Barbra Streisand is going to be the ultimate stage mom… on the silver screen. She’s confirmed to the LA Times that she’ll star in a new film version of GYPSY. Earlier in the negotiation process she had been in talks to direct the film as well, but at the moment the deal is still unclear.
She tells the LA Times:
“The deal wasn’t finished … I am not sure about directing it. It may just be too much. I know I will be playing the part. It’s like a bookend starting with ‘Funny Girl.'”
Bookwriter Arthur Laurents had given her approval to play the role (he owns the rights and gets to give final approval on the casting). He says that she’s definitely got more than enough chops for the part:
“She had a mother who she always thought was Mama Rose. I don’t want to get into the details, but the point is she knows. She’s got it in her. She’s going to be much more than people expect.”