Another Reason To Love Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim has nixed the in-the-works movie of the musical “Gypsy” that was to have starred Barbra Streisand as (Grand)Mama Rose. Sondheim’s “Gypsy” collaborator, Arthur Laurents, said: “‘[Sondheim] said, ‘What is the point of it? You want a record because the theater is ephemeral. You don’t need a record. The fact that it’s ephemeral means you can have different productions, different Roses on to infinity.’ So I don’t want it now. I don’t want a definitive record, I want it to stay alive.” Laurents added: “I think [Barbra Streisand] is disappointed, she wanted very much to do it. That would have been a good exit for her career.” Stick the knife in a little harder, Mr. Laurents! You’re 93 and still working. But the “Gypsy” of Streisand, 68, would be her “exit.” WTF?
Great news! Sounded like a train wreck waiting to happen. At 70, Babs is far too old for the role and Tom Hooper as the director would have sealed its fate. Laurents needs to retire already.