Patti LuPone's 'Gypsy' could becoming to Broadway

The New York Post reports that the City Center Encores! Summer Stars production of Gypsy, which starred Patti LuPone, could be heading to Broadway for a limited engagement in 2008.

The Encores! Summer Stars production of Gypsy, opened at the City Center on 14 Jul 2007, following previews from 9 July and ran through to 29 Jul 2007.

Directed by Arthur Laurents, the production also featured Boyd Gaines as Herbie and Laura Benanti as Louise.

The New York Post reports that the agents for Boyd Gaines and Laura Benanti have been asked to keep their clients free for the summer. While Patti LuPone has already expressed an interest in a Broadway run, which should she her nominated for a Tony Award.

According to the report, Roger Berlind (producer of Curtains), "is spearheading the move, which will cost about $9 million", a high price tag for a revival. Also in the mix is The Frankel Group, which produced "The Producers" and "Hairspray."

The New York Post's source claims that a decision will be made within the next week, depending on how negotiations go.

At a hefty price tag of $9 million, the report says that "Potential backers of the show are worried about the cool reception two Times critics gave LuPone's performance." However, this may not be the stumbling block, because other critics praised both Patti LuPone's performance and the production.

The main obstacle is belived to be generational, Gypsy is belived to appeal to the WWII generation, where as Broadway audiances are now the baby-boom generation. As the New York Post phrased it "Your grandmother loved "South Pacific." Your mother loves "Jersey Boys."

Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book for the musical is also keen for another Broadway production. It is said he was unhappy with Sam Mades' Broadway revival in 2000, and that he wishes to "wipe away memories of Sam Mendes' lackluster 2000 revival with a smashing one of his own.

If the production goes ahead it is planned to open at St. James Theatre in early 2008.