Julian Fellowes to write adaptation of the musical 'Gypsy' The Oscar-winning screenplay writer will adapt the 1959 Stephen Sondheim musical, which is based on the memoirs of the famous striptease dancer Gypsy Rose Lee. Barbra Streisand and Joel Silver are producing the film for Universal Studios, according to industry website Hollywood Reporter. Two screen adaptations of the play already exist. Rosalind Russell starred as "Mama Rose," Gypsy's bossy stage mother in the critically-acclaimed 1962 adaptation, alongside Natalie Wood's Gypsy. Bette Midler starred in a film of the musical, which was made for television in 1993. Gypsy was first staged on Broadway in 1959, and has seen four revivals (in 1974, 1989, 2003, and 2008). It has been described as the greatest American musical by critics and writers. Julian Fellowes won an Academy Award for Gosford Park in 2001. He has recently become a household name following the phenomenal popularity of his ITV period drama 'Downton Abbey', which has also found a wide audience in America and is currently in the throes of filming its third series. His recent projects include Johnny Depp heist 'The Tourist' (2010), 'The Young Victoria' (2009), and an adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet' starring Hailee Steinfeld, which is currently in production.