Friday 5: 5 Favorite Audra McDonald Performances

5 Favorite Audra McDonald Performances

With only 6 Tony Awards (and a meager 10 nominations), maybe some day Audra McDonald will be a success on the Broadway stage, right? My first memory of her wasn't on Broadway, but on a national tour stop for The Secret Garden, where she played a small, but noticeable role, Ayah. It was the role in which she'd make her Broadway debut - as Audra Ann McDonald. She's been somewhat successful since then... 

Here are our 5 favorite Broadway performances from this incredible actress:

5. Billie Holiday - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (Broadway - 2014): 

Boozy Audra is captivating. We hung on her every word. Billie Holiday would have been so honored.

 

4. Bess - The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Broadway - 2012): 

A classic role for a classic singer! Her pair of duets with co-star Norm Lewis ("Bess, You Is My Woman Now" and "I Loves You, Porgy") were lightning in a bottle, so passionate and moving.

 

3. Carrie Pipperidge - Carousel (Broadway - 1994): 

Mike recalls her earthy take on Carrie frequently and with delight. Surely, this was a unique and lively star-making turn, earning her her first Tony Award!

 

2. Sarah - Ragtime (Broadway - 1998): 

I've often said that Ragtime was kind of disappointing to me as a staged production, at least as compared to the glorious cast recording. But the biggest exception to that assessment was the brilliant, epic (and devastating) performance by Ms. McDonald.

 

1. Rose - Gypsy (Broadway - 2025): 

I admit I was one of those "What?? Another Gypsy?" people when this was announced. Of course, with Audra attached, I still had to see it. I've seen many great Roses over the years, but honestly, watching her tear up that Majestic stage was as jaw-dropping as it was refreshing. It was like a whole new show. I shouldn't be surprised, though. I mean, she is pretty much the gold standard in everything she does. What a privilege to be there to see it.