Everything’s Coming Up Barbra!

Barbra Streisand to star in the movie remake of GYPSY…does that sound like a good idea?

It’s a tremendous idea! Barbra would be breathtaking as Mama Rose and a project like this has the potential to be one of the greatest adaptations in film history, not to mention it would be a great bookend performance for La Streisand. And the score won’t have to be altered for a less capable actress/singer.

Ok so Barbra’s on board – but who would direct? It has to be someone strong enough to direct Barbra in her first musical in over 30 years. It’s a daunting task for even a seasoned director – she’s a handful…and on a musical?!?

Barbra Streisand has met with Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents to discuss starring as Rose, the mother of all stage mamas, in a film version of their 1959 musical “Gypsy,” the two men said in telephone interviews on Wednesday. Mr. Laurents, who wrote the book for “Gypsy” and directed its 2008 revival on Broadway starring Patti LuPone, said that Warner Brothers and Joel Silver were attached as producers, but that no director had been chosen.

Contrary to a report in The New York Post on Wednesday, Mr. Laurents said that Ms. Streisand would not direct the film; she once wanted to, he said, “but playing Rose is enough to make her happy.” Ms. Streisand, who won an Academy Award for best actress in 1968 for the film musical FUNNY GIRL, has been interested in doing GYPSY for many years, Mr. Laurents said, “but now things are serious and a movie is truly in the works.”

As for the rest of the casting, Tom Hanks’ name has come up for the role of Herbie, the former agent turned manager. I would’ve gone for Dustin Hoffman as Herbie, but Tom Hanks is good. He’s the perfect type – it was Jack Klugman in the original Broadway production with Ethel Merman; and Karl Malden in the 1962 movie with Rosalind Russell (so you can see where they are going with this).

Natalie Wood starred as the shy older sister Louise in the movie. I think Anne Hathaway would be perfect in this role. She is the right type and she can really sing! And while I’m granting myself wishes, Baby June should be played by Kristen Bell; and Tulsa, the boy she elopes with would be a perfect vehicle for the talents of Joseph Gordon Levitt – “Make ‘Em Laugh” on SNL anyone? Genius. Well, here’s hoping!

Source: NY Times