LuPone & 'Gypsy' Headed to Broadway?

Michael Riedel of The New York Post reports Patti LuPone may return to Broadway next year in a recreation of her critically acclaimed turn as Mama Rose in last season's New York City Center's production of Gypsy.

"If you missed director Arthur Laurents' thrilling revival of Gypsy at City Center this past summer...all may not be lost. There's a plan afoot to reopen the show, with Patti LuPone as Momma Rose, at the St. James early next year," states the article.

Producer Roger Berlind (Curtains), with The Frankel Group (The Producers, Hairspray) are helming the $9-million project.  City Center co-stars, Boyd Gaines and Laura Benanti have allegedly been shoulder-tapped to reprise their roles as Herbie and Louise, respectively.

The production is scheduled for a run in London next fall.

Gypsy features a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; suggested by the memories of Gypsy Rose Lee.

Patti LuPone last appeared as Mrs. Lovett (2006 Tony nominated) on Broadway in the multiple award-winning revival of Sweeney Todd, directed by John Doyle.  LuPone made her Broadway debut in The Three Sisters  (1973), but truly broke onto the scene with her Tony Award-winning performance as Eva Peron in Evita (1973).  Since, she has appeared on Broadway in countless productions including Anything Goes, Noises Off, Oliver!, Working and Master Class, plus Lincoln Center's Passion and Sweeney Todd live concerts with the San Francisco and New York symphonies.  A diva in her own-right, LuPone has traveled the nation and world with her sell-out concerts and event appearances.  LuPone recently starred in Doyle's LA production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, set to air on PBS Great Performances December 17.

The original 1961 Broadway production of Gypsy starred the legendary Ethel Merman.  Since, it has been revived on Broadway three times. Angela Lansbury stepped into the giant shoes of Mama Rose in 1975; Tyne Daly headlined in the 1989 remounting; and most recently Bernadette Peters starred at the Shubert Theatre's 2000 revival.

Photos of Patti LuPone (2007) by Joan Marcus