Audra McDonald has made history once again. On May 1, she became the most Tony-nominated performer of all time, earning her 11th nomination for her stellar performance as Rose in Gypsy on Broadway. This groundbreaking achievement comes after McDonald tied with iconic performers Julie Harris and Chita Rivera for having 10 nominations each, making this latest recognition a significant milestone in her already legendary career.
Having already earned six Tony Awards throughout her career, McDonald’s remarkable range and depth as a performer have been well-established. With her role in Gypsy, McDonald adds another triumph to her illustrious portfolio. However, when her husband, actor Will Swenson, broke the news about her record-setting nomination, McDonald admitted that she was in a state of disbelief.
“I’m so grateful, and that’s overwhelming to think about. I’m so lucky,” McDonald shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “The one thing I always wanted to do growing up, one thing that gave me joy and kind of gave me purpose and made me feel most like myself was to perform theater. And so to be at this point and to have that kind of recognition is just overwhelming.”
The Role of Rose: A Complex Character Through a Black Lens
McDonald’s portrayal of Rose, the quintessential stage mother in Gypsy, is groundbreaking in more ways than one. When actor Gavin Creel first suggested that McDonald take on the role, he proposed that Rose be played through a Black lens, a vision that McDonald initially found surprising but ultimately embraced. Before this revival, the role had been played by some of Broadway’s most celebrated stars, including Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, and Bernadette Peters. However, it was only when McDonald took on the part that it truly resonated through her unique perspective.
“I was like, ‘What? Huh?’ And once he started saying it should be played by a Black woman in the industry, I was like, ‘Huh, Ok, yeah!’ And then it just went from there,” McDonald explained.
Her decision to embody Rose as a Black woman brings a powerful new dimension to the character. McDonald sees the story of Gypsy as one of generational trauma, ambition, and societal labels. Through her lens, Rose’s struggles and dreams speak to the experiences of Black women, particularly in a world that continues to impose barriers based on race and gender.
“This is a story about generational trauma. This is a story about lack. This is a story about dreams and ambition and being labeled in a certain way because of those dreams and ambition,” McDonald said. “Everything that Rose goes through in this story is something that a Black woman knows and understands.”
A “Hurricane” of a Role: The Intensity of Portraying Rose
Playing Rose in Gypsy has proven to be one of McDonald’s most physically and emotionally demanding roles. She describes Rose as a “hurricane” or a “tornado,” a force of nature driven by relentless ambition and the pursuit of her daughters’ dreams. For McDonald, this role is one of the most exhausting she has ever taken on.
“She vibrates on a very, very, very high level,” McDonald said of her character. “It is one of the most exhausting roles I’ve done. The moments in the show where she’s in a passive state are very few and far between. And when she is in that passive state, a huge explosion is about to happen.”
Unlike other roles where the character may take moments of rest or reflection, Rose is constantly in motion, reacting to the unexpected turns in her life. McDonald notes that there are very few moments where Rose is passive, and when she is, it is only the calm before a storm of emotion.
Celebrating the Achievement: McDonald’s Celebration and Humble Reflection
After hearing about her 11th Tony nomination, McDonald didn’t celebrate in grandiose style but instead shared a simple moment with her family. She ordered an iced matcha latte with lavender foam and an apple fritter via DoorDash, while her husband Swenson gifted her a Tony the Tiger T-shirt, a humorous nod to the occasion.
“Now I’ve got to go back to work,” McDonald said with a laugh, demonstrating the grounded, hardworking attitude that has made her one of Broadway’s most respected stars.
Despite her groundbreaking success, McDonald remains humble about her achievements. She has been part of some of Broadway’s most iconic productions, including Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Through each of these performances, McDonald has carved out a place for herself in Broadway history—both as a performer and as a trailblazer for representation and diversity in theater.
McDonald’s Gypsy Performance: A True Masterpiece
McDonald’s performance in Gypsy has captivated both audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of Rose is not only an artistic triumph but also a powerful statement on the importance of seeing diverse perspectives in classic roles. She brings a unique, fresh approach to a character that has been defined by other iconic women in musical theater.
With Gypsy receiving multiple Tony nominations, including for McDonald’s co-stars Joy Woods and Danny Burstein, it’s clear that this production is resonating deeply with audiences. McDonald’s take on the role of Rose has become one of the standout performances of this Broadway season, cementing her place as one of the greatest talents in the theater world.
A Record-Breaking Career: Audra McDonald’s Legacy
McDonald’s 11th Tony nomination is a testament to her incredible career in the theater world. With six Tony wins already under her belt and now this historic nomination, McDonald is firmly established as a legendary performer. Her work continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of performers, especially for those who seek to break barriers in the arts.
As McDonald reflects on her 11th nomination, she remains in awe of how far she’s come, saying, “It’s overwhelming to think about. I’m so lucky.” Her journey is a reminder of the power of resilience, talent, and staying true to one’s unique voice.
Fans and theater lovers alike will undoubtedly continue to celebrate Audra McDonald’s remarkable career, eagerly awaiting her next performance and the next chapter in her extraordinary legacy.