Adam Shankman to Direct HBO Film Chronicling Life of GYPSY's 'Mama Rose'

Mama Rose is headed to the screen once more.

According to Deadline, HAIRSPRAY's Adam Shankman has been tapped by HBO to direct and executive produce an upcoming biopic on the "ultimate stage mother" and subject of Broadway's GYPSY, Rose Hovick.

The project, titled MADAME ROSE, "is based on the life story of Hovick, the indomitable mother of burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee and actress June Havoc, who would do anything to advance her daughters' career in showbusiness."

The report also notes that MADAME ROSE, like many of the stage and screen incarnations featuring Hovick before it, will draw "top talent."

GYPSY was last seen on Broadway with Patti LuPone playing Rose, and direction by Arthur Laurents. Principal casting included Laura Benanti in the title role of "Gypsy/Louise", with Boyd Gaines as "Herbie", and Leigh Ann Larkin as "Dainty June. In previous productions, Rose has been played by such leading ladies as Bernadette Peters, Ethel Merman, Tyne Daly, Bette Middler, and Angela Lansbury.

Shankman is an acclaimed director, choreographer, and dancer whose directing credits include the film versions of Hairspray, which received three Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture-Musical or Comedy, and Rock of Ages, starring Tom Cruise. His other film directing credits include A Walk to Remember, and The Wedding Planner. Adam has also directed episodes for the hit television series Glee and Modern Family and choreographed the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

A Los Angeles local, Shankman began his career as a dance and choreographer, appearing in music videos for Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. Soon after, he began choreographing films such as Boogie Nights, Catch Me If You Can, and the Step Up Series. In 2009, he became a permanent judge on So You Think You Can Dance?, and in 2010 was one of the two producers for the 82nd Academy Awards, a telecast which earned a record 12 Emmy nominations, including two for Shankman for producing and choreographing.