Audra is the only acceptable answer... though I would also allow Toni Collette, Lea Salonga.... the jury is out on Idina but who am I kidding I would still see it... actually Sutton is pretty close to being that age too.
NOWaWarning said: "I feel like it’s Donna Murphy’s turn. Can we just have a production with a revolving door of stars getting six week runs? Then we can all win!"
Honestly I would not care to see Audra in Gypsy. While the only “headliner” sure to sell tickets would be Meryl Streep (I cant think of any Hollywood name that could actually sing it the way it was meant to be belted). I think Kristin would be an interesting choice. But I think Alice ripley would also be (though one could argue against her singing style).
How is Emma Thompson’s belt? I know she dig Sweeney Todd but I think that’s more character.
Growing up as a child and only having the film as a reference, I always dreamed of a revival. Since then there have been three, I have seen two of them (Tyne Daly and Patti Lupone at Ravinia), three if you count Bette Midler and I can definitely say that the show needs to go away for awhile. It is a great show and I love it dearly, but I think that there are other shows that deserve a revival before we see "Gypsy" again.
Can anyone suggest a song to listen to that shows Audra’s belt? This would be my only concern with her in the role. She is indeed one of the only people that could mount a revival though in my opinion and have a chance at making money while in theory being able to handle the demands of the role.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
If we're talking a big buzz revival along the lines of Hugh in Music Man or Bette in Dolly, I'd love to see Renée Zellweger take a bash at it. Toni would also be fab but Donna Murphy is my dream Rose.
TotallyEffed said: "I adore Audra but I know she won’t belt it. And Patti belted to the damn rafters. Unbelievably thrilling. I am fine with my Patti memories for now.
If only Judy and Liza could have done it together."
Gypsy is a lot of belting for the lead actress, but it's not a high belt. The C/C# top notes are right in Audra's sweet spot. (See: Down with Love during My Favorite Broadway concert.)
The money note/moments would still be there, though she would certainly sing it differently than LuPone. I'd actually be interested to hear her interpretations, especially on the ballads.
qolbinau said: "So sad that people forget her .
Can anyone suggest a song to listen to that shows Audra’s belt? This would be my only concern with her in the role. She is indeed one of the only people that could mount a revival though in my opinion and have a chance at making money while in theory being able to handle the demands of the role."
There's what I posted above. (And she just sang it during her concert with Seth, so she's still got it.)
There also the entirety of Marie Christine, as mentioned above. The most demanding and sustained belting happens in And You Would Lie / I Will Give, but the entire last act turns belty.
I didn't leave out Bernadette, I said that I had seen two of the three revivals, including Bette and Imelda Staunton. "Gypsy" is without a doubt my all-time favorite musical...
last two productions lost money....Lupone had to close early...the last production that made money and the actually the best production since Lansbury was Tyne Daly because of her amazing performance and the name recognition that could fill the theater...PLEASE LET THIS LAY FOR A WHILE NO NEED FOR ANOTHER REVIVAL!!!! MAME -YES !!!
Jordan Catalano said: "Man, I wish we could have gotten her in the West End revival instead of Imelda."
I'm curious what you thought? I didn't see the production myself but have friends who described her as reading too old while another said she was completely over the top
I think Sutton is the natural choice. Anything Goes with her was a hit, especially presuming she is stellar in Music Man, I’m sure she’s enough of a draw. I’d also love for someone slightly younger than your typical Rose filled the shoes with in turn a younger Louise.
Although reading thru these comments definitely made me curious to see what Kristin Chenoweth would bring to the role, though definitely a less natural fit.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Rose's that won the Tony were all directed by Laurents. Wonder how long until the awards can separate performer and creator.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
blaxx said: "Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Rose's that won the Tony were all directed by Laurents. Wonder how long until the awards can separate performer and creator."
I feel so stupid for not realizing that before about the Tony winning Roses