Joy Woods to Join Audra McDonald in the Anticipated Broadway Revival ofGypsy

Mar. 15, 2025

Joy Woods and Audra McDonald.Photo:Dia Dipasupil/Getty; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

Dia Dipasupil/Getty; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

Joy Woodsis staying booked and busy!

The actress, ofSixandLittle Shop of Horrorsfame, will remain on the boards this fall, moving from Broadway’sThe Notebook —in which she originated the role of Middle Allie — to join Audra McDonald in the highly anticipated revival ofGypsy.

It’s a gig that comes asThe Notebookgets ready to take its final bow. The stage musical adaptation of the 1996 Nicholas Sparks novel and 2004 movie of the same name will play its final performance at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Dec. 15.

Woods will depart the musical early to prep forGypsy, which begins performances at the Majestic Theatre in New York City on Nov. 21 ahead of an official opening on Dec. 19. Her last show inThe Notebookwill be Oct. 20.

She won’t be goingalone, either. Leaving alongside Woods to join theGypsycast will beJordan Tyson, who plays Younger Allie. Her last performance will be Oct. 6.

Other newly namedGypsycast members include Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita (as “Tessie Tura"), Lili Thomas (as “Miss Mazeppa”) and Mylinda Hull (as “Miss Electra").

Tony winnerDanny Bursteinwill play Herbie, Rose’s love interest.

Beloved quotes often spoken in pop culture like “Sing out, Louise” and “I’m a pretty girl, mama” can be traced back to Arthur Laurents' book, too.

Gypsy.Courtesy of Broadway

Courtesy of Broadway

McDonald, 54, is the first Black woman ever to tackle the part on Broadway. The most decorated stage actor of our time with six acting Tony Awards — the most of any performer — McDonald was the perfect choice for producers Tom Kirdahy and Mara Isaacs when they were looking to bringGypsyback.

Further casting forGypsywill be announced at a latter time.

This production will also have the distinction of being the first to play the Majestic Theatre. The iconic Manhattan venue, first opened in 1927, has been undergoing renovations sinceThe Phantom of the Operaclosed in February 2023.

Tickets forGypsyare now on sale.

source: people.com