New Gypsy Revival, Starring Imelda Staunton, Eyeing Fall 2013 Opening

A new revival of Gypsy, starring Vera Drake and Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton as the world’s most ferocious stage mother, is eyeing a fall 2013 opening at the Chichester Festival Theatre, reports The Daily Mail.

Director Jonathan Kent is attached to helm the West End-hopeful project, which has reportedly been blessed with the approval of Stephen Sondheim and the estate of Arthur Laurents. Kent and Staunton collaborated together on the Chichester production of Sweeney Todd, which recently ended its West End run in September. Gypsy has not been performed in the West End since 1973, when Angela Lansbury played Mama Rose in a successful revival.

Staunton is best known for her film and TV work including Up the Garden Path, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and her Oscar-nominated turn in Vera Drake. She received Olivier Awards for The Corn is Green and Into the Woods. Her other stage credits include Guys and Dolls, Mack & Mabel, Elektra and A Man for All Seasons. Staunton co-hosted the 2011 and 2012 Olivier Award ceremony with Sweeney Todd co-star Michael Ball.