Audra McDonald to make Broadway return as lead in 'Gypsy': 'It scares me to death'

Everything seems to be coming up roses for Audra McDonald.

The Tony Award-winning actress has been cast in an upcoming production of the Broadway classic "Gypsy," according to a Wednesday press release. McDonald will be playing the show's lead character Rose.

The Broadway revival will be directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Camille A. Brown.

"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," producers Tom Kirdahy and Mara Isaacs said in a statement. "Sometimes the theater gods smile upon us.  This is one such time.  We could not be more honored to bring this particular 'Gypsy' to the Broadway stage."

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Inspired by the life story of burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, "Gypsy" tells the story of a relentless showbiz mother determined to help her daughters become stars on the Vaudeville stage, according to The Shubert Organization. Known for songs such as "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You" and "You Gotta Get a Gimmick," the iconic musical consists of music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents.

The character of Rose was originated by Ethel Merman in the show's original 1959 production and has since been played by Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone and Imelda Staunton.

"It's one of the great roles in musical theater, and I've always thought maybe some day I could try it," McDonald told The New York Times in an interview published Wednesday. "It scares me to death, but I certainly feel old enough now, and having experienced motherhood, perhaps I have what is needed to dive in and explore her and all that she is."

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"Gypsy" will begin performances Nov. 21 at New York City’s Majestic Theatre and will officially open to the public on Dec. 19.

Tickets for the show go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. Fans can visit telecharge.com for additional information.