Broadway legend Audra McDonald fizzing for Opera House show

The most-awarded Broadway singer in Tony history, and silver screen star, describes performing to an audience as ‘Holy Communion’.

Broadway legend Audra McDonald is on her way to Sydney.

The most-awarded singer in Tony Award history told Confidential signing onto a five-city Australian concert tour was a no-brainer.

“I was last here in 2015 and I’ve always wanted to come back, McDonald said.

“I really fell in love with Australia. I can’t wait to share some of my favourite songs with you.”

The 53-year-old is a stalwart of the silver screen, starring in long-running TV dramas including The Good Fight, The Good Wife, Private Practice, The Gilded Age, and Law and Order: SVU.

/Audra McDonald in Private Practice. Picture: Channel 7

Audra McDonald in Private Practice.

“There’s nothing like the holy communion between an audience and a performer, though,” McDonald said.

“It’s an ephemeral moment that forces you to be present and then it dissipates into thin air when it’s done.

“I find it exhilarating. As far as dopamine hits, there’s nothing bigger for me than that.”

Broadway and Hollywood star Audra McDonald on her Australian tour. Picture: Jason Edwards

When McDonald was last in Sydney, she said she ticked off iconic tourist experiences like the Bondi to Bronte walk, Taronga Zoo, and explored the CBD.

“Performing at the Opera House is obvsiouly a bucket list thing. I’m really excited to see more. My hope is to take in as much of the country as I can in my short time here,” she said.

“I have my seven-year-old daughter with me this time, so she’s very excited about seeing kangaroos. When we get to Brisbane, we’ll take her to Australia Zoo.”

“My daughter she’s got a whopper of a voice,” she told Confidential, “so we’ll see what she does with it when she’s older.”

Audra McDonald says she’s been dying to return to Australia since her last tour in 2015. Picture: Jason Edwards

McDonald’s live-in-concert show, at the Opera House on Saturday May 11th, will cover the breadth of her favourite Broadway performances, as well as some of the more modern composers.

“I love every single musical I’ve been in for different reasons, it’s like being asked to pick a favourite child” McDonald said.

She has played some of the most iconic roles in musical theatre, from the beggar woman in Stephen Sondheim’s murderous comedy Sweeney Todd, to the titular lead in Porgy and Bess, and Disney’s live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

Playing Billie Holiday in jukebox musical Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill was however “the most challenging.”

“It really pushed me and made me grow as a performer, so that’s very special to me.”

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]