Discount Broadway Tickets

PBS’ Great Performances brings Imelda Staunton’s Olivier Award-winning performance as Rose in Gypsy to homes throughout American on Friday, November 11 at 9 PM.

Staunton is the latest stage star to put her stamp on the role which many consider to be the King Lear for musical theatre actresses. Here in America we’ve seen true stage luminaries take on Rose: Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Linda Lavin, Bernadette Peters, Betty Buckley, & Patti LuPone—(and Bette on TV).

Rumors continue to swirl Broadway’s next Rose will be Imelda Staunton, in an epic B’way debut. But looking further ahead, who are the Broadway stars we’re dying to see sing “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn”? Here are 10 alphabetical Roses we want to see in our lifetime*.

Stephanie J. Block

The Tony nominee is giving the performance of her Broadway career right now as Trina in the revival of Falsettos, and we hope to one day see (and more importantly hear) her Rose. Also, apologies to whichever theatre has its roof blown completely off by Block's Rose.

Kristin Chenoweth

After seeing her one-woman-show My Love Letter to Broadway, it became apparent Chenoweth can pretty much do anything. Her Rose would be funny, completely original, and wonderfully well sung. It would be a true theatrical event.

Carmen Cusack

Carmen Cusack may have only one Broadway show under her belt but her talent is undeniable. I want to see her play all of musical theatre's great roles, tbh.

Sutton Foster

Tony winner Sutton Foster is making interesting, darker choices. First Violet then Queenie now Charity. Everything about her career is leading us to an absolutely epic (probably Tony-winning) star turn as Rose.

Heather Headley

This Tony winner turned The Color Purple on its head when she returned to Broadway as Shug Avery. Her talent and star power are indisputable. Heather Headley and her fierce Mama Rose would turn Gypsy into church.

Megan Hilty

The Rose/June dynamic here would be very interesting with Megan Hilty, then her "born too soon/started too late" monologue into "Rose's Turn" would be positively chilling.

Audra McDonald

It seems only right that the actress who has won the most Tony Awards takes on the most iconic leading lady role there is. Oh, just imagine the depth, the line readings, and the vocals.

Ruthie Ann Miles

This Tony winner really knows how to act and inhabit a character so let's see what she can do with what most call the greatest American book musical. Also, anyone who saw Here Lies Love knows you just can't take your eyes off her on stage.

LaChanze

There's a strength to LaChanze that Rose needs. She's a survivor with a killer voice, and that's LaChanze.

Alice Ripley

Think about the journey Alice Ripley would take you on throughout that show, from "Some People" to "Rose's Turn". You'd be emotionally drained by the end of her arc.