Facing the Music: A Broadway Memoir

In her new memoir, Facing the Music, six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald opens up about her life and career on Broadway. From her early days as a chorus girl to her starring roles in some of the most iconic musicals of all time, McDonald shares her experiences with candor and wit.

Facing the Music: a Broadway memoir

by David Loud

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5151 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

McDonald's memoir is a fascinating glimpse into the world of Broadway. She writes about the challenges of breaking into the business, the sacrifices she's made along the way, and the joys of performing on stage. She also shares her thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the theater industry.

In addition to her Broadway career, McDonald has also starred in several films and television shows. She's won two Emmy Awards for her work on the television series Private Practice and The Good Wife. She's also been nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film The Help.

McDonald's memoir is a must-read for anyone who loves Broadway or is interested in the life of a successful performer. It's a candid and inspiring story about the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the arts.

Early Life and Career

Audra McDonald was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1970. Her father was an American airman and her mother was a German opera singer. McDonald grew up in Fresno, California, and began singing at a young age. She attended the Juilliard School in New York City and made her Broadway debut in Master Class in 1995.

McDonald quickly established herself as one of the most talented performers on Broadway. She won her first Tony Award in 1996 for her role in Ragtime. She went on to win Tony Awards for her roles in A Raisin in the Sun (2004),The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (2012),Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (2014),and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2018).

Challenges and Sacrifices

McDonald's success on Broadway did not come without its challenges. She has spoken openly about the racism and sexism she has faced in the industry. She has also had to make sacrifices in her personal life, including giving up time with her family and friends. However, McDonald has never given up on her dreams.

"I've always been told that I'm too black, I'm too fat, I'm too old," McDonald said in an interview with The Guardian. "But I've never let that stop me. I've always believed in myself, and I've always fought for what I want."

Joys of Performing

Despite the challenges, McDonald says that the joys of performing on Broadway far outweigh the sacrifices. She loves the feeling of connecting with an audience and bringing a story to life.

"I love the feeling of being on stage and having the audience in the palm of my hand," McDonald said in an interview with Playbill. "It's a feeling that I can't get anywhere else."

Importance of Diversity

McDonald is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the theater industry. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to see themselves represented on stage.

"I think it's important for people to see themselves reflected in the theater," McDonald said in an interview with Broadway.com. "It's important for them to see that there are people who look like them on stage, telling stories that they can relate to."

Audra McDonald is one of the most successful and respected performers on Broadway today. Her memoir, Facing the Music, is a candid and inspiring story about the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the arts. It's a must-read for anyone who loves Broadway or is interested in the life of a successful performer.

Facing the Music: a Broadway memoir

by David Loud

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5151 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE