John Dossett, who is currently starring as Dr. J. W. Talbot in Lincoln Center Theater's production of Dinner at Eight, has been offered the role of Herbie in the upcoming production of Gypsy starring Bernadette Peters. Dossett's agent confirmed the news to Playbill On-Line, adding, "We're in negotiations [for the role] as we speak." Dossett spent the summer in the Kennedy Center's production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, and his other theatrical credits include roles in Hello Again, An Almost Holy Picture, Tom Sawyer, Ragtime, Prelude to a Kiss, Mastergate, Fifth of July and King of Schnorrers. On screen the actor has been seen in "Nick and Jane," "That Night," "Longtime Companion," "Law & Order," "Hack," "Sex & the City," "Homicide," "Blue Moon," "Cracker Man," "JAG" and "Clover."
The role of Herbie was created in the original 1959 production by stage and screen veteran Jack Klugman. Other Herbies include Rex Robbins (1974 Broadway company), Jonathan Hadary (1989 Broadway cast), Karl Malden (1962 film) and Peter Riegert (1993 TV production).
Gypsy — starring two-time Tony Award winner 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, Kate Reinders as Dainty June and Kate Buddeke as Mazeppa. The last Broadway mounting of the famed musical 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.
