NEW YORK CITY — December 19, 2024, marked a monumental evening on Broadway as the curtain officially rose on the revival of Gypsy, starring the legendary Audra McDonald. The production, staged at the newly reopened Majestic Theatre, has already been met with glowing reviews, reinvigorating one of the most revered musicals in American theater with a fresh and inclusive vision.
Directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, this revival brings renewed energy to the 1959 classic, often hailed as the quintessential backstage musical. Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, portrays Rose, the famously overbearing stage mother whose drive shapes — and often disrupts — the lives of her daughters as they navigate the world of vaudeville.
Opening night drew an enthusiastic audience filled with theatergoers, celebrities, and critics. Their response was unanimous: McDonald’s portrayal of Rose is both monumental and revelatory. Critics noted how she delivered a complex performance, revealing layers of ambition, vulnerability, and fierce maternal instinct. Her show-stopping number, “Rose’s Turn,” earned a thunderous ovation that lasted well beyond the final note. “She doesn’t just play Rose,” wrote one critic. “She redefines her.”
Joining McDonald onstage is an equally impressive cast. Danny Burstein plays Herbie, Rose’s long-suffering partner, delivering a warm and grounded performance. Joy Woods takes on the role of Louise, transforming from an overlooked girl into the legendary burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee with compelling emotional depth. Jordan Tyson portrays June, Louise’s sister and former child star, capturing both the sparkle and the strain of growing up in showbiz. Together, the ensemble breathes new life into a story that has captivated audiences for over six decades.
The creative choices behind the production have sparked wide praise. Wolfe’s direction leans into the emotional complexity of the characters while honoring the musical’s original structure. Brown’s choreography, bold and kinetic, adds contemporary movement without losing the essence of the show’s period setting. Derek McLane’s updated set design and Dede Ayite’s thoughtful costuming round out a visually rich and emotionally resonant production.
The opening also marks the grand return of the Majestic Theatre, which underwent major renovations following the 2023 closing of The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway’s longest-running show. With enhanced acoustics, improved seating, and restored architectural elements, the theater provided an elegant and welcoming venue for one of the season’s most anticipated productions.
Gypsy‘s revival is historic beyond its artistic achievements. McDonald is the first Black woman to portray Rose on Broadway — a casting decision that has been embraced as a meaningful step toward greater representation and inclusivity in American theater. In pre-opening interviews, McDonald emphasized the importance of making classic works accessible and resonant for new generations. “This story is universal,” she said. “It’s about mothers and daughters, dreams and disappointments. It speaks to everyone.”
Written by Arthur Laurents, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy has long been a touchstone of Broadway history. Its memorable score includes classics like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “You’ll Never Get Away from Me,” and “Let Me Entertain You.” This latest revival retains the show’s core emotional weight while adapting its aesthetics and interpretations for today’s audiences.
Tickets for Gypsy are now on sale through the official website and select box offices. With its dynamic cast, visionary direction, and renewed relevance, this production is poised to be one of the defining theatrical events of the 2024–2025 Broadway season.
