Back in November of 2022, Write All Nite published a list of the thespians next in line to play Mama Rose.

The role is musical theater’s version of Hamlet, and given the finite number of major Gypsy productions that can play New York per generation, only the very strongest singers and actors will have a chance to take their Turn.

So whom did I rank as the most deserving right now?

Audra McDonald. 

And guess what The New York Post revealed last week? “A source said that six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald plans to star in a revival of ‘Gypsy’ during the 2024-25 season.”

Which means: we need to update our Gypsy waitlist!

My remaining candidates from November 2022: Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Taylor Mac, Ariana DeBose, and Lea Michele.

Upon further reflection, I’m axing Ariana and Lea, because I’ve decided you need to put in DECADES of sterling work before being considered for this titanic distinction.

And yes, I’m aware Taylor Mac is pie in the sky. 

In terms of the next generations, Idina and Cynthia feel right, and I’ll add Sutton Foster as an Encores!-esque pick. 

But there’s one name tragically missing in my predictions: Kelli O’Hara, and Audra might age her out of the possibility. In theory, Kelli could replace Audra in the production…

But don’t all Mama Roses warrant their own revival, designed around their performance? 

Oh, and Wicked stans will probably want Kristin Chenoweth included.