Gypsy: Intimate Desk Performance
“I had a dream…” resonates gently from the character Mama Rose in *Gypsy*, evoking a sense of hope and aspiration. Indeed, it feels like a dream to witness this beautiful show at the Tiny Desk. *Gypsy* embodies what captures the hearts of its fans, celebrating nurturing storytelling through timeless music. Since its debut in 1959, whether on stage, screen, or cherished cast albums, audiences have been drawn to the enchanting compositions of Jule Styne and the poignant lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, with a story crafted by Arthur Laurents. The narrative unfolds around a struggling showbiz family, led by the determined matriarch, Rose.
In this revival directed by George C. Wolfe, six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald brings a new interpretation to this beloved tale. It honors a legacy that includes legendary performances by Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. Notably, this production presents a fraught family dynamic portrayed by Black women, offering a refreshing perspective that not only allows theater enthusiasts to connect with these intricate characters but to truly see themselves reflected in their journeys.
At the Tiny Desk, the intimate setting naturally alters the atmosphere, as musical supervisor Andy Einhorn gracefully leads a modest ensemble of 11 talented musicians. Rising stars Joy Woods and Jordan Tyson, who play the sisters Louise and June, express their longing for peace and independence in the tender piece, “If Momma Was Married.” Shared moments of togetherness bloom as leading man Danny Burstein joins Woods and McDonald for the heartwarming “Together, Wherever We Go.” The delightful trio, portrayed by Lesli Margherita, Lili Thomas, and Mylinda Hull, brilliantly infuses humor into the program with the lively “You Gotta Have a Gimmick.” McDonald’s captivating rendition of “Some People” beautifully concludes this uplifting gathering, fulfilling the dreams of theater lovers everywhere.
SET LIST
- “If Momma Was Married”
- “Together, Wherever We Go”
- “You Gotta Have a Gimmick”
- “Some People”
CAST
- Audra McDonald (“Rose”)
- Danny Burstein (“Herbie”)
- Joy Woods (“Louise”)
- Jordan Tyson (“June”)
- Lesli Margherita (“Tessie Tura”)
- Lili Thomas (“Mazeppa”)
- Mylinda Hull (“Electra”)
MUSICIANS
- Andy Einhorn: piano, music supervision, conducting
- Greg Chudzik: bass
- Alvester Garnett: drums
- Ben Kono: clarinet, alto saxophone
- Zac Zinger: flute, piccolo
- John Lowery: clarinet, tenor saxophone
- Ravi Best: trumpet
- Nick Grinder: trombone
- Tomoko Akaboshi: violin
- Sita Chay: violin
- Meaghan Burke: cello
TINY DESK TEAM
- Producer: Mitra I. Arthur
- Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
- Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell
- Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
- Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Sofia Seidel
- Audio Engineer: Josephine Nyounai
- Production Assistants: Dora Levite, Ashley Pointer
- Tiny Desk Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
- Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
- Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
- VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
