Our Ask Billy question come from Linda in Maine: “I remember a while ago you wrote about seeing a production of Gypsy with a Mama Rose who wasn’t white.  But everyone says Audra is the first.  Am I crazy?”

You may be – I’m no doctor.  But you are also correct.  Audra is not the first woman of color to play Mama Rose.  She is, however, the first to do so on Broadway.  You’re obviously a longtime reader because Leslie Uggams played the role at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre in 2014.  Uggams has also been the lead in Hello, Dolly!, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Mame, and even Master Class – a play also based on a real-life Caucasian woman (Maria Callas).  Should you be curious, footage of Uggams in Gypsy can be found on BillyMasters.com.

When the Big Bad Wolf is staying put in the pokey, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  It’s also a good time to let Tyler Perry know that this writer is not only available, but loves pizza and biscuits!  That said, I’m not what one would call discreet, as you’ll see on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that makes for good bedtime reading!  If you have a question for me, send it to Billy@BillyMasters.com (along with roses of assorted colors) and I promise to get back to you before I give anyone a refund.  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.