FUNNY GIRL to Launch National Tour

Think this might be their subtle way of hinting it will close when Michele’s contact expires so they can use the set/costumes on the road

That’s so exciting. I’m assuming Julie will be the lead here and I can’t wait to see her on tour.

Phillyguy said: "That’s so exciting. I’m assuming Julie will be the lead here and I can’t wait to see her on tour."

I would hope so, but if Barry Manilow's HARMONY decides to transfer in the fall, then I would think Benko or Jessie Davidson (who played the role before Benko joined the show) could be moving forward with that.

bwayphreak234 said: "I hope whoever they cast is able to really carry the show... This production itself is inert, lifeless, and drab beyond belief. Lea Michele singlehandedly turned this production into a must-see event with her incredible performance. She managed to completely eclipse the ugly and dark set, tawdry costumes, tacky lighting design, and amateur direction."

I don’t think anyone could be as good as Lea in this role but audience tends to be more forgiving on tour. Julie would be wonderful in this.

BCfitasafiddle said: "bwayphreak234 said: "I hope whoever they cast is able to really carry the show... This production itself is inert, lifeless, and drab beyond belief. Lea Michele singlehandedly turned this production into a must-see event with her incredible performance. She managed to completely eclipse the ugly and dark set, tawdry costumes, tacky lighting design, and amateur direction."

Couldn't agree more. They should at least get Lea to do the stops in California."

If anything, I’m sure she’d do a multi-week run at the Pantages. But probably nothing more than that.

I highly doubt Lea or Julie will lead the tour. I hope they try to get an unknown or something, but I really don't think either of them will lead it. Especially with Julie potentially being involved with Harmony, I'd be surprised if she does end up leading the tour.

I am very curious as to why no one is giving a newcomer a chance. I know, I know-Lea helped save the Broadway revival. But the name of the show will also bring in subscribers and people to see the show. Whether or not she is in it, it's the chance for someone else to be "the greatest star". Not every tour needs to have someone from the Broadway production lead it, no matter how good they are. Many, many examples to pick from. And those tours have been successful without them. I just really doubt Lea or Julie would want to go from almost a year run on Broadway (over a year?) to then immediately going out on tour. I KNOW Into The Woods is doing it-that doesn't mean Lea or Julie will want to.

Lea was doing sporadic single concert dates which is not the same as doing a multi-city national tour with an 8 performances a week schedule and staying in each city for 1-2 weeks AND with a toddler. A Broadway schedule is completely different as she’s able to live a regular home life. If she were to join any portion of the tour, it would be the Los Angeles stop as many other Broadway actors have done.

broadwayboy223 said: "Lol. Why do people keep bringing up Harmony? Wasn't it just a workshop lol."

No, lol

I don't know if ever see Harmony making it to a Broadway stage. We'll see though.

Either way, I don't think it's Julie Benko who leads this tour.

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Yes, as you’ve already posted in this thread about it. No one was “not giving a newcomer a chance” or thinking that “every tour needs to have someone from Broadway to lead it”. These things are common sense.

If it’s not Julie (or Leah - let’s not forget she was touring the country with her own concerts up until Funny Girl, so it’s possible) then it will need a name SOMEWHERE for paying audiences, or stuff it in a Subscription package. The show itself is not good or popular enough to make real money on the road - and they are making tons of money off of her alone, it would be foolish to not at least attempt it."

Every other comment about the tour is "JULIEEEEE" or "LEAAAAA" or something along those lines. So no, not everyone has common sense. And even if it's not on here, you will see that in other locations where the tour is being discussed.

They should get Debbie (call me Deborah) Gibson to play Mrs. Brice and give her a full-circle Funny Girl tour moment.