pvd295 — 16 years ago(October 16, 2009 11:00 AM)

Reading up on Linda Lavin, I thought I'd share some theater info
Actress Tyne Daly ("Cagney & Lacey") was cast as Mama Rose in the 1989 Broadway revival of 'Gypsy'. Despite no musical theater background, Daly stunned critics who gave her rave reviews, and won a Tony for her portrayal of the legendary character.
Daly left the show in August, 1990 and was replaced by Linda Lavin (I remember being in NY and watching workers take down the Daly posters and replace them with the Lavin posters). Sadly, Lavin got horrendous reviews - and literally closed the show within a matter of months. The producers lost money on the Lavin fiasco (they had to settle her contract, plus reimburse 'future ticket holders') even though they originally profited from Daly's initial run.
As a huge favor to the producers, Daly rejoined the cast and the revival opened once again in the spring of 1991 for a limited engagement of about four months (which I was fortunate enough to catch that time - unbelieveable!). It was enough for the producers to recoup their Lavin loss, and they were able to break-even with the revival.