Audra McDonald has made history by securing her eleventh Tony nomination, surpassing the previous record held jointly by Julie Harris and Chita Rivera. Known for her exceptional performances on Broadway, McDonald's latest nomination is for her role as Rose in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. With six Tony wins already under her belt, McDonald continues to redefine excellence in theater performance. Despite her achievements, she remains humble and grateful, acknowledging the joy and purpose theater brings to her life.
McDonald's portrayal of Rose through a Black lens adds depth to this iconic character traditionally played by white actresses. Her preparation involves embracing Rose's relentless determination and optimism, which contrasts sharply with the tragic elements of the story. The role is physically and emotionally demanding, pushing McDonald to new heights in her career.
Reimagining Rose: A New Perspective
Audra McDonald’s take on Rose redefines the classic character by exploring themes of generational trauma and societal constraints through a Black lens. This approach not only honors the original material but also enriches it with contemporary relevance. By portraying Rose as a Black woman, McDonald highlights the struggles faced by women of color striving against systemic barriers while pursuing their dreams.
Rose’s journey is one of ambition and resilience. McDonald explains that playing this role allows her to delve into the complexities of a mother driven by unfulfilled aspirations for herself and her daughters. Through her interpretation, McDonald emphasizes how these experiences resonate deeply within the context of being a Black woman in society. The character’s relentless pursuit of possibilities despite numerous setbacks serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit.
The decision to cast McDonald as Rose came about eight years ago, following a suggestion from her late friend Gavin Creel. He envisioned the role being portrayed through a Black perspective, an idea that resonated strongly with McDonald once she considered it. Prior productions featured renowned actresses like Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, and Bernadette Peters in the role. However, McDonald’s rendition brings fresh insights, connecting Rose’s struggles to those experienced by many Black women throughout history. Her portrayal showcases both the personal and societal challenges faced by the character, offering audiences a richer understanding of Rose’s motivations and actions.
Navigating the Challenges of Playing Rose
Playing Rose requires immense physical and emotional stamina, making it one of Audra McDonald’s most demanding roles yet. The character operates at an exceptionally high energy level throughout the production, rarely pausing or remaining passive. This constant state of activity makes the role particularly exhausting but also rewarding as it pushes McDonald to explore new depths in her acting abilities.
Rose’s vibrancy stems from her unwavering belief in creating opportunities where others see none. McDonald describes entering each performance with a mindset full of possibility and opportunity, determined to achieve dreams for her children and herself. Even amidst tragedy, Rose maintains her fierce determination, reacting explosively to unexpected events in her life. McDonald likens preparing for this role to channeling a "hurricane" of emotions and energy, ensuring that every moment on stage reflects Rose’s dynamic nature accurately.
Beyond the theatrical demands, McDonald incorporates unique elements into her performance, such as entering the stage with a dog and popping a balloon held by a child competitor to her character’s daughters. These moments add layers to Rose’s personality, showcasing her assertiveness and confidence. Despite the challenges posed by this demanding role, McDonald finds fulfillment in bringing Rose’s complex story to life. She acknowledges the difficulty compared to previous roles but embraces the opportunity to stretch her artistic boundaries further. As McDonald continues to set records and redefine theatrical standards, her portrayal of Rose stands as a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft.