Betty Buckley is talking with New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse about starring in the theatre’s upcoming production of Gypsy. “There’s been some discussion,” Buckley told Playbill On-Line at the Tony Awards Nominees Brunch, held at Sardi’s restaurant on May 13. The actress, who previously starred as Mama Rose in a 1992 production of Gypsy at the Southern Arizona Light Opera Company, is nominated for her work in last fall’s Triumph of Love.

Paper Mill spokesman Dennis Dougherty confirmed the theatre had been speaking with Buckley. He added that the company was in contact with several actresses concerning the Stephen Sondheim/ Jule Styne classic, including Patti LuPone, the star of the recently shuttered Broadway production of David Mamet’s The Old Neighborhood.

Gypsy will inaugurate the 1998-1999 Paper Mill season. The tentative opening date is Sept. 9.

In other Paper Mill news, the current revival of Follies, due to run through May 31, is sold out. There has been much talk about a Broadway transfer, but no definite plans have been announced. Dougherty said that several producers have shown interest in the production.

--By Robert Simonson and David Lefkowitz