#116: I Saw My Fair Lady…
Monday 12/9/24
Everything’s Coming Up Roses…. Or Audra?
I had been planning on seeing Gypsy at some point, but 2 of my friends were in from out of town and had tickets and invited me to go so I went this past Thursday. Now, I was about halfway up the rear mezz so it was a BIT far away. However, I know every note and word to the show and, well, it’s been around for 70 years so I didn’t feel like a close seat was necessary.
The production is a very true version of Gypsy. There are no crazy ideas or wild visions regarding the set, time period, or mood. If someone hadn’t seen Gypsy before and stumbled into this theatre, they would see Gypsy unlike if they stumbled across the street at the revival of Sunset Boulevard.
There is definitely a new perspective on the show having a predominantly Black cast. It makes you think about the time and there are definitely things to consider regarding colorism within the family.
Audra finds a lot of humor and they didn’t change any of the keys for her voice which is typically not in a similar style to what is expected of a Mama Rose. I do wish they had updated some of them… she seemed to be riding her break the entire time. But WOW her chest resonance was amazing. Joy Woods is one the best voices on broadway in a role that sings like 30 bars of solo music. Jordan Tyson is UNREAL in the show… sadly, she’s only in it for about 20 minutes. Tulsa danced well (where did he pick up that ballet technique while on the road with Mama Rose) but why didn’t they lower they key by a half or whole step? “Whirl” was flipped into falsetto but he sang the other high notes with great skill so - why didn’t anyone adjust this? So confusing. And I love Danny Burstein but he was moping around… yes, herbie can be a thankless role - kind of the point - but he appeared disconnected and uninterested.
If you love Audra, who doesn’t, then you’ll love it. But it doesn’t feel big budget… the set & staging appear rushed. For me, it’s not a $300 ticket. It’s $150 max.
Dreams Don’t Die
Julie