Kate Buddeke, a Chicago actress currently appearing in A Red Orchid Theater's production of Eric LaRue, has been offered a role in the Bernadette Peters revival of Gypsy. The Chicago Tribune reports that Buddeke, who played Mazeppa in the Marriott's Lincolnshire production of Gypsy in 1998, has been offered that same role in the upcoming revival, which will be directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. Buddeke told the Chicago paper, "I'm still stunned. I have 64 bucks in the bank." Gypsy will mark Buddeke's third Broadway outing; she appeared in the most recent revivals of Death of a Salesman and Carousel.

Gypsy — starring Bernadette Peters in the role of Rose — will begin previews at the Shubert Theatre on March 24, 2003, with an official opening scheduled for April 24. Others in the cast include Tammy Blanchard as Louise and Kate Reinders as Dainty June. Casting is still underway for the role of Rose's love interest, Herbie.

The last Broadway mounting of the famed musical Gypsy cast "Cagney & Lacey" star Tyne Daly in the role created by Ethel Merman. The 1989 Daly revival won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical as well as one for its leading lady.