Sondheim Won't Let Barbra Streisand Direct Gypsy?

Sondheim Won't Let Barbra Streisand Direct Gypsy?

By Michael Musto Thu., Feb. 28 2013 at 12:09 PM

Stephen Sondheim has generously allowed a lot of wacky and/or progressive interpretations of his work, including ones with the actors playing musical instruments, the director's wife playing the female lead, and all sorts of other tweaks and concessions.

But according to this report on lemonwade.com, the composer extraordinaire is holding back his approval to let Barbra Streisand direct the movie version of Gypsy that she's supposed to star in. (Sondheim wrote the lyrics for that show.)

I guess now we know where he draws the line.

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exackerly topcommenter

Arthur Laurents in his last memoir also said she had called him up to get his blessing to play Mama Rose. He told her, only if you don't direct it. What do these guys all know that the rest of us don't?

bethesda

Barbra and Bradley in Sunset Blvd would actually be amazing.

lameatman

1 Like

WHY, why, why doesn't Babs give up on " Gypsy" and go for " Sunset Blvd"/ movie version instead ? She has already recorded 2 songs from it on her Broadway albums, and it could really be an amazing film, visually. The songs are excellent, and she has that aura of an old time star. Actress' love playing crazy, and she could have a handsome, young, leading man opposite her - I see Bradley Cooper, as Joe Gillis. I'm not joking - this is the film that people would love to see. Humor, romance, period costumes - think " The Artist", but creepier, and in color. Barbra coming down the stairs slowly, at the end - like buttah.

MSpeer

Be strong Mr. Sondheim, be strong!

It's just too late for Streisand to be starring in or directing another movie version of Gypsy. Must we endure another Lucy/Mame travesty? My eyes are still adjusting to all that soft focus hocus pocus! And as others have said, it will be less about Rose than it will be abiout Barbra!

Streisand is an incredible talent but she should find another project and leave Gypsy alone.