Despite earlier denials, it's now confirmed: Audra McDonald, the legendary Broadway actress and singer, is set to portray the iconic role of Rose in the upcoming revival of "Gypsy." Directed by the five-time Tony Award-winning director George C. Wolfe, this production promises to be a remarkable return for both the actress and the beloved musical.The revival will grace the newly renovated Majestic Theatre, which was home to "The Phantom of the Opera" for the last 30 years before its closure in 2023.

Previews for "Gypsy" begin on November 21, 2024, with the official opening night scheduled for December 19. Additional casting and creative team members will be announced soon.

Producers Tom Kirdahy and Mara Isaacs had this to say about the recent news: "When we began this journey, we had the specific dream of pairing Audra McDonald, our most lauded stage actress, with legendary director George C. Wolfe in a musical deemed by many to be the greatest. Sometimes the theatre gods smile upon us. This is one such time. We could not be more honored to bring this particular Gypsy to the Broadway stage and also include the singular Camille A. Brown as part of our creative team".

Gypsy tells the story of an ambitious stage mom's unyielding efforts to propel her two daughters into show business. The role of Rose has been previously taken on by theater legends such as Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone.