Beanie’s Last Performance 9/25 — Page 11

I’d be curious to see the show with Beanie because I was enamored with the Funny Girl movie and the sequel. Maybe that’s just Barbara’s charm but I never felt it was too thin.

I agree, they weren’t kind to her. We got our tickets prior to the show’s opening, mostly because my two teens wanted to see Beanie. My husband and I didn’t have much desire because this show was written for Streisand and without her, not sure it’s really a standout show (which we confirmed yesterday). My older daughter had decided weeks ago she’d rather see Julie after hearing how great she was - and we all agreed it would have been interesting to see if we enjoyed it more. With that being said, I still say Beanie was charming and seemed to be having fun. It’s hard not to want to root for her and I think she’d be great in a straight comedy play.

Let's face it- the show was My Name Is Barbra- before the television special a while later. It has some great music to showcase her singing abilities- some comic moments- some romantic moments- and was an introduction to a full-fledged superstar who was to become an iconic singer. No one can really do this show- any more than a remake of the Funny Girl movie could be remade. Unlike most shows- where another star could play the role- no one can duplicate the charisma and talent of Barbra in this particular role.

BWAY Baby2 said: "Let's face it- the show was My Name Is Barbra- before the television special a while later. It has some great music to showcase her singing abilities- some comic moments- some romantic moments- and was an introduction to a full-fledged superstar who was to become an iconic singer. No one can really do this show- any more than a remake of the Funny Girl movie could be remade. Unlike most shows- where another star could play the role- no one can duplicate the charisma and talent of Barbra in this particular role."

That is kind of a false narrative that has been used to defend this performance.. I could think of a bunch of other ladies that could have delivered and given Brice the fire it needs. Just look at youtube and see different performances from all over the world. Just look at Babs replacement Mimi Hines. Just look at Juile Benko. And the show itself could have been given a a book facelift. I thought Harveys work was typically bad and lazy.

Sutton Ross said: "Yeah, it's so sad. Justifying a bad performance on Broadway? Nah. Our standards are high since it's the best theater district in America. As it should be.

Looking forward to a new Fanny blowing the roof off that theater!"

I agree. Patrons are paying top dollar and deserve exceptional talent, not someone giving it go. This is Broadway. There’s plenty of top tier talent that could have delivered the whole package CONSISTENTLY. I think people aren’t letting this go because they are sending a clear message to producers to not try this again

I think people aren’t letting this go because they are sending a clear message to producers to not try this again.



I don't disagree, but I was under the impression that the show is doing inexplicably well?

PipingHotPiccolo said: "you're talking past me. the reviews trashed the show well more than they trashed Beanie, who they said was charming, lovely, passable, etc. I get the theater queens are disappointed in her singing (which isnt wildly impressive) but the critics were much harsher on the show/production than on Beanie. Was my point.

but by all means, carry on, carry on, dont want to get in the way."

As you said on page one: "good god, people are living on their own planet." You really are living in your own alternate reality.

joevitus said: "Sutton Ross said: "Yeah, it's so sad. Justifying a bad performance on Broadway? Nah. Our standards are high since it's the best theater district in America. As it should be.

Looking forward to a new Fanny blowing the roof off that theater!"

This would only make sense if many of the people bashing Beanie didn't turn around and salivate over Pamela Anderson in Chicago."

Apples and Oranges. A different show presented and produced these days in a completely different way. Also sold in a different way. Pamela actually brought something to it. I thoroughly enjoyed her.

BrodyFosse123 said: "Pamela stepped up to the plate AND delivered. She didn’t half-ass one second of her performance AND she did her entire run without missing a single performance AND this is from someone with zero stage, dance, and musical experience. Broadway will gladly welcome her back with the same enthusiasm. She proved herself she’s got what it takes.

The fiasco of FUNNY GIRL will be a dark cloud for Beanie, regarding any future Broadway musical."



Just curious -- has any other theatrical performance ever traumatized you this badly? Please seek professional help -- before it's too late!!

Brody's constant berating of a performance they liked (?) aside, the point that this production will impact her future work on Broadway is likely an accurate one. I don't blame Beanie, I blame Sonia Friedman and her producing partners for setting Beanie up for colossal failure.

I wish no black cloud on any actor (unless truly deserved) - but I don’t see Beanie in another role like this. I do, however, think she can command the stage and could do a straight comedy play or a smaller role in a musical that is comedic and not as vocally taxing. As I stated before, this was written especially for Streisand, and while other singers can do it, there are plenty who can’t. I, too, thought there were parts that Beanie sang beautifully, but she didn’t have the range, and that’s an issue that they should have known. I haven’t paid a ton of attention to the reasons she has been out, because truthfully I don’t think we should question if they call out - and I would hope they were all legitimate. If they weren’t, then my guess is word is out to those who make decisions. With that being said, she is a big draw and we know business decisions aren’t always made on talent alone.

BWAY Baby2 said: ""this was written especially for Streisand, and while other singers can do it, there are plenty who can’t." ---------Name me one singer or actress who can do this role? The only performer I could think of- years ago- was Sandra Bernhard. She was eccentric and unique enough to pull it off."

Julie Benko, for starters.

Updated On: 6/27/22 at 05:54 PM