It’s only in the very early stages, but it’s some of the most exciting news I’ve heard in a long time. It seems that Bernadette Peters has been approached about starring in a full-scale London revival of the classic musical Gypsy. Peters is definitely interested in what would be her second “Ethel Merman” role and is currently mulling over the prospect of following in the footsteps of such former Gypsy stars as the aforementioned Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and, most recently at the Paper Mill, Betty Buckley.

Two-time Tony-winner Peters is scheduled to conclude her run in the hit revival of Annie Get Your Gun in September and, according to her press rep, would like a bit of a break before heading into another musical, but with Sam Mendes as the possible director, it seems like a project too exciting to dismiss. Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book to Gypsy, which features a score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, recently leaked the prospect at a press conference for his new autobiography, “Original Story By” (Random House). Stay tuned for more information.

Another exciting thought: a London season with both Elaine Paige in The King and I and Peters in Gypsy would be more than worth the transatlantic trip.

In Friday’s DIVA TALK column, expect news, reviews and more about Betty Buckley, Ute Lemper, Helen Schneider and more . . .

-- By Andrew Gans
Diva Talk Columnist