Often called a "book musical," the story of Gypsy was derived from the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous actor and author who gained fame with her striptease act in the 1930s and had several well-documented Hollywood relationships. The musical follows the early life of the dancer, who was originally called Louise, and her sister June, as their overbearing mother Rose attempts to help her daughters succeed in show business during the Great Depression. The story illustrates the challenges of the entertainment world and highlights its effect on complex family and romantic relationships.