In what world is Stephanie Block a Sally, R86? I don't think of her as someone who exudes vulnerability, nor have I heard her sing anything remotely like Sally's songs.

I think we should come up with a definitive name for the Audra Rose, so we DLers can be consistent in our... er, praise. Here are a few.

Grandmama Rose

Grandma Rose

Granny Rose

Grandma Roses (Does anyone remember Grandma Moses?)

Feel free to add more to the list or vote for your favorite.

Well, Grandmama Rose is a spin on Mama Rose, after all. And it would drive the ghost of Arthur Laurents crazy.

I will be shocked if ALL the reviews don't cream over Audra even if there are some quibbles with the production. And, of course, she'll get her 7th Tony. And mind you, I haven't seen it yet.

But still.....

Bernadette should coerce Cameron into letting her do “Rose’s Turn” in OLD FRIENDS; I believe she has it in her still to deliver as she did 20 years ago. Plus, more GYPSY!

R93, while I didn't like her performance, I agree with you that the critics will cream over Audra. BUT I don't think she'll get her 7th TONY. My guess is that it will go to Nicole Scherzinger. She has the voice.

Rachel Bay Jones is Sally. That is excellent casting. Aaron Lazar is Ben. Derrick Baskin is Buddy.

But *who* is Dee Dee West???

R87, the Pasadena FOLLIES is a concert version, three performances only.

Well then, are we really that desperate for another concert version of Follies (if that's the best cast that can be mustered)??

Give the blessed show a rest ffs.

R99, you might want to consider that the number of FOLLIES productions that have been seen in other cities is probably far smaller than the number that have been seen in New York. Or are you too solipsistic to comprehend that fact?

My first production of FOLLIES was in Denver circa 1973. Sally was the dazzling and effervescent Miss Kit Andree.

Dear Jesus, I pray there are no more revivals of FOLLIES ever!!!

I vote for GRANNY GET YOUR CHEST VOICE.

What will get us through the Trump/Musk/Vance era if not Follies?

You make everything about *you*, r102.

I also saw this in the round production at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre in '88.

Did someone ring for me?

The only "Follies" I've seen (live, anyway) are the infamous Long Beach CLO and the L.A. touring version of the most recent Broadway revival. (We got Victoria Clark instead of Bernie.)

Pasadena is doing a concert version of "Anything Goes" the preceding weekend, with Jinkx Monsoon, Wayne Brady, J. Harrison Ghee, Alec Mapa, and Harvey Guillen.

I live very close to Pasadena and would be interested in them both, but you can only get tickets if you're a season subscriber (right now anyway.)

R95, and a MAGA hat.

R105, a Candlelight production without Hollis Resnick??

I loved the Follies at the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre!

Ami Silvestre had to do, r109.

NYT reviews "Gypsy":

Deadline:

Variety:

NYT reviews "Annie":

I'd like to take a moment to remember...Ambrosine Phillpotts.

[quote]Dear Jesus, I pray there are no more revivals of FOLLIES ever!!!

Your prayer is denied.

I'm thinking Melania is more of a Phyllis.

[quote] MTG as Sally?

Only if she follows through with Sally’s threat to commit suicide.

[quote]The only "Follies" I've seen (live, anyway) are the infamous Long Beach CLO

Why do you call it “infamous”? It had first class production values, was never less than good and occasionally dazzling (Karen Morrow’s “I’m Still Here”).

The poster from above wins! Naturally the critics creamed all over Audra, who seems to be above criticism.

Also why is everyone always thrilled with Rachel Bay Jones as Sally? She was originally to do “Losing My Mind” at the Carnegie Hall concert before she withdrew and everyone was like “she is amazing!”

R121, maybe people actually like and respect these performers. And maybe qualities that you can’t get over are not that big of a deal for others.

Audra brings intelligence, a broad and specific emotional range, and strong vocal technique. Some may not like her choices, or may find them disqualifying, but there is a lot she delivers whether you like how she does it.

Similarly, Rachel Bsy Jones is quirky. authentic, and charming. You may not like her voice or her choices. But a lot of people do - in many different shows.

r122 We all know it's one thing in particular that most DLers can't get over. And now they'll howl that's not the case, and yet a quick look at their post histories...

The Gloria Upsons and Bunny Bixler types....

If I could go back in a time machine to one musical, it would be the opening night of Gypsy with Merman. There are varying reports whether she walked through the role later in the run. Barbara Cook said she saw Gypsy twice, once when Ethel was perfect and another time where she clearly didn't care. Jack Klugman said Ethel never gave less than 100 percent. And Sondheim or Laurants (two bitchy queens who probably resented that Ethel got all the love in the reviews) said that Ethel would only perk up when there was a celebrity in the audience.

But I digress. I've seen six Mama Roses in live performances, starting with Lansbury, and I think that Audra's "Rose's Turn" was the best of them all. Her rage and disappointment and delusions are truly devastating to watch. Jesse Green wastes too much space in his review talking the racial politics of a mixed cast and how real that would have been in the waning days of vaudeville. Who the fuck cares? I don't remember similar criticisms when Audra was cast in Carousel.

My main problem with the show is the Louise strip. Having seen others do it much better (especially Laura Benanti) I don't know if Joy Woods or George Wolfe is at fault. But we don't see the transformation from gawky, scared teenager to assured, saucy stripper.

Oh, and I miss the strobe lights transformation of the kids in the act to teens. There was no reason to replace that.

Jesse Green and his "Critics' Picks" are not helping Broadway or theatre for that matter. It's a race to the bottom where everyone gets a trophy (or a critics' pick).

R126: Tell me about it

[quote] I don't remember similar criticisms when Audra was cast in Carousel.

Honestly, there was tons of "I can't believe they cast a Black woman! How daring!!" We look back and think how the "controversy" was utterly stupid. Plus, it was Audra McDonald.

Typical DL--

The critics are in unanimous agreement that Audra's Rose is incredible but DL thinks she's the worst EVAH!!

I suspect that so much energy and sunlight has been given to Audra to make sure she's at her best and in the spotlight that other parts of the production suffered.

I had no problem with Audra as Rose. I just wish she would not have used the soprano register on her big numbers.

Her acting was fine.

Tulsa certainly isn’t getting any attention in this production.

[quote] Tulsa certainly isn’t getting any attention in this production.

He’s a fine dancer. But the new choreography suffers in comparison to the Robbins original choreography.

Not everyone loves Audra’s portrayal.

R134, actually the reviewer does seem to like Audra's portrayal; it's the overall productions he has the most issues with.

Really?

“The actress goes for maybe half the biting laughs that are available to her. For a character described in the script as not nice, McDonald’s interpretation is, well, awfully nice. A Rose without thorns...

Which brings me to her singing. The actress’ silky soprano has been celebrated for decades. She’s won six Tonys. And her voice is as beautiful as ever here — unfortunately, often on songs that flat-out must not be pretty to fulfill their dramatic purpose: the raw desire to succeed in a harsh world…”

[quote]The critics are in unanimous agreement that Audra's Rose is incredible but DL thinks she's the worst EVAH!!

Of course, the liberals critics are going to give her anything but utter praise!

Have you been in a coma the past 4 years?

Film/theater critics have become meaningless, because they're afraid to criticize, especially POC.

But "woke" is dying, so people will be able to speak their mind more in a year or so.

A person who uses “woke” is telling us mucho about their character.

The overall production is deadly. Wolfe is past his prime. He ruined it.

R136, Yes, really:

"Joining their esteemed ranks, McDonald undeniably makes Rose her own, as her predecessors all did, with a thoughtful portrayal. In demeanor, her Mama is unusually soft and vulnerable, with eyes that well up long before the climactic finale, “Rose’s Turn.” "

[quote] Film/theater critics have become meaningless, because they're afraid to criticize, especially POC. But "woke" is dying, so people will be able to speak their mind more in a year or so.

But you're criticizing her solely because she's Black

[quote] "For a character described in the script as not nice, McDonald’s interpretation is, well, awfully nice. A Rose without thorns."

The critic is being weirdly simplistic. Audra creates a full human being. The critic seems to be concerned that she's not one- dimensional

Audra being Black seems to be the overriding issue so many. How odd is that?

I thought Lupone's Rose was nice-ish too. She was funny and flirty--but had a strong vision for what she wanted her kids to become.

In the end the audiences decide what's a hit and what isn't. Shows that get great reviews flop while shows that receive tepid reviews succeed. Gypsy seems to be doing great business with enthusiastic audiences so, as long as Audra is in it, I'm sure it will have a healthy run.

I haven't seen this GYPSY and probably won't. Audra seemed miscast vocally for my and nothing of the audio clips I've heard has dissuaded me that this is indeed not the case. People I know who have seen it have all been very mixed about the entire production from the scenery and lighting to the direction to the woman playing Louise. Most people I know have said Audra's acting is excellent but that her voice is indeed "wrong" for this role. Most of the critics have praised the show to to the heavens. I'll trust the people I know who have seen it - thank you.

Thanks for letting us know r146, we were on tenterhooks

A+ for correct spelling of tenterhooks., r147.

[quote]The actress’ silky soprano has been celebrated for decades.

"Silky"? Audra's voice is a milkshake and Luker's voice was champagne.

Rebecca Luker's voice was heaven sent.

what a voice r150. League of her own.

Friends tell me that one of the musical's most moving moments—Louise's fantasy when she joins Tulsa at the end of All I Need Is the Girl—is totally botched in this production. What a shame.

R152 in the original production and all Broadway revivals, Louise has always joined Tulsa in his dance number. He even says, "That's it, Louise! But do it over here! Give me your hand! Faster! Now Charleston right! Again! Again! Turn!"

In the current production, it's a bit unclear whether Louise is joining Tulsa in his dance or if it was just her fantasy. At the end of the number, she's back on a stoop, watching him. So I took it to mean that her dance with him was all in her imagination.

The original Jerome Robbins choreography was perfect and should have been retained.

"Stop start directing......:

I can hardly wait to use that expression myself.

[quote]The original Jerome Robbins choreography was perfect and should have been retained.

Not to mention the original dance music.

[quote] Audra's voice is a milkshake and Luker's voice was champagne.

What a stupid comparison. As if Luker were once a great Rose. BS

[quote] The original Jerome Robbins choreography was perfect and should have been retained.

What are you, 1000 years old and yelping at the moon?

Let another generation try to interpret the whole thing a different way

R157: an 18 year old SJW who thinks Tulsa should’ve incorporated the Kangsta Wok into “All I Need is the Girl.”

R158; 1000 year old DLer who thinks18 year old just listen to hip hop

[quote]Audra brings intelligence, a broad and specific emotional range, and strong vocal technique. Some may not like her choices, or may find them disqualifying, but there is a lot she delivers whether you like how she does it.

I don't think there was ever any question in anyone's mind whether she would deliver in terms of commitment and energy. The fact is that some people just feel she's wrong for the part in one way or another, ESPECIALLY in vocal terms. And at least one of thee critics -- the Deadline critic -- did state that he felt her performance was not successful on that front.

[quote]We all know it's one thing in particular that most DLers can't get over. And now they'll howl that's not the case, and yet a quick look at their post histories...

No, YOU are the only person who "knows" this, because you are obsessed with that particular topic and simply won't admit to any questioning of the casting of POC performers in ANY role on artistic grounds, no matter much that strains credibility

Thanks, R134, for posting that review. I never thought I would agree with anything written in the NY Post, but this review of GYPSY nails exactly how I felt. And unlike some others in this thread, I've actually SEEN the production, not just the clips. The review also mentions the incredible transformation of Louise into Gypsy Rose Lee, which others have disputed. In spite of the bad direction and choreography, the actress Joy Woods goes from being a forgettable schlump into a beautiful woman, and you never saw it coming. In other productions, like the one with Laura Benanti, Louise looks like a beautiful woman stuck inside some bad costumes, so it is no surprise when she blossoms into a star. And as for Audra's singing voice:

[quote]Imagine another Styne tune, "Don't Rain On My Parade," being sung like "Casta Diva," and you get some idea.

The review identifies Audra's weird accent as a southern drawl, even though Rose Hovick was from Seattle. And as others have mentioned, Audra, in her demeanor and bad costumes, looks more like Grandmama Rose. The chintzy sets don't help either.

Finally, all the botched classic moments - like the aging of the newsboy or Louise joining Tulsa in his big number - make this production seem not quite right. As the review suggests, the blame falls in the lap of George Wolfe.

When every Broadway production of Gypsy follows mostly the same staging, departures and variations on your favorite moments are going to feel wrong, especially on first viewing. It doesn’t mean they are.

[quote]Audra being Black seems to be the overriding issue so many. How odd is that?

Are you honestly getting that from this thread? Because I've seen very few comments that even bring that up, whereas the NY Times review spent several paragraphs on it.

[quote] Are you honestly getting that from this thread? Because I've seen very few comments that even bring that up, whereas the NY Times review spent several paragraphs on it.

Are you an idiot? Of course many who actually mean it aren't going to come right out and say that.

[quote]When every Broadway production of Gypsy follows mostly the same staging, departures and variations on your favorite moments are going to feel wrong, especially on first viewing. It doesn’t mean they are.

They don't necessarily feel wrong because they've never been done that way before, but because the staging departures miss something important in the traditional staging. Many people would argue that it's VERY important for Louise to actually join in with Tulsa's dance at the end, and when that moment isn't there, it's a big loss even though it's just a moment.

I'd like to hear the opinion of someone who has never seen Gypsy. I'm sick of the comparisons. I'd like to know how it stands on its own

[quote]Are you an idiot? Of course many who actually mean it aren't going to come right out and say that.

I'm not an idiot, but you are obviously a mind-reader. Or, rather, you THINK you are, which of course is ridiculously arrogant. Do you honestly not believe it's possible that some people here are questioning Audra's casting in this role on purely vocal grounds?

[quote] Many people would argue that it's VERY important for Louise to actually join in with Tulsa's dance at the end, and when that moment isn't there, it's a big loss even though it's just a moment.

Is it really a "big loss"? really?

[quote] I'm not an idiot, but you are obviously a mind-reader. Or, rather, you THINK you are, which of course is ridiculously arrogant. Do you honestly not believe it's possible that some people here are questioning Audra's casting in this role on purely vocal grounds?

How does one say he hasn't read through this thread without one actually saying he hasn't read through the thread...?

R169, yes, some people honestly feel it is. Now, shut up.

R171, "Some people" = actually no one

R170, I have read through the thread, and I suppose you have, too, but you've done so with a fully-formed idea in your head that you obviously wouldn't allow to be contradicted by the actual posts in the thread.

At least they didn't cut "Some People."

R173, Sure, keep believing that her singing is the only thing that people are questioning about Audra's characterization

So, R172, you're sure that "no one" feels that the cutting of that moment at the end of "All I Need is the Girl" is a big loss? Even though at least two people have posted about it?

[quote]Sure, keep believing that her singing is the only thing that people are questioning about Audra's characterization

I didn't say it's "the only thing," but it seems to be the main focus of this thread, with very little focus on race until someone barged in and started claiming otherwise, joined by others who agree based on their supposed ability to read other people's minds.

God, you people are boring.

[quote] So, [R172], you're sure that "no one" feels that the cutting of that moment at the end of "All I Need is the Girl" is a big loss? Even though at least two people have posted about it?

We just figured it was you posting twice.

R177, yes racism is always so loud and public...

Ruth Negga, please!

Jerry Mitchell choreographed the Mendes revival but I don't remember any drastic changes. Actually, I remember thinking why did they bother bringing in Jerry Mitchell if he's not going to bring something new to the musical numbers.

Audra's voice is miscast as Rose as much as Rebecca Luker's would be miscast as Fanny Brice.

Or, for that matter Kelli O'hara as Rose. It has nothing to do with skin color.

Please, from the original announcement, we got so many comments about a Black Rose and how would that make sense, and blah blah blah.

Let's stop pretending it wasn't a major issue

The problem with GYPSY is we bring all the baggage from previous versions. We rarely let it play as if it's the first time we're seeing it.

I've never been enamored with GYPSY so I forget most of it almost as soon as I see it. Let's see if Audra can change that

[quote]Audra's voice is miscast as Rose as much as Rebecca Luker's would be miscast as Fanny Brice.

I think that Rebecca Luker would have been fine as Fanny Brice.

r185 Not to mention comments like r31's. But apparently we're just making that all up out of nothing.

And those calling her Mammy Rose.

Now they’re trying to gaslight us with—“No one care or even mentions her skin color….”

[quote]We just figured it was you posting twice.

Well, you were wrong, as you can determine if you care to.

[quote]Yes racism is always so loud and public...

Of course it isn't. But people here objected to Audra's performance in GYPSY specifically because they feel she's vocally wrong for the part, yet others are insisting those people are REALLY objecting to her casting on racial grounds, even though race was never brought up in any of those posts. And I think hat's despicable.

[quote]Please, from the original announcement, we got so many comments about a Black Rose and how would that make sense, and blah blah blah. Let's stop pretending it wasn't a major issue

I'm talking about THIS THREAD, which had no discussion of race until one or two troublemakers brought it up by insisting that's what some people are REALLY objecting to, not Audra's vocal unsuitability for the role.

I see Captain Caps Lock and Mademoiselle J'Accuse have returned in full force.

Alas for the rest of us.

*3* GIRLS *3*

[quote]I see Captain Caps Lock and Mademoiselle J'Accuse have returned in full force.

'Tis the reason for the season!

r191 What an unsurprisingly pathetic response. Ignoring the fact that there are racist and bigoted comments in this thread (I notice how you pretended not to see my post at r188), are we meant to believe that people who were posting comments about "mammy Rose" and other racist shit suddenly reformed once #577 was started? That we should seriously take their posts as genuine criticism, just as long as they keep their racism to other threads?

What's truly "despicable" is how posters like you remain silent when people are making their "mammy Rose" type comments. And yet when someone calls them out for that racism - oh well that you will not stay silent about. That's where you draw the line. There's a reason that when people say "a lot of the criticism about Audra is rooted in racism" you feel attacked. If you genuinely were not bigoted and your criticism was genuine you'd think "well, that's not aimed me".

But instead here you are saying that you can't judge someone by what they said unless it's in the same thread.

Is there any other pointless Broadway bitchery besides Gypsy?

What about Erika Jayne coming to Chicago for 3 weeks?

Unless Bernadette is making news or Follies is returning, nothing will move them off Audra. It's Audra!

Well, that is certainly pointless, r196.

Tulsa, who's had him?

[quote]You are saying that you can't judge someone by what they said unless it's in the same thread.

R195, you are ridiculous. Perhaps you have nothing better to do with your time than to determine, by whatever method, that the people who made racist comments in past threads are the same ones who, in this thread, are only commenting on Audra's vocal unsuitability for the role. But I do. So again, I'm only judging the comments in this thread by the content of each thread.

[quote]Tulsa, who's had him?

I haven't had him, but it took me a while to realize that actor was one of the hottest of the Jets in the Spielberg WEST SIDE STORY.

Hot needs more context here. Hot potato face, yes.

Talking about Audra is boring.

[quote]Talking about Audra is boring.

Then stop bringing her up, r203.

[Quote] I'm talking about THIS THREAD, which had no discussion of race until one or two troublemakers brought it up by insisting that's what some people are REALLY objecting to, not Audra's vocal unsuitability for the role.

So basically you’re admitting that race has been brought up as a factor in how people are viewing Audra’s performance. (You’ve just chosen to ignore those comments on this thread, but racist comments about her are all over DL.)

What’ll really piss racists off is when Audra stars in “I’m white white white white white—-The Musical!”

Poor Bernadette— her voice is completely fried, and has been for a decade. But, she still keeps chugging along for a paycheck

R205, of course race has been brought up as a factor in how people are viewing Audra's performance, but (1) I saw little if any of that in this thread until people like you started bringing it up, and (2) just because someone questions the casting of Black actors in GYPSY on artistic grounds absolutely does not mean those people are "racist," no matter how much you insist otherwise.

Joy Woods out of Gypsy this afternoon.

r208 When those people have been making racist comments and are unable to even remotely back up their argument without the use of dog whistles, yeah, they are racist. But it is interesting to see how you have changed your argument from 'some people have issues with Audra's performance' to 'no black actors should be cast in Gypsy'. I dread to think what you'll be arguing for a week from now.

R207 hasn’t the voice been gone since Song and Dance?

[Quote] saw little if any of that in this thread until people like you started bringing it up,

Um…. I just pointed it out. R34 and R137 were far before me. Also, the vast majority of this thread isn’t even about Gypsy’s. In fact, the parallel thread which is solely about Audra is loaded with racist statements—so let’s stop pretending criticisms of her performance aren’t drenched in racism.

Yes, one can quibble with the vocal choices she make that are different from past Roses (like people quibbled with Peter’s’ kewpiedoll voice)— but you have to admit it’s ridiculous to claim she doesn’t have the vocal chops to sing Rose. She wants to portray a different, gentler, more complex Rose and these are the choices she made.

[Quote] But it is interesting to see how you have changed your argument from 'some people have issues with Audra's performance' to 'no black actors should be cast in Gypsy'. I dread to think what you'll be arguing for a week from now.

The argument will become “(now that Black actors can play the role) we don’t need another revival for at least a century.)

Last night at Gypsy I sat next to Ayo Edebiri, Lena Waithe, and Cynthia Erivo. Did I say a word?? No 😭😂

I saw Bernadette in concert at a benefit just a month ago and she was delightful. While her voice is considerably weakened, she was still utterly charming croaking out the old favorites as well as a lot of new material with a 3-piece band. And believe it or not, she delivered some hilarious jokes amidst her engaging patter. She also, of course, looked spectacular in one of those beaded "nude" gowns she often wears that are cut up to here and down to there. All well-worth the $200 ticket.

The last of a dying breed.

A LOT of tickets available for GYPSY next week.

R216, if that info is accurate, it's quite surprising -- whether you're talking about this week, leading into Christmas, or next week, leading into New Year's Day.

Elf is outselling Gypsy.

Excuse me! What am I, chopped liver? Haven't I been good to you gays?

R167, my husband was a Gypsy virgin. We went to the first preview. He can’t stop talking about how great it (and she) was.

I can’t rave enough about this production and Audra’s performance.

Pick it apart. Devour it. I don’t care. My partner and I had a terrific time. It was a fantastic show with a spectacular lead performance.

R219-Yes Darren, you've been swell, you've been great. Now present hole.

R215 I was at her Carnegie Hall concert in October. She didn’t have new material at that time, but she was able to put across what she did nicely. She got a standing ovation for “Losing My Mind” and her encore was a beautiful “Anyone Can Whistle”

I love Bernadette for her work and I've treasured all her Broadway work, particularly the Sondheim masterpieces. But why the fuck does she still insist on dressing like a 20 year old sex kitten for all her concerts? A simple black dress would do the trick -- all the low cut, tit revealing gowns are weird at this point.

R223. Maybe because she still looks great in those tight, low cut, sleeveless dresses. And she does.

[quote]But why the fuck does she still insist on dressing like a 20 year old sex kitten for all her concerts?

She looks gweat.

Wait, Louise doesn't dance with Tulsa at the end of all I need is the girl? That's one of the sweetest moments in the show…

Bernadette likes da pussy, right?

Bernadette likes men, and lost a husband to a helicopter accident. It's amazing she's still entertaining. And now she lost Marvin, her beloved music director for decades.

I heard there was something going on between her & her longtime (female) assistant.

Doesn’t Bernadette also like gals and this is what sunk her relationship with Steve Martin?

I know we still have months until the Tony nominations, but do we think The Hills of California will still be remembered?

I'd already forgotten it.

I think we all know if any show is remembered in May, it will be The Roommate and Mia Farrow will be nominated and Patti LuPone will be rightfully snubbed!

Bernadette sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me

Bernadette's assistant for a number of years was quite dykey and they were always together so that might have sparked rumors.

Hills of California will definitely be remembered. It's British, reviews were great, and Laura Donnelly may well win Best Actress..

Not so fast, r236.

I absolutely LOVED Hills of California. I still don't know why it got such a cool reception.

Because it was little more than an overwritten soap opera with a tired and predictable plot? Just because it was spoken in indecipherable English accents doesn't make it any smarter.

If The Hills of California was written by an American playwright about a single mother bringing up her daughters at the Jersey shore it would have never reached Broadway.

HOC is Butterworth's weakest play ever. And I saw The Night Heron and The River!

Lesser Butterworth is still great theater. And, the new play category tends to be easy to break into simply because there's not that many new plays on Broadway every year. It will get noms for Play, Actress, and Featured Actress at the very least.

Anything that has closed by the time the nominations are out rarely gets remembered.

The whole point of the TONYS is to remind audiences of what shows are currently on Bway

Spring would have been a better time to bring over HILLS OF CALIFORNIA. Having said that, I think Laura D is a lock for a nomination and so is the play.

[quote]If The Hills of California was written by an American playwright about a single mother bringing up her daughters at the Jersey shore it would have never reached Broadway.

Let me rewrite that for you, R240. Don't you mean:

"If The Hills of California had been written by an American musical comedy team about a single mother bringing up her daughters in Seattle, hoping to get them into show business, it would never have reached Broadway."

You get my point.

No one will remember Hills of California at Tony time. No one remembered it even when it was playing

The Roommate?? It got lousy reviews.

[quote]The Roommate?? It got lousy reviews.

Deservedly so.

I thought Hills of California was quite moving and provided a very satisfying evening -- the type of which we don't get in the theatre very much anymore -- with a large cast of pretty flawless theatre actors (without any A-list stars), high production values, very effective direction and a type of... meatiness in the work that makes you feel like you got your money's worth. So many plays produced these days have a tiny cast, a very short duration and minimal scenery. I don't think it was a revolutionary work of theatre, nor even Butterworth's best play, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, the way one might enjoy a very well produced PBS / Masterpiece limited series.

Hills of Ca got pretty lousy review too

[quote]Hills of Ca got pretty lousy review too

According to Did They Like It (the Metacritic of theatre reviews), it got...

- 10 raves (including NY Times, NY Post, Time Out, Deadline and Variety)

- 2 so-so reviews

- 2 pans (from Daily Beast and Vulture)

And the pan that counted—the audiences

Is Oh Mary a lock to win best play?

Oh, Mary! is in better shape than I would have expected, but I'm sure that Good Night, and Good Luck isn't going to willingly sit on the sidelines.

Audra posted on Instagram about a bug that's floating around Broadway and she's got it. But she's been going on anyway.

To acquaint myself with this Miss Betty Gilpin chick, I watched *this* movie the other night. To quote George Takei, "Oh my." She seems absolutely fearless.

THE HUNT is quite an amazing movie, and Gilpin is great in it.

It’s a sad year when O Mary is a front runner to win Best Play

EUREKA DAY has gotten raves and will surely get a Best Play nomination and then there's also critic's darling Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE soon to open.

I don't really think Hills of California will have a chance come spring. Frankly, I doubt Laura Donnelly will even be remembered.

NYT reviews "All In":

Deadline:

Darren Criss interview today on CBS Sunday Morning:

They were pushing Darren Criss on CBS like he was the grandson of Jane Pauley.

[quote] Audra posted on Instagram about a bug that's floating around Broadway and she's got it. But she's been going on anyway.

Since she is billed above the show title, if Audra is out can a ticket holder get a refund?

R264, when she was out from Porgy and Bess, everyone was able to get replacement tickets

[quote]Since she is billed above the show title, if Audra is out can a ticket holder get a refund

Yes, of course..

It's very confusing that both Sadie Sink and Sarah Snook are both going to be headlining B'way plays this spring.

From a discussion on Reddit about All In:

[quote]Richard Kind pulled out his phone to check the time at one point.

Ah, professionalism.

I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I always feel sort of short-changed when Richard Kind is appearing in something.

Cabaret improved its promotional art.

That's not a good example. I just mean that in the stars banner, Adam looks like himself rather than sporting that garish red.

Richard Kind has never tried to play any parts out of his wheelhouse, and he's excellent in those roles, one of the few current actors with old-school comic timing.

Darren Criss could be halfway to EGOT by June. What the fuck?

New art -- yes, that's what will save this thoroughly shitty production of CABARET. That's the answer...

Well, that new art DOES make the production look more appealing -- or, I should say, less less off-putting. But I have no doubt it's just as vulgar and disgusting as ever in actual performance, so caveat emptor.

I was frustrated with Cabaret, but I am curious how it plays now in the post-Resistance era. They might have done better opening in 2025.

They might have done better finding a real director.

R276, it would still seem stupid

And choreographer...

Redmayne chose the creative team, obviously picking people who wouldn't say no to him.

Someone on ATC posted that GYPSY is cancelled tonight.

Donnelly will absolutely be remembered. It's a tour de forc performance and she was nominated for Ferryman.

r281 Yep, ticket holders have received cancellation notices

I pretty amazed by actors--they will be out for a bad virus 1-2 days and then get right back on stage and perform.

If I have a bad virus, I'm not usually normal for 1-2 weeks

It seems certain that Audra will win the Tony. She and the show have been getting lots of praise in the past two weeks. She's also very popular in the theater community. The buzz around SB and Nicole has died down already. Nicole also pissed off many voters with her Trump support.

Calling Michael Riedel!

I have tickets for Friday. Fingers crossed.

R281-And it begins.

According to Instagram there are multiple illnesses within the Gypsy company and the understudies are getting up to speed

Hello, Dolly! was the rare modern exception in which they could get a name performer Donna Murphy to stand by for Bette and do a performance (or 2?) every week. I was totally satisfied seeing the show with Donna. Gypsy producers should ask Donna if she'd consider....

Star absences really test the stupid post-pandemic Broadway model. If Audra is out at my upcoming performance, the same tickets are now $30 more each. Lupone missed Company (referencing her toilet), and it cost me even more. Refunding rather than exchanging is not a fair trade.

R290. Donna was not a standby. She played one performance per week for Bette. The one performance that Bette missed due to illness was covered by her understudy. Bernadette played all 8 perfs during her run and never missed.

Thanks for the correction, r292. They were very lucky that Bette stayed so healthy.

I saw Bette at Radio City ages ago and she was phenomenal. I found out afterwards that she was sick with the flu and had a fever but insisted on going on. I never would have guessed she was ill. She's amazing.

[quote] Star absences really test the stupid post-pandemic Broadway model. If Audra is out at my upcoming performance, the same tickets are now $30 more each. Lupone missed Company (referencing her toilet), and it cost me even more. Refunding rather than exchanging is not a fair trade.

In my experience, they usually offer an exchange or a refund

An exchange??? You're a riot, R295. You must be the funniest guy in any room.

[quote][R290]. Donna was not a standby. She played one performance per week for Bette. The one performance that Bette missed due to illness was covered by her understudy. Bernadette played all 8 perfs during her run and never missed.

So, r292, Dolly played nine performances a week?

[quote] Gypsy producers should ask Donna if she'd consider....

Wasn't Donna notorious for missing performances back in the day? I don't think I'd rely on her as a backup.

R298 - Michael Riedel

I've never experienced a complete show cancellation, but whenever the above title star has been out, I'm offered an exchange

R297, perhaps if you re-read the post you commented on VERY SLOWLY, you MIGHT understand it.

My understanding is that, although producers aren't required by law to exchange or refund tickets even when an above-the-title star is out, it has become customary and expected to do so. I've never heard of a single case of producers refusing exchanges or refunds under those circumstances.

At 65, Donna Murphy is too old to play Rose. And a white Rose in this production would be confusing. Audra's understudy is a black woman.

Calling Leslie Uggams!

I was just looking at Opening Night red carpet photos of GYPSY on Broadwayworld.com and Donna Murphy is there in a low-cut dress looking not a day older than Audra McDonald.

[quote]and Donna Murphy is there in a low-cut dress looking not a day older than Audra McDonald.

Yeah, r305, about that...

Va-va-va-voom!, r306.

By the logic set up in this new production, I don't think a White woman could play Rose, because Baby June and Louise are both black. I think Herbie is White. If you had two black children, I guess you could make a case for adoption...

Tonya Pinkins would be really something.

But I don’t think George C Wolf would go for that.

My guess is LaChanze…though she has been on my shit list lately for trashing LuPone during the Kecia Lewis thing…then again…so did Audra.

Years ago….Whitney Houston would have been a real coup

I'll bet Audra will eventually be replaced by Sutton.

Frank DiLella, on the other hand, looks so Botoxed and processed that he resembles some sort of a weird puppet.

R309, please link to Audra “trashing” Lupone. We’d wait.

[quote]Tonya Pinkins would be really something. But I don’t think George C Wolf would go for that.

Also, she's so completely out of her mind that I doubt anyone will ever work with her again.

I know her show tapes in L.A., so she couldn't do longer than a month or two in the summer, but would Jennifer Hudson be a decent-enough name to follow Audra?

R314, dear Jesus, no. Jennifer Hudson can’t act her way out of a paper bag and she’d sing everything like she’s the blow horn on a ship.

I say Heather Headley but I doubt she would want to put that much pressure on her vocal cords

Any gossip on Frank DiLella? He's such a big part of the community and seems to know just about everybody. Does he have a bf? Also, whatever happened to Donna Karger and her comb?

R317, Frank literally bludgeoned Donna Karger to death so he could take over the show.

Sadly his constant monotone is so distracting that I can’t watch anything with him in it

In my book Heather Headley can do ANYTHING.

Anyone read John Yap on FB, saying that Audra is ruining her voice ib Gypsy and would have to bow out soon? Pretty incendiary.

Frank is as boring as you’d expect. Vanilla b.o.r.i.n.g. And that voice. Terrible. And his creepy brother.

R320 I’m not friends with him. Are people agreeing or pushing back?

R321 he is the definition of failing upward.

John Yap is extremely tedious. His recordings are far from the perfection he repeatedly asserts. They are best for the existence and completeness. The quality of the original performances is almost always far, far better.

Pearl Bailey. Now THAT would have been a Rose for the ages.

[quote]Anyone read John Yap on FB, saying that Audra is ruining her voice ib Gypsy and would have to bow out soon? Pretty incendiary.

Wow, I will have to look that up. I think Yap is a fool, but he is not the first person to imply thatAudra may be damaging, or at least sorely taxing, her voice because of the way she's singing in GYPSY. And since she herself has pretty much stated that, if her voice feel even slightly tired or not at its best, she will call out rather than power through and perform anyway, I think we can expect LOTS of absences.

Apparently, DiLella failed upwards thanks to the fat that his family is very rich and basically paid NY-1 to raise him up from a production assistant to his current position.

I certainly agree about his monotone, but I would further say it's a very gay-sounding monotone, which makes it even harder to listen to. I have a friend who does a dead-on vocal impression of him.

[quote]DiLella failed upwards thanks to the fat

Then the rest of us here on the Datalounge have reason to hope for success?

r308, Herbie is not the father of June and Louise, and a white Rose could have married/fucked Black men to produce them, so a white Rose is not impossible for this revival.

Deborah Cox could do the matinees.

[Quote] Anyone read John Yap on FB, saying that Audra is ruining her voice ib Gypsy and would have to bow out soon? Pretty incendiary.

I would have thought her Lady Day would have damaged her vocal cords, but they seem just fine.

Whatever happens, I hope her vocal cords are okay until the second week of January when I see it

DiLella’s career will peak and end in this very role. He’s not qualified to do anything else

Does DiLella have a bf? Who’s is “creepy” brother?

Not sure about a bf, but saw him at a function with a very handsome man even taller than him. But he always seems asexual to me.

I just assumed DiLella was a robot

Yap appears to have deleted his comment.

I agree that his complete recordings often have questionable casting choices. The worst was Sweet Charity starring Cleo Laine’s daughter. I don’t even remember her name.

R335 Dankworth

I know nothing about this Yap dude. Please educate me

George Wolfe directed Tonya Pinkins in JELLY'S LAST JAM (Tony), THE WILD PARTY and CAROLINE, OR CHANGE (Tony nom). Has he turned on her since?

I love that anyone thinks there will be a replacement rose

R338 yes I have and Tonya knows why!

R339. Excuse me?

Jon Yap is a music producer, largely of musical theater discs. Known for full-length recordings of classic shows—Annie Get Your Gun, Sweet Charity, Anyone Can Whistle, etc.

But Yap's no John McGlinn.

How did John McGlinn die?

Heart attack.

Murdered by his wife, Posey.

Tanya is certifiable, and everyone knows it. It's why she doesn't work any more.

Can Niecy Nash sing? If so, she'd be a fun replacement.

I've met Frank a few times. I even have his home address and contact info. But I agree he's very asexual. It's a shame cause I'd hit that. Not sure how I'd even broach the topic with him. Might result in a blank stare or a slap in the face with a Playbill. To his credit, he is very nice and can hold a conversation. I've nothing against him.

[quote] I agree that his complete recordings often have questionable casting choices. The worst was Sweet Charity starring Cleo Laine’s daughter. I don’t even remember her name.

JACQUI Dankworth. Thanks for nothing, r336.

[quote]Can Niecy Nash sing? If so, she'd be a fun replacement.

This is such a genuinely interesting, totally left-of-center, unexpected choice. She's proven herself a fine dramatic actress in her TV work of the past decade and, of course, she's a very funny comedic actress. No idea if she has stage chops, let alone whether she can sing, but, yes, I can see it!

Frank DiLella is not asexual. He's actually a surprisingly skilled top. I'm not saying he's exclusively a top, but he was the night I met him and he had... stamina.

I don't know much about Frank but I enjoy his interviews. He's totally focussed on the person he's interviewing and never makes it about himself (like so many do). And you can tell he genuinely loves the theatre. Oh, and he's cute.

R352 it’s always interesting when I hear theatre queens are tops.

Heather Headley as a replacement. Could Taraji P. Henson sing it?

Sharon Wilkins ('memba her?) as a standby. I'm also surprised Dionne Figgins (currently in Wonderful World) hasn't gotten more love from the world at large, she's been great in everything I've seen her in all the way back to Hot Feet, and though she's a dancer first, belting the score of Gypsy would be a non-issue for her.

Deborah Cox is as nice as can be, and could certainly sing it, but would she land the comedy? And has she ever been cast in a role that required depth in the book scenes the way Rose does, usually she plays roles that require spectacular pipes first and foremost.

Broadway Box Office:

[quote]DiLella’s career will peak and end in this very role. He’s not qualified to do anything else

I agree on both counts, but in the meantime, he has won EIGHT Emmy awards. Incredible.

Taraji P. Henson was a DREADFUL Miss Hannigan in that awful, televised Annie. I'd shudder to think what she'd do with Rose.

[quote]Jon Yap is a music producer, largely of musical theater discs. Known for full-length recordings of classic shows—Annie Get Your Gun, Sweet Charity, Anyone Can Whistle, etc.

John (that's how he spells it) Yap is also laughably egotistical and delusional, and will stupidly argue with and insult anyone who suggests that any of his recordings are less than great. Plus he is infamous in that some of his recordings take a VERY long time to be released, presumably because he keeps running out of money. The most incredible example is his recording of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, which was released about 23 years after it was recorded. (If you don't believe me, look it up.)

R357 anyone can win a local Emmy.

[quote]Not sure about a bf, but saw him at a function with a very handsome man even taller than him. But he always seems asexual to me.

DL, where asexuality is as big an epidemic as autism.

Since we are talking about Hannigan as Rose, what about DL fave Whoopi Goldberg replacing Audra?

She actually got good notices for Annie at Madison Square Garden.

Whoopi couldn't even begin to sing it. End of discussion.