Audra McDonald and HerGypsyCostars Strike a Pose in First Look at Cast of Anticipated Broadway Revival (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The cast of Broadway’s ‘Gypsy’ (from left to right): Joy Woods, Danny Burstein, Audra McDonald and Jordan Tyson.Photo:Marc J. Franklin

Marc J. Franklin

Here she is, boys! Heretheyare, world!

PEOPLE can exclusively debut new character portraits for the cast of director George C. Wolfe’s eagerly anticipated revival ofGypsy—Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed 1959 musical based on the life of legendary burlesque entertainer, stripper and actress Gypsy Rose Lee.

Performances forGypsybegin at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre in New York City on Nov. 21 ahead of an official opening on Dec. 19.

McDonald is leading the company, playing the brash and driven stage mom Rose. Determined to make her daughter Dainty June (Tyson) the center of a vaudeville act, Rose enlists the help of agent Herbie (Burstein). But when desperate times hit, it’s Rose’s overlooked younger daughter Louise (Woods) who winds up stepping up into the spotlight, transforming into the musical’s title star.

The cast of Broadway’s ‘Gypsy’.Marc J. Franklin

Quotes in the pop cultural zeitgeist like “Sing out, Louise” and “I’m a pretty girl, mama” can be traced back to Laurents' book, too.

But this revival marks the first time a trio of Black actresses have played Rose, Louise and June on Broadway.

Audra McDonald in ‘Gypsy’.Marc J. Franklin

To mark the milestone, and celebrate their new portraits, PEOPLE asked McDonald, Burstein, Woods and Tyson to describe their feelings about being part of the historic production, and any hopes they have for fans coming to see it.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Danny Burstein in ‘Gypsy’.Marc J. Franklin

Burstein, a Tony winner himself, praised the partnership already building in the rehearsal room.

“Over the course of the last 40 years, I’ve found that what is essential is a strong bond within an acting company for everyone to do their best work. George C. Wolfe cultivates that kind of atmosphere at rehearsal,” he says. “We have that kind of trusting, supportive bond within the company and we are all feeling very eager to get into the Majestic Theater.”

“I think the level of enthusiasm in a company is palpable to an audience, they feed off a cast’s enthusiasm,” the actor, 60, continues. “I can’t wait for people to see this.”

Joy Woods in ‘Gypsy’.Marc J. Franklin

Woods and Tyson, who are both coming toGypsyafter their celebrated performances in the Tony-nominated musical adaptation ofThe Notebook, shared their complicated emotions with PEOPLE.

“I am so excited to be a part of this project. Terrified, but in a way that I’m comfortable with. Small at times among giants, but in a way that I know that I have space to grow," says Woods, 24. “I feel so lucky to be here.”

Adds Tyson: “I am feeling humbled, fierce, soft— a swirl of emotions. I am staying present and confident as much as possible because I want to remember every second of getting to work with my now cohorts, so many of whom have been guiding lights of my career from afar for a very long time.”

Jordan Tyson in ‘Gypsy’.Marc J. Franklin

Both stars tease big things for audiences, Woods noting, “fans can expect to leave the theater very full.”

“I hope fans will leave any preconceived notion they have about the material at the door, and enter the Majestic with open minds,” says Tyson. “And I hope fans will come celebrate the bottomless well of black excellence and black history that we are harnessing in our telling of the story.”

‘Gypsy’.Courtesy of Broadway

Courtesy of Broadway

The company includes Shanel Bailey, Jace Bently, Brandon Burks, Hunter Capellán, Tony d’Alelio, Summer Rae Daney, Kellie Jean Hoagland, Sasha Hutchings, Aliah James, Brittney Johnson, Zachary Daniel Jones, Ethan Joseph, Andrew Kober, Krystal Mackie, James McMenamin, Cole Newburg, Joe Osheroff, Majo Rivero, Ken Robinson, Sally Shaw, Thomas Silcott, Brendan Sheehan, Jayden Theophile, Natalie Wachen, Jordan Wynn, and Iain Young.

Tickets forGypsyare now on sale.

source: people.com