The most amazing thing about Audra’s record is the fact that she still has so many more years of performing ahead of her. I can see at LEAST 3 more Tony’s in her lifetime.
I was shocked, appalled, and really pissed that they did a live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast", instead of re-releasing the original in theaters. Why take something perfect, and trample all over it?
One amazing fact is that, throughout her career and everything she has done, there has never once been a story printed about “bad behavior”. By all accounts, she is well liked and well respected by her coworkers and the public. She is not only extremely talented but kind and generous
See Audra’s continuing great versatility with stellar cast in HBO’s most fabulous new series ever, “The Gilded Age” Loved this, thank you for your well done work♥️
OMG CRACKING UP. I met my husband in 2004 just soon after he had gone to see Gypsy, stood at the stage door, met “The Lovely and Talented Bernadette Peters” (as he calls her), asked her to sign his shoulder so he could the tattoo it on, and of course got a tattoo. “❤️Bernadette”
Audra now standing out with her endless versatility, with a stellar cast in the fabulous production HBO’s “The Gilded Age” I wonder how many more Tony’s she would have if “Hamilton’s” brave casting had happened when she was younger? The theater is going to be changing, maybe they could try a topical version of Porgy & Bess,,, sounds crazy but “It Ain’t necessary so”. Love your channel& choices.❤️
A few years ago, shortly after buying a car equipped with satellite radio, the Broadway channel on Sirius XM would often play excerpts of LDatEBaG. At first I thought it was a Billy Holiday recording, then I realized it was from a show, but it never said who the actor was. Concurrent was my becoming acquainted with the talents of Ms McDonald, hearing her sing everything from opera to cabaret, to Broadway. Blown away every time I heard or saw her. Finally had an opportunity to Google the Lady Day show, when I remembered, and was not driving...so eager to get the name of the amazing actor/singer I kept hearing do such a flawless Billy Holiday. No way, I thought......Is there another Audra, or maybe it’s an Audrey, or Aubrey, it CANNOT be the same person...and didn’t really believe it was, until I found the HBO special. Mind blown....this woman deserves every single award and nomination she has received, and there will be more. I don’t know what her process was to get her refined soprano to do a 180 and sound like a late career Billy, but if she can bottle it and sell it, it would be the most valuable merch ever. She totally inhabited that character in the best tradition of the most gifted actors and singers.
Thank you for remembering "Wit." It's an experience that she greatly enhances. I saw her in a pre-"Lady Day" concert in which she claimed she some people thought she hated children. She sang something from "Marie Christine" and then "Your Daddy's Hands" from "Ragtime." She concluded that set with "I Won't Mind." Stunning.
I saw her in concert in San Francisco at Davies Symphony Hall near the start of her career. The program listed the songs, but when it got to Your Daddy’s Hands, she said she wouldn’t be singing it that night. A few weeks later she announced her first pregnancy. She apparently chose not to sing it because widening the emotions it would evoke.
And now that we know she will be playing Mama Rose in the next revival of Gypsy... I can already say that another tony is on the way months before the first preview!!
There’s so much I identify with in her story… specifically, having a love & appreciation for my classical training, but yearning for the expression that musical theatre allows. I love this woman so much.
Love this, love Audra. In a recent Stars in the House for the NYCC Into The Woods, Gavin Creel mentioned that him and Audra would sometimes talk about not ever getting work again -- AUDRA?! After all these years, all the accolades, she doubts herself? She's an amazing talent, an amazing person. My goal is to attend HER Kennedy Center Honors; having watched on TV her perform for so many, it would be amazing to see her get honored. Also, the delayed Ragtime reunion needs to gain traction again -- if Spring Awakening can do it, so can they!
I saw her in concert is a smallish venue several years ago. As an intro her last song, she talked about entering a talent contest and singing a particular song that won her the contest. She then put down the microphone and sand the song, Edelweiss, with no amplification and just a guitar accompanying her. And it was one of her best performances ever. She can do anything
Amazing documentary. My first experience with Audra was The Good Fight, and that was just great acting. But when her character sang - I was blown away, in shock and awe. I had to research her. That's how I found out her legendary status.
Does anybody know where to get the full video of Broadway’s The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess? I know it is not available on disc, or to stream, is it? I wish theaters would release the archives after a certain time. All those historic performances need to be accessible to the public for posterity.
Although i am partial to Sheryl Lee Ralph (she is my fellow country person) I find Audra so fascinating and I am glad to learn more about her. Edit: i only say that because they sometimes remind me of each other.
I absolutely loved this as much as I love Audra. I saw her in Ragtime and in Garth's attempt at mounting the Black Creek summer music festival. I enjoy her recordings and TV work as well. Can't wait for the next episode of this series. I'm learning so much.
Can't believe you've been doing videos for this long and I haven't seen most of these til now. Was watching the one about Fanny and Barbra on friend's channel and as soon as I was on My computer, I hit subscribe.
I always knew she was highly awarded, and I've loved her in what I've seen of her, but it's so great to hear this to allow me to better appreciate her. Excited for more profiles!
Audra is performing tomorrow in her hometown of Fresno to celebrate the Good Company Players 50th anniversary, where she started out as a kid. I can't wait to see her on stage!
@@StagedRight I absolutely agree! One comment, however; can you include more episodes about straight plays, in addition to musicals. As much as I love musicals, I'd have to say my heart is in straight plays. The first one I ever saw was back in 1967, Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water." Please, when you can, include episodes on plays and actresses/actors in addition to musicals. Really enjoy your channel. Keep in up!
I don't mean to be a pill about this but did that Sara Phillips channel repost your Audra video again...? March 5, 2021 It's popping up on the results page for Audra McDonald here on youtube.
I saw her at abravanel in salt lake. the pianist made a mistake..she stopped,,,smacked him and walked off stage...10 min later they walked on stage and started over..he had obviously been sobbing..I think she smacked him a few more times backstage...hilarious...
Why didn't you mention that Audra is 3/4 of the way to winning an EGOT? She won two Grammys in 2008 and an Emmy in 2015. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her performances in A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, the first time a performer had been nominated for reprising a role on television that they won a Tony for on Broadway.
Interesting that white men were criticizing Black creatives in reworking Porgy and Bess that was originally horrible towards Black people. I don't like that at all.
@@StagedRight a RUclips account called Sara Phillips has this exact same video uploaded on their account titled “A is for Audra!” so I was wondering if the channels were affiliated. Just thought it odd, that’s all. And there’s no citations/references or anything in the descriptions. *would’ve replied sooner but youtube didn’t alert me on this 😬
The most amazing thing about Audra’s record is the fact that she still has so many more years of performing ahead of her. I can see at LEAST 3 more Tony’s in her lifetime.
She has every chance of winning her seventh at the end of this year!
True. She can easily work another 30-40 years if she wants.
I was really pissed that she hadn't got a big song in the beauty and the beast remake. She's a godess. And her voice... It's perfection.
I was shocked and appalled as well! It should be against the law to cast her in a musical and NOT give her a big song.
I was shocked, appalled, and really pissed that they did a live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast", instead of re-releasing the original in theaters. Why take something perfect, and trample all over it?
One amazing fact is that, throughout her career and everything she has done, there has never once been a story printed about “bad behavior”. By all accounts, she is well liked and well respected by her coworkers and the public. She is not only extremely talented but kind and generous
See Audra’s continuing great versatility with stellar cast in HBO’s most fabulous new series ever, “The Gilded Age”
Loved this, thank you for your well done work♥️
OMG CRACKING UP. I met my husband in 2004 just soon after he had gone to see Gypsy, stood at the stage door, met “The Lovely and Talented Bernadette Peters” (as he calls her), asked her to sign his shoulder so he could the tattoo it on, and of course got a tattoo. “❤️Bernadette”
What does this have to do with Audra?
Audra is a goddess among us. Thank you for helping to spread the good news about her!
Audra now standing out with her endless versatility, with a stellar cast in the fabulous production HBO’s
“The Gilded Age”
I wonder how many more Tony’s she would have if “Hamilton’s” brave casting had happened when she was younger?
The theater is going to be changing, maybe they could try a topical version of Porgy & Bess,,, sounds crazy but “It Ain’t necessary so”.
Love your channel& choices.❤️
A few years ago, shortly after buying a car equipped with satellite radio, the Broadway channel on Sirius XM would often play excerpts of LDatEBaG. At first I thought it was a Billy Holiday recording, then I realized it was from a show, but it never said who the actor was. Concurrent was my becoming acquainted with the talents of Ms McDonald, hearing her sing everything from opera to cabaret, to Broadway. Blown away every time I heard or saw her. Finally had an opportunity to Google the Lady Day show, when I remembered, and was not driving...so eager to get the name of the amazing actor/singer I kept hearing do such a flawless Billy Holiday.
No way, I thought......Is there another Audra, or maybe it’s an Audrey, or Aubrey, it CANNOT be the same person...and didn’t really believe it was, until I found the HBO special. Mind blown....this woman deserves every single award and nomination she has received, and there will be more. I don’t know what her process was to get her refined soprano to do a 180 and sound like a late career Billy, but if she can bottle it and sell it, it would be the most valuable merch ever. She totally inhabited that character in the best tradition of the most gifted actors and singers.
Thanks for sharing this. Audra is more amazing than she gets credit for. She should be a household name.
Thank you for remembering "Wit." It's an experience that she greatly enhances. I saw her in a pre-"Lady Day" concert in which she claimed she some people thought she hated children. She sang something from "Marie Christine" and then "Your Daddy's Hands" from "Ragtime." She concluded that set with "I Won't Mind." Stunning.
I saw her in concert in San Francisco at Davies Symphony Hall near the start of her career. The program listed the songs, but when it got to Your Daddy’s Hands, she said she wouldn’t be singing it that night. A few weeks later she announced her first pregnancy. She apparently chose not to sing it because widening the emotions it would evoke.
Audra has the rare and almost supernatural ability to sing directly to you whether live, recording or filmed. This woman is a gift.
And now that we know she will be playing Mama Rose in the next revival of Gypsy... I can already say that another tony is on the way months before the first preview!!
There’s so much I identify with in her story… specifically, having a love & appreciation for my classical training, but yearning for the expression that musical theatre allows. I love this woman so much.
This series is very well written and put together. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Thank you so much!
Love this, love Audra. In a recent Stars in the House for the NYCC Into The Woods, Gavin Creel mentioned that him and Audra would sometimes talk about not ever getting work again -- AUDRA?! After all these years, all the accolades, she doubts herself? She's an amazing talent, an amazing person. My goal is to attend HER Kennedy Center Honors; having watched on TV her perform for so many, it would be amazing to see her get honored. Also, the delayed Ragtime reunion needs to gain traction again -- if Spring Awakening can do it, so can they!
I saw her in concert is a smallish venue several years ago. As an intro her last song, she talked about entering a talent
contest and singing a particular song that won her the contest. She then put down the microphone and sand the song, Edelweiss, with no amplification and just a guitar accompanying her. And it was one of her best performances ever. She can do anything
Amazing documentary. My first experience with Audra was The Good Fight, and that was just great acting. But when her character sang - I was blown away, in shock and awe. I had to research her. That's how I found out her legendary status.
My partner and I are working through Good Fight right now. She is so good!
Does anybody know where to get the full video of Broadway’s The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess? I know it is not available on disc, or to stream, is it? I wish theaters would release the archives after a certain time. All those historic performances need to be accessible to the public for posterity.
Wow her Billy Holliday is chefs kiss🥰
Another great episode. Keep them coming. They're really great!
A Living legend of Broadway.
Although i am partial to Sheryl Lee Ralph (she is my fellow country person) I find Audra so fascinating and I am glad to learn more about her.
Edit: i only say that because they sometimes remind me of each other.
Audra McDonald can do NO wrong in my eyes, whether she's singing or acting in a straight play!
What a voice,what a presence on stage,what a beautiful woman ,great singer and actress !
This was a fantastic recap of her victories this far. Phenomenal job.
I absolutely loved this as much as I love Audra. I saw her in Ragtime and in Garth's attempt at mounting the Black Creek summer music festival. I enjoy her recordings and TV work as well. Can't wait for the next episode of this series. I'm learning so much.
Rewatching this right before Audra takes on Mama in Gypsy.. she’s going to be incredible!
Such an elegant actress and singer. Just love her!!
I saw the national tour of The Secret Garden in San Francisco. So I unknowingly saw Audra’s stage debut.
I love this and I love Audra!
I just have to say your channel is the BEST! Truly a light in this dark tine. Thank you. 💖
I cannot wait to see her at Mama Rose!
Can't believe you've been doing videos for this long and I haven't seen most of these til now. Was watching the one about Fanny and Barbra on friend's channel and as soon as I was on My computer, I hit subscribe.
Audra is absolutely AMAZING!
I’m quite new to your channel. It’s wonderful. So glad to have found you.
I just checked my program and I saw her in Secret Garden back then! I also was at the last taping for Lady Day for HBO.
I always knew she was highly awarded, and I've loved her in what I've seen of her, but it's so great to hear this to allow me to better appreciate her. Excited for more profiles!
Great video. I am glad to have discovered your channel.
I must say the way you position the commercial breaks is great compared to other youtube channels.
Audra is performing tomorrow in her hometown of Fresno to celebrate the Good Company Players 50th anniversary, where she started out as a kid.
I can't wait to see her on stage!
This is FANTASTIC! Awesome job! Subscribed! 😊
This is wonderful. Thank you so much. Yes I'm drunk
How tragic if she succeeded in her suicide attempt. What a gift she has !
She was the perfect Billie Holiday She should have played her in Lady sings the blues Diana didn't come close
Love this series! Your channel definitely deserves more attention 👏🏼❤️
Thank you so much!
@@StagedRight I absolutely agree! One comment, however; can you include more episodes about straight plays, in addition to musicals. As much as I love musicals, I'd have to say my heart is in straight plays. The first one I ever saw was back in 1967, Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water." Please, when you can, include episodes on plays and actresses/actors in addition to musicals. Really enjoy your channel. Keep in up!
She has the range in all aspects
I don't mean to be a pill about this but did that Sara Phillips channel repost your Audra video again...? March 5, 2021
It's popping up on the results page for Audra McDonald here on youtube.
I saw her at abravanel in salt lake. the pianist made a mistake..she stopped,,,smacked him and walked off stage...10 min later they walked on stage and started over..he had obviously been sobbing..I think she smacked him a few more times backstage...hilarious...
😳 Makes her seem Very mean!!.
@@brookemartin6101 ya think....hundred dollar tickets and she smacks the pianist on stage..love her tallent but would never spend dollars again
Just found your channel. I subscribed and hit the bell icon! Great video
Why didn't you mention that Audra is 3/4 of the way to winning an EGOT? She won two Grammys in 2008 and an Emmy in 2015. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her performances in A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, the first time a performer had been nominated for reprising a role on television that they won a Tony for on Broadway.
Respect.
And she just announced that this fall she will be starring in the latest revival of Gypsy. I see a seventh Tony in her future
Loved this one!!!!!
I hope they cast her as Kim in the next revival of Miss Saigon... Yes I said it... It would be groundbreaking and she will win yet another Tony
this has to be a joke… right? god I hope you’re joking
@@Daniel-ed9gn Who wouldn't pay to see this?? 😄
@@LAUGHINGBUDDHAVORTEX fair point
All I knew about her was if she was going to sing, listen. Thank you.
omg i didn’t know naomi got down like this
Great video, but please please please put a trigger warning for S-H!
Wow she really sounded like Billie Holiday!
Wow
Interesting that white men were criticizing Black creatives in reworking Porgy and Bess that was originally horrible towards Black people. I don't like that at all.
I agree and I don't think Sondheim behaved in a classy way on that one.
Did someone else upload this video? I know it belongs to this channel but is someone else allowed to upload this in their RUclips channel?
Has it been referenced elsewhere? If so, lemme know.
@@StagedRight a RUclips account called Sara Phillips has this exact same video uploaded on their account titled “A is for Audra!” so I was wondering if the channels were affiliated. Just thought it odd, that’s all. And there’s no citations/references or anything in the descriptions.
*would’ve replied sooner but youtube didn’t alert me on this 😬
@@railehtdoe2907 Thank you! I've sent a request to take down the video.
@@StagedRight best of luck! Thank you for making this video. I love Audra! I watch this video a LOT. Your work is fantastic!
Audra lives in the same village where Lorraine Hansberry is buried. A place that is very non-diverse.