Some of you probably recall this situation more clearly than I but I remember when Streisand was preparing THE BROADWAY ALBUM she asked Sondheim if he would agree to a few, minor lyric changes. As far as I know, they worked things out smoothly and the changes occurred, but perhaps now he fears as director she would be constantly asking for changes in lyrics and libretto and he just doesn't want to invite that sort of aggravation.
Also, as some of you have stated, this is probably Sondheim's way of shutting down the whole enterprise. Apparently, Laurents caved in to her to star in the film just before he died, so she has that agreement to hang on to, but I'm sure he did not approve her as director as well.
Despite how gifted she is, she's simply far too old for the role, and would likely request all sorts of compensation in the material to justify.
Updated On: 2/28/13 at 02:12 PM