LuPone Brings "Gypsy" To Broadway

The theater marquee is seen on the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Boyd Gaines and Patti LuPone are shown, March 1, 2008, during a rehearsal of "Gypsy" in New York. "Gypsy" opened on Broadway March 27.

Actor Mandy Patinkin and his wife, Katheryn Gordy, pose together at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei poses for photographers at at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Actress Lauren Bacall arrives at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Actor Stephen Pasquale arrives at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Actors Stephen Root, left, and Wayne Knight arrive at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Actors Peyton List, left and Spencer List arrive at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Actress Angela Lansbury arrives at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Fashion designer Zac Posen arrives at the opening night of "Gypsy" on Broadway, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in New York.

Patti LuPone performs in the finale of "Gypsy" at City Center in summer of 2007. Arthur Laurents, who directed that three-week run as part of City Center's "Encores" series, also mounted the new performance.

Patti LuPone, seen here with actor Michael Cerveris, center, on opening night Nov. 3, 2005, of a Broadway revival of the musical "Sweeney Todd," has a long list of theater credits. She won a Tony for her performance in the title role of "Evita."

Actress Patti LuPone, seen here at the 2006 Tony awards ion New York, also won two Drama Desk awards and the British Olivier Award. In London, the Juilliard-trained actress created the role of Fantine in "Les Miserables," and Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard."

LuPone is one of many actresses to play the role of Mama Rose. Ethel Merman, who originated the role, was followed by Bette Midler, seen here, Tyne Daly, Rosalind Russell, Angela Lansbury and Bernadette Peters.