Exclusive: Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald: "It's Been an Emotional, Fulfilling Journey"

Days before the Tony Awards, the legendary mezzo-soprano discusses why she’s not built to make pop music.

Posted: 06/07/2012 06:48 PM EDT

You might know her as the wife of Taye Diggs on Private Practice, but Audra McDonald is truly the Meryl Streep of Broadway. She is one of the most-respected faces on the famous stage and when the mezzo-soprano joins a production — you can guarantee it will be a critically-acclaimed hit.    

The Berlin-born beauty has reinvented herself many times on the Great White Way and already won four Tony Awards (though never for lead actress). Now, Audra is up for her fifth Tony for her rightfully praised role as Bess in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. We sat down with the beautiful McDonald just days before the 66th Annual Tony Awards.   

The Julliard-trained diva talks being influenced by R&B, which celeb could tackle the role of Bess, Broadway vs. Hollywood and why the BET.com audience should go see The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Check out the video below.  

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(Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

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