Beanie’s Last Performance 9/25 — Page 12

TaffyDavenport said: "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."

I haven't had the privilege of seeing Julie in the role, but have heard her sing, checked out her IGs and her background in theatre and how she treasures Fanny's memory. (Even trying to figure out a way to drum up the money for another cross-country trip.)

As for Sandra - great performer, but Fanny wasn't eccentric. Fanny was pretty quiet in "real" life. Worked her butt off doing whatever she had to do to get ahead: burlesque, artist's model, street shows for the neighborhood kids, but pretty solid in general. Great timing, yes, but her craziness was calculated for the performance. Barbra Streisand was eccentric in real life, but her Fanny was real, lovable and engaging.

Which brings me to the 3rd person named: Lea Michelle. Talented lady, but she doesn't do Fanny, she does Barbra. I think if she was cast, that's what would be the first thing anyone would look at and she would lose because of it.

What people may be finding particularly attractive about Julie is she is being Julie playing Fanny and disappears into the role - which one would hope happens with all good acting. No one is doing voice comparisons. Her humor comes from the material and the character (again I'm picking this up from personal experience reviews).

This is probably what they hoped with Beanie.

Interesting - FunnyGirlBroadway posted a photo of Julie on IG - the one in the red dress.

Well, judging by yesterday’s performance, the reaction from the crowd at Beanie’s entrance and really after every single on of her songs - plus the ovation she got at the end….I think the draw may still be Beanie. I suppose it could be because they were applauding “Fanny”, but it seemed to me to be otherwise.

hearthemsing22 said: "Penna2 said: "Interesting - FunnyGirlBroadway posted a photo of Julie on IG - the one in the red dress."

I don’t see it on the page…"

I couldn't copy it (sooooo tech limited!), but here is a montage Robbie2 put together. The photo I was referring to was the upper right.

TaffyDavenport said: "That pic of Julie isn't on their Instagram."

I'm looking at it right now: it was posted yesterday.

funnygirlbroadway

August Wilson Theatre on Broadway

TaffyDavenport said: "Penna2 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "That pic of Julie isn't on their Instagram."

I'm looking at it right now: it was posted yesterday.

funnygirlbroadway

August Wilson Theatre on Broadway"

The first one is a fan page, and the second is a geotag.

This is the show's official Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/funnygirlbwy/"

Well, duh. Thanks!

BrodyFosse123 said: "Penna2 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "That pic of Julie isn't on their Instagram."

I'm looking at it right now: it was posted yesterday.

funnygirlbroadway

August Wilson Theatre on Broadway"

Just for the future, this little blue check mark is to tell you it’s an official account. You posted unauthorized fan accounts.

"

Thanks to you as well. Just like Twitter, huh? I only recently opened an IG account, so not used to it.

pippy1 said: "Um yeah I know that leads get applause when they enter, and yeah, I know they get standing ovations at the end. I might not have made it clear, but I am saying this felt different. Unless the audience completely didn’t care that her performance was not up to a certain Broadway standard, they were simply very forgiving because it was Beanie. I guess the truth is, we won’t know until she leaves if the show can sustain itself. My kids (who didn’t love it, but didn’t hate it) said they would definitely want to go back if Leah Michele took over (not that I am offering to take them)"

the crowds love Beanie, no need to apologize for this observation. its true that audiences are primed to applaud more given the high prices and celeb factor, but when I was there the reaction to her numbers was enthusiastic and warm. glad to hear thats still the case.

BCfitasafiddle said: "pippy1 said: "Well, judging by yesterday’s performance, the reaction from the crowd at Beanie’s entrance and really after every single on of her songs - plus the ovation she got at the end….I think the draw may still be Beanie. I suppose it could be because they were applauding “Fanny”, but it seemed to me to be otherwise."

So interesting. When I went Beanie got no entrance applause at the top of the show."

It looks as though the producers are using her engagement and the ending date as a reason to send her around to talk shows to promote FG as if the last 3 months didn't happen. Same old, same old. Not sure anyone who doesn't already care will care now. Pretty ring, though.

Azúcar! said: "Penna2 said: "BCfitasafiddle said: "pippy1 said: "Well, judging by yesterday’s performance, the reaction from the crowd at Beanie’s entrance and really after every single on of her songs - plus the ovation she got at the end….I think the draw may still be Beanie. I suppose it could be because they were applauding “Fanny”, but it seemed to me to be otherwise."

So interesting. When I went Beanie got no entrance applause at the top of the show."

It looks as though the producers are using her engagement and the ending date as a reason to send her around to talk shows to promote FG as if the last 3 months didn't happen. Same old, same old. Not sure anyone who doesn't already care will care now. Pretty ring, though."

So? What is wrong with that ? She is out promoting the show . Good for her . She was charming on Seth Meyers show ."

Did I say there was anything wrong? No. They should have been promoting the show all along, especially since the show didn't make the Tonys - maybe even use some of the others in the cast who have their own followings - Ramin, Jane and, now, Jared - who WAS nominated. They actually have fan bases - maybe Ramin could even sing something by himself or they could do the duet from the show. All sorts of possibilities.

Papi2013 said: "Penna2 said: "Azúcar! said: "Penna2 said: "BCfitasafiddle said: "pippy1 said: "Well, judging by yesterday’s performance, the reaction from the crowd at Beanie’s entrance and really after every single on of her songs - plus the ovation she got at the end….I think the draw may still be Beanie. I suppose it could be because they were applauding “Fanny”, but it seemed to me to be otherwise."

So interesting. When I went Beanie got no entrance applause at the top of the show."

It looks as though the producers are using her engagement and the ending date as a reason to send her around to talk shows to promote FG as if the last 3 months didn't happen. Same old, same old. Not sure anyone who doesn't already care will care now. Pretty ring, though."

So? What is wrong with that ? She is out promoting the show . Good for her . She was charming on Seth Meyers show ."

Did I say there was anything wrong? No. They should have been promoting the show all along, especially since the show didn't make the Tonys - maybe even use some of the others in the cast who have their own followings - Ramin, Jane and, now, Jared - who WAS nominated. They actually have fan bases - maybe Ramin could even sing something by himself or they could do the duet from the show. All sorts of possibilities."

Penna; you come off negative. Maybe step away from it for a little bit so you can see how you come across? I enjoy reading you either way."

Alas, even when I step away and really try to sound neutral, I come across negative, except when I discuss Julie, who I adore. My dislike of Beanie is well known and bleeds through. However, this post was directed at the producers - PR team. It occurred to me last night they were trying to distract from the announcement of Beanie's leaving - which I thought was premature. I understand that was likely a move to stop the gossip about whatever issues besides covid might be keeping her from performing her full schedule.

This unfortunately, the focus shifted away from Beanie returning (the show you saw with all the welcoming and excited response was heartfelt - no one wants anyone to be sick) and became focused on who was going to replace her. That doesn't help the show in terms of ticket sales.

What they seem to be doing is going back to having her do the talk circuit, which is fine and makes sense - particularly with her good personal news. That they are still not having any musical numbers attached to these appearances is unusual and I just feel it might benefit the show if the others were also highlighted.

I happen to love this show and want it to succeed.

BrodyFosse123 said: "I agree. A musical performance somewhere would be great. Even Jane Lynch and Jared Grimes doing “Who Taught Her Everything She Knows” is good enough as it includes a tap break to showcase Tony Award nominated Jared Grimes. "

I think they should wait for the new cast before allowing anything official out.