Honest Review of Gypsy on Broadway – Is It Worth Seeing?

The first thing I noticed inside was the glowing chandelier above the auditorium. Hidden away during Phantom’s long run, this historic chandelier is finally shining again after 35 years in storage.

Its sparkling light reflected beautifully across the theater, absolutely breathtaking.

The lobby was lined with merchandise stands selling fans, tote bags, scarves, and magnets. The burlesque theme even inspired large decorative fans. Magnets, typically around $10, are a popular choice for theatergoers who like to take home a small keepsake.

This time my seat was in the rear mezzanine, right center, row F. On the seating chart it looked quite far back, so I was nervous about the view. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised for it was much better than I expected.

Thanks to the steep incline of the mezzanine, nothing blocked the sightlines, and I could take in the stage’s full energy and emotion. Of course, the performers looked smaller compared to the orchestra or front mezzanine seats, but even from the back the intensity was powerful, a testament to the cast’s incredible talent.

I went into Gypsy without researching too much, expecting something heavy given its themes: a domineering stage mother, family struggles, and a premiere back in 1959. Normally, I’d imagine such a show to be message-heavy and serious.

But Gypsy turned out to be delightfully different. While there are poignant, emotional moments, I found myself laughing out loud far more often. Rose’s over-the-top behavior was hilariously relatable, and the vaudeville troupe and burlesque performers added plenty of comic relief. Despite its serious themes, the show radiated brightness and fun.

It reminded me that many musicals from Broadway’s golden age in the 1950s had this same buoyant energy, from The Music Man to My Fair Lady. Revivals like this allow us to rediscover the vibrancy of that era.

Audra McDonald’s portrayal of Rose was astonishing. The role is notoriously demanding: volatile, layered, and vocally challenging, all of which she carried it with breathtaking power. I could feel my heart pounding from the intensity of her performance.

It wasn’t just her extraordinary voice but the depth behind it. Her ability to channel Rose’s passion, contradictions, and loneliness straight into the audience’s hearts. That’s what set her apart. When she appeared on stage, the theater erupted with cheers and a standing ovation. She soaked in the applause with perfect timing before diving back into character, which I’d call a true Broadway star moment. If you want to experience the very best of Broadway, this is it.

There’s nothing quite like an opening night. The show had its small accidents like unexpected pauses and stops that often come with a first performance, but the energy was electric nonetheless. The cheers, the applause, the shared excitement in the room: it felt less like watching a play and more like witnessing a live sporting event, with the entire audience experiencing something brand new together.

Next to me sat longtime fans who clearly adored Gypsy. They giggled, whispered with delight, and even sang along under their breath. Their joy was contagious. And judging by the reactions around me, the house was full of die-hard Gypsy enthusiasts who had been waiting years for this revival.

The photo above shows the stage door after the show. It was packed, and while Audra McDonald didn’t appear, the excitement was overwhelming. One ensemble member celebrated his Broadway debut and fans shouted congratulations. The atmosphere was moving and unforgettable. If you see the show, staying after for the stage door is absolutely worth it.