Now that Chicago has confirmed its move from the Shubert Theatre to the Ambassador Theatre, the much-awaited revival of Gypsy — starring two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters — has announced that it will take up residence at the Shubert (225 West 44th Street).
The classic musical, which boasts music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents, will begin previews on March 24, 2003, and open a month later, April 24, 2003, making the show eligible for 2003 Tony Award nominations. An on-sale ticket date has yet to be announced.
Originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the 2003 revival will feature direction by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Mendes nabbed an Oscar for his direction of the film "American Beauty" and also helmed this summer's "The Road to Perdition." Broadway audiences know his work from the Tony-winning revival of Cabaret, now playing Studio 54. Mitchell, who received a Tony nomination for his choreography of The Full Monty, also choreographed what may be this season's biggest hit, Hairspray.
The remainder of the creative team comprises Anthony Ward (sets and costumes), Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting), Acme Sound Partners (sound), Robert Ginzler and Sid Ramin (orchestrations), and Patrick Vacariello (musical direction). Marvin Laird, Peters' long-time musical director, will conduct the orchestra.
Produced by Robert Fox and Ron Kastner, Gypsy will play — during previews — Monday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 PM. Actress-singer Bernadette Peters won Tony Awards for her performances in Song & Dance and Annie Get Your Gun. She has also starred on Broadway in Mack & Mabel, On the Town, Sunday in the Park with George, The Goodbye Girl and the original production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. Peters was recently inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame where she sang selections from her newest CD, "Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein." Her numerous screen credits include an Emmy-nominated turn on "Ally McBeal," a Golden Globe-winning performance in "Pennies from Heaven" and roles in "The Jerk," "Silent Movie," "Bobbie's Girl," "Pink Cadillac" and "The Last Mile." She will also be seen in the upcoming Michael Douglas film "A Few Good Years."
