As Michael Bennett so aptly put it, the role is not just about the vocal chops. It's all well and good to have sung a ravishing version of one of Fanny's songs, but as MB said, it really is about the unique qualities the actress playing the part can bring to the character.
And what people tend to forget is that the original production ran for a year and a half after Streisand left, with Mimi Hines playing the role. It wouldn't have stayed open that long if Streisand were the only thing going for it.
I'd love to see Paolo Szot as Arnstein.
Mmmmmmmmmmm
Broadway Star Joined: 12/16/06
I second Nicole Parker. She has a small following from MadTV and from Wicked, which will help get the show rolling in the beginning (paired with the show's already famous title). I think she'd be great. She's a wonderful comedic actress (Have you seen her portrayal of Ellen?) and a wonderful dramatic actress (as seen in Wicked). She has an excellent voice... I don't know. I personally think she'd be wonderful.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/20/07
I agree..Lea Michele is all wrong for this...for many reasons. IMO, why bother. Streisand was the definitive Fanny.
The problem with the show is that you can't really skimp on either of the two things needed: a totally unique personality and someone than can sing that bitch of a score fabulously for 8 shows a week.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/21/06
Michael Bennett put it correctly in context, pointing out the uniqueness required. Also, the role is heavily comedic. Supreme vocal chops aside, Streisand was hysterical. And that's Brice.
I, too, am so curious as to who these "Hollywood types" are!!!
All said, I'm confident Sher will cast it well. I can't think of another director today who is so consistent in good taste.
I disagree, I think Stephanie J Block would be a great choice, but thats just my opinion. I'm personally not a big Kritzer fan, so I really wouldn't want to see her cast. I do think Nicole Parker would be an excellent choice as well, she is hilarious. I feel bad for whoever is cast though, they have some big shoes to fill..and its going to be one of those casting decisions that delights half of the people on here and enrages the rest....it will be interesting for sure.
Stand-by Joined: 12/31/69
What about Idina?
Careful, Chicago Star!
Sher is such a serious director. Sounds like a miscast choice. And this production, IF it happens, is 2 years away. Cannot wait for the thousands of posts by thousands of fags to dissect every little thing of the show and who should do it.
You don't have to wait ff - it's already started.
Nicole Parker cannot sing. Stephanie J. Block cannot act (and has as much stage presence as a toenail). Casting either one of them in this role would be a disaster.
Montego Glover?
Crucify me, but I'm rooting for Idina.
"...and someone than can sing that bitch of a score fabulously for 8 shows a week."
So TEAR DOWN that BITCH of a score and put a JUKEBOX MUSICAL WHERE IT OUGHT TO BE!!
Thank you, Munkustrap, I thought I was the only one who doesn't like Lea Michele's nasally vocals!
fflagg, I don't know if Sher's necessarily serious. His productions of SOUTH PACIFIC and LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA both had moments of lightness. I feel like what I like about Sher is that he serves the material really well. I doubt he'll try to make FUNNY GIRL anything heavy or serious.
And we all know Seth Rudetsky was born to the play this role and will play this role at long last, so let it go and wait for the announcement.
Seriously thinking, though, can people think of anyone for this? In terms of being unique and different, I like Kacie Sheik. She's not a name, but I felt like she made a real presence in the HAIR revival.
Can't picture Lea Michelle, Idina, or anyone for that matter playing this GO FOR AN UNKNOWN!
My concern is less with the casting and more with the book. Doubtless they are going to have to do some sort of revision or re-tooling.
If they can strengthen the book, the success of the show might be a little less "star" dependent and the show can run long after with multiple Fannys.
Otherwise, at best, they'll have the same problem they had with the original production. Once "whoever they cast" leaves, the show doesn't work as well.
I vote for Kritzer. That woman's hilarious. However, I would like to see Anneliese van der Pol in the role....don't kill me...
I vote for Kritzer. That woman's hilarious. However, I would like to see Anneliese van der Pol in the role....don't kill me...
I SO want to see Paulo tackle Arnstein! Since it's Sher who's going to direct, you think it's possible? I have so much confidence on Sher. His direction breathes in meaning with details to the material yet still maintains its original scent.
How about Kristen Stewart?
Ooh bjh, I like the idea of Farah Alvin...in any case she certainly has the vocal chops to carry it off.
Updated On: 6/8/10 at 07:28 PM
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