Gypsy
Official Blurb: GYPSY is bigger than Broadway—it’s a once-in-a-generation theatrical event. Created by the legendary Arthur Laurents (book), Jule Styne (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), it is the crown jewel of American musicals. At long last, the greatest musical ever written returns with the most celebrated stage performer of our time. 6-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald steps into the mother of all roles alongside Tony Award winner Danny Burstein and rising Broadway stars Joy Woods and Jordan Tyson in this revelatory new production helmed by visionary director, 6-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe, and 4-time Tony Award-nominated choreographer Camille A. Brown (Hell’s Kitchen). This GYPSY, unlike any seen before, is Broadway’s ultimate tale of mothers and daughters, ambition and fame, and the lengths we’ll go in pursuit of the American dream. Packed with showstoppers like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” GYPSY shines as “An immortal work of musical theater” (The New York Times).
My take: I had never seen Gypsy on stage and was this a delight for my first experience. It is such a good show and the acting in this production is stellar. I am going to say this, Audra does not have my favorite type of voice. I was hesitant of her voice in these songs. I was dumb to doubt it. Her acting is so superb that I could not have been more enthralled and amazed by her performance. It’s probably not going to happen this season but give her even more awards! she deserves it all for this, it was so powerful! Now of course there is more than just Audra, and the rest also falls together beautifully. It is such a well written show and it shines with this cast and this production. Joy Woods transformation is done wonderfully! You need to see this version live if you can.
My friends take:
- Riveting second half with a final performance that leaves you with goosebumps. So much glamour and elegance – the outfits! The accessories!
- Audra is a force and gives her all to this complex role in which she has to simultaneously repel and win over the audience. Joy Woods gives a masterful performance, and seeing her evolution from shy costume maker to Gypsy Rose Lee was the best part of the show. One of the few shows where the second act is much more interesting than the first.
Redwood
Official Blurb: Tony Award®-winning superstar Idina Menzel makes her long-awaited return to Broadway in the exhilarating original new musical, Redwood. “An awe-inspiring force of nature” (The New York Times), Menzel plays Jesse, a woman who seems to have it all — a successful career and devoted family — until a life-altering event drives her far from everyone and everything she knows. In “a production of grandeur, heart and healing” (Variety), audiences are transported with Jesse to the foot of Northern California’s redwood forest, where the “stunning panoramic vistas dissolve the bounds of the theatre” (Entertainment Weekly) in a staging that’s “among the most beautiful and wondrous theatrical creations” (The New York Times) on Broadway. Here, an unexpected connection and a shift in perspective will change Jesse’s life forever
My take: There are two stars of this show, The wonderful Idina Menzel and the amazing set design. Everything else plays a second fiddle to them. Idina can do no wrong by me and it shows that the songs of this show are made for her, because they suit her beautifully and its a pleasure to hear her belt them out. They are however not the most memorable songs. The set however is a marvel to behold, gorgeous and so well designed. THe supporting cast does a really good job .
My friends take: Fun! Sad. Great Set design.
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