Image Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic.comEverything’s coming up … Streisand? According to multiple sources, Barbra Streisand is in talks to star in a new film version of the musical Gypsy, playing the ultimate stage mother, Mama Rose. The New York Times reports that Streisand has met with with lyricist Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents (who wrote the book and directed the latest 2008 revival). Streisand and Laurents share a lot of history — he directed her 1962 Broadway show “I Can Get it for You Wholesale” and wrote 1973′s tearjerker, The Way We Were. But not so fast on those early reports that Streisand might also direct. According to the Times, Warner Bros. and Joel Silver are attached as producers, but as of now, no director has been chosen.
Jan 6
2011
09:44 AM ET
Barbra Streisand in talks for 'Gypsy'
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I assume Lea Michelle from Glee will be up for the Gypsy Rose Lee part.
I was just going to write that!!
That was the first thing I thought of, was Lea Michelle playing Louise.
God I hope not.
Sorry Baba, but this is ridiculous casting. Especially when we’re supposed to buy her as the mother of small children for the first half hour.
But I’ll still watch this hot mess if it happens.
*Babs
Even if the movie doesn’t work, the soundtrack is bound to be awesome! What Barbra fan wouldn’t want to hear her do those songs?
This I can agree with!
Borrrrrring!
She’s the only person I can think to do the part convincingly. Love Barbara! Bette Milder wasn’t bad (in the TV version).
The ONLY person? Really? Patti Lupone owned it just two years ago on Broadway…kind of wish they were filming that case, though Barbra will be amazing, despite the age thing. But there are tons of actresses I would love to see take this one. Meryl Streep for one.
Meryl is also far too old to do it, as is Bernadette Peters. The character should really only be about 40, maybe 50 at the most.
Love Meryl, but she doesn’t have the vocal chops for this role.
Meryl is 61, Bernadette is 62, but Barbra is 68!
If Meryl is too old at 61, then so is Patti Lupone, since they are the same age.
I saw Patti LaPone in Gypsy. She was okay but she’s broadway musical star not a film star. Streep? Mamma Mia was unwatchable. She’s not a musical star She’s a film actress with a deep need for accents and manerisms. Mamma Rose is not for her either. I think Laurents is correct. Streisand will be great for this part and is doing it at the right time in her career. The story and role are also a true reflection of what we all see today – the stage mothers of Kim, Paris, Lindsey, and the produces of this shady side of the business like Disney. THey make stars today the same way they did then. Streisand will be great in this part because nobody knows stardom better than she does.
Barbara..?
The CD Soundtrack of this could be amazing, and I’m sure she can act the hell out of it, but I do wish they’d made this 20 years ago. She’s just too old for this part. That being said I still can’t wait to see it. I hope they get a great director and a kik-ass supporting case. I thin Anne Hathaway is the obvious choice for Gypsy. Maybe someone like Kristen Bell for June.
Oooo, I like the idea of Anne and Kristen!
Ditto!!
I hope so…I think they would be make a great mother daughter duo.
Lea Michelle and Babs..I meant
That would be perfect, Can you say ascor
As much as I love Babs, I vote for Bernadette Peters as Rose. She is my ultimate Mama. But if I can’t have her, I suppose anyone other than Meryl will do. I really don’t want to see her in another favorite of mine. A fantastic actress does not a fantastic singer make.
Bernadette Peters ultimate Mama? Seriously?
Hate to burst your bubble but she was the least regarded and most off-the-mark Mama Rose in memory.
Streisand in a wheelchair, gurney or barcalounger could do wheelies around the likes of Ms. Peters or Ms. Midler.
she is perfect for it & with glee & singer shows, we need to bring musicals, classics back to the big screen. Her fans will brack down the door to see it!!!
Sorry Barbara, but this movie and play has been overdone and done and done to death. What new can she bring to it?
I think it’s just been her desire to play the role for a long time and now she has the chance, but I just don’t get why it should be on the big screen.
3D? Give me a f***cking break.
Too pricey for babs on broadway ,real fan would not get near it.movie musicals need a come back & this & shes the one to do it!!
maybe the could cast Jennifer Anniston in there somewhere, its spooky how alike those two are.
The idea of Streisand as Mama Rose actually makes a lot of sense. Streisand looks much younger than she is, and has the forceful personality necessary for the role. More importantly, she has the requisite pipes. I can’t say enough about this: I’ve seen so many stars who act the hell out of the role but come up slightly short in the singing department. No one has ever come close to matching the original Merman. Not Peters, Lanbsury, Daly, Midler, and even LuPone whose voice is past her glory days. Streisand, however, can nail the vocals to the wall, even at this age. It should also be mentioned that Jule Styne composed the score to GYPSY, and it was he who wrote FUNNY GIRL specifically w/Streisand in mind, knowing it would make her a major star.
Sorry…Lansbury
Your comments are on the mark, Streisand is the perfect choice at any age. Not only is she a consummate actress and singer she has the spirit this character needs one that no one before her has managed to convey. LuPone embarrassing, Midler a joke. Anne Hathaway would be brilliant once again she has the spirit needed for this role.
Yes,Yes,Yes. Go Babs!
I thought of Lea Michelle as Gypsy Rose Lee, but the entire point is that Gypsy is supposed to have minimal singing talent. That’s why her little sis gets all the attention on the stage.
Lea can fake bad singing pretty convincingly. She did it in the ‘Laryngitis’ episode of ‘Glee’, when Rachel loses her voice.
Louise is definitely not supposed to be the BEST singer (which was a good thing for Natalie Wood), but it’s very easy to play that she is a good singer but very shy and timid. Laura Benanti has an amazing voice adn was able to rock Louise’s songs in the recent revival while staying true to the character. So casting could go either way.
Didn’t I read somewhere a while back that Streisand was also considering doing the Sunset Blvd. film musical…?
Yes, and it would be a better choice for her at this stage in her life. However, Norma Desmond is supposed to be 50, Babs is currently 18 years her senior.
Not a big Barbra fan, but can definately see this as good casting. Ann Hathaway would be perfect for Gypsy.
Anne Hathaway would be PERFECT. Though she sings great, she can fake being talentless. She does remind me of Natalie Wood (though more talented).
Sounds great, but Barbara is too old. If only one person could do it would be here or Pattie LuPone. Michelle Lea would be perfect for Rose. Meryl does not have the chops but who would be great as June would be Amanda Seyfrield. She can sing.
Hollywood rarely gets it right. She is too old. “Sunset Blvd” would have been more suitable. I am her biggest fan. 2 young for “Hello Dolly”,2 old for Rose.—–Joey Sinisi
Did u see her at the grammys shes still hot, I love that her soft 70S look is back ! they can do enything in hollywood,her talent and age are right now..