Considering the success of musical Gypsy in London’s West End, it is no wonder that there will be a film revival of Gypsy too, by STX Entertainment. STX is currently in negotiations to make Gypsy again with the Grammy and Oscar winner Barbara Streisand taking the lead role of Mama Rose, and Oscar winner Barry Levinson directing. Production on the film was delayed last year following several years of development with Universal Pictures, but now it seems the project is full steam ahead.
It is said that Streisand will produce the film alongside Joel Silver, and she is additionally involved in developing the script. Streisand will play one of the most infamous stage mothers in history, following the iconic Imelda Staunton in the role on the London stage: some of Mama Rose’s hits include the signature numbers of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn.” Previous actresses who have also played the legendary role include Angela Lansbury and Bernadette Peters.
It is rumoured that production could start as early as this year, with STX aiming to turn this new Gypsy into a ‘motion picture event’. As one of the most famous musicals in production, it could be deemed Streisand’s last movie musical of her career. The icon of a story was first made into a film in 1962, with Rosalind Russell playing Mama Rose and Natalie Wood starring as Gypsy Rose Lee. It has seen much success in London and on regional stages, so the film is hoped to see no less.
Gypsy tells the story of the burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee’s troubled childhood, growing up with a fiercely ambitious mother, whose mission was to push her daughters up the vaudeville ladder. Gypsy could be argued as one of the greatest musicals ever made, with numerous successful stars adding to this accolade.