Barbra Streisand is planning to direct, produce and star in a big screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Gypsy (which has been adapted before in 1962 with Rosalind Russell and in a 1993 TV movie starring Streisand’s rival Bette Midler). Streisand, who rose to fame on Broadway and successfully transitioned into film roles in the 1960’s and endured continued success throughout the following decades, is confirmed to be working on this project by the author of the original musical, Authur Laurents.
This would mark Babs’ return to lead roles and directing, neither of which she has done since 1997’s The Mirror Has Two Faces. Many might forget that Streisand is a very accomplished director (she was nominated twice for a Golden Globe for Best Director and also the Director’s Guild of America award despite being snubbed by the Oscars) and perhaps this project could garner her a well deserved make-up nomination now that Kathryn Bigelow has dented the glass ceiling in the Academy.
Streisand will be playing the role of Rose; a role that, despite being a mother role, is one of the juiciest parts on Broadway. The role has garnered wins and nominations from the Tonys, Golden Globes and Emmys and is highly sought after by theater performers in revival productions.
HBO also has in development a film centering on the real life story of Gypsy Rose Lee that focuses on her life during the end of her career with Sigourney Weaver. No word on when that production is set to begin.
Streisand can currently be seen in the third Fockers film as Ben Stiller‘s eccentric mother alongside Dustin Hoffman.
Have you seen Gypsy on stage? What do you think of Streisand in the role of Rose?