Album DescriptionDigitally remastered edition of this 1959 release starring Ethel Merman and Jack Klugman. Based on a book by Arthur Laurents with music written by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the show adapted the memoirs of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee focussing on her mother Rose. It affectionately recounts her efforts to raise her two daughters and get them a career on the stage. The musical was produced by David Merrick and directed by Jerome Robbins. Ethel Merman starred as Rose, Jack Klugman as Herbie and Sandra Church as Louise. This production received no less than eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Xtra.