With “Gypsy” delayed, Barbra Streisand will direct the historical drama “Catherine the Great”

Barbra Streisand is going to direct her first film since 1996’s The Mirror Has Two Faces.

She will direct the historical drama Catherine the Great about the young Catherine, who was trapped in an abusive marriage with the heir to the Russian throne. When her inept husband proved incapable of ruling, she utilized her intelligence, fortitude and passion to rise to power, becoming Catherine the Great.

The entertainment legend has some time on her hands since her plans to star as Mama Rose in a new version of Gypsy have suffered a setback. Universal Studios, which had been developing the film for years, has decided not to move forward after all.

Streisand made her feature film directorial debut with the 1983 film Yentl in which she also starred. She won the Golden Award for Best Director for her work on the film. She also directed 1991’s The Prince of Tides which was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture.