Unpopular Opinion: Audra is mis-cast as Mama Rose

So, Gypsy might be my favorite show of all time. I feel it’s the definitive American musical, and, perhaps, flawless.

My introduction to Gypsy was likely Bette Midler’s version on TV in 1993. I was a bourgeoning queer boy and she was my idol at the time and I never thought she could be surpassed.

Fast-forward to 2003 and the first Broadway revival I saw, with Bernadette Peters. My only true memory is that David Burtka was the gayest Tulsa ever cast. Louise was barking up the wrong tree.

Next up, a mere five years later in 2008, Patti LuPone. She was honestly perfection. I saw her twice early in the run and then scored a closing afternoon ticket and couldn’t believe the energy. She surpassed Bette and has now become my definitive Rose.

When they announced that Audra would play Rose, I paused.

I saw Audra in Master Class. Amazing. I saw her in Porgy & Bess. Outstanding. Her Lady Day was honestly gut-wrenching. 110° in the Shade was beautiful.

Last night, Friday, December 6, I impulsively bought a ticket from TKTS - 9th row, center orchestra, $160.

I bounced along as the orchestra played the overture. And I was so excited to be house left when Audra came into the theatre with Chowsy, mere steps away from me.

And then, with her first utterance of “some,” in “Some People,” my fears were confirmed.

Audra is no Mama Rose.

Audra is a classically trained opera singer and it’s painfully obvious from the first note. She’s enunciates “some” in a way that is distracting in this role. I found her “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” to be disappointing, as was her “Rose’s Turn.”

I found her acting to be mostly good, while at times, a bit forced.

While I’ll definitely see it again, I know this aspect won’t change.

Now, Joy Woods was a joy as Louise. Joy plays Louise so well, so mousy, so small, that her transformation to Gypsy made my jaw drop. I can’t wait to see her again.