FUNNY GIRL on Broadway - Reviews & News Thread — Page 14

Most musicals are now refraining from posting those rehearsal performances they used to do for years. Now in the age of social media and camera phones, producers are trying to “tease” and build anticipation. FUNNY GIRL could have just shown some quick random tap dancing but they’re choosing to even hold that. Scott Rudin created this “don’t show anything” concept, which has worked enormously with his past shows. Even the TV spots for HELLO, DOLLY! used zero footage or photos - it was just text. Someone will post the first preview curtain call of FUNNY GIRL on YouTube plus lots of audio clips will be posted on Twitter so the public will be getting their first taste this coming Saturday night. Hold ya horses.

If I were able to attend a performance I would wait till I read positive words to buy my ticket. I loved Beanie's walk across the stage into her 'Hello Gorgeous' promotion. Considering all things Beanie I would think that the director has shaped her Fanny[Hi Brody] to fit perfectly her abilities as well as her imperfections and vulnerabilities.

BrodyFosse123 said: Someone will post the first preview curtain call of FUNNY GIRL on YouTube plus lots of audio clips will be posted on Twitter so the public will be getting their first taste this coming Saturday night. Hold ya horses."

No doubt, Musical Comedy Queens and Babs worshipers are sharpening their fangs and claws in anticipation.

I've seen a couple regional productions of Funny Girl, & went to see an in theatre screening of the London production.

Firstly, no matter what she does, Beanie has to be better than Sheridan Smith was.

Secondly, I think they should add "My Man" to the show. It can give the audience more understanding of Fanny's state of mind. That is something I think 1933's "Rose of Washington Square" ( the first, though unofficial, bio-pic about Fanny Brice) does really well. Even though Tyrone Power is such a lout, when Alice Faye sings "My Man" you are as ready to forgive him as she is.

BrodyFosse123 said: "Also found that many people I know flying in to see FUNNY GIRL in the next few weeks have zero knowledge of the stage version of the show. Yes, everyone loves the 1968 film but it’s quite different from the stage version - especially the songs. I’m sure there will be hundreds pissed when “My Man” isn’t sung at the end or that there is no roller skating number, tug boat, or a SWAN LAKE ballet comedy sequence. And many saying they wrote new songs for Jane Lynch and Nick Arnstein."

Auggie27 said: ""The Music That Makes Me Dance" is the Jule Styne take on "My Man." It's a song with the same 11 o'clock sentiments expressed. Adding "My Man" to this iteration would have the same impact as Streisand singing "Music That Makes Me Dance" in the film. Both songs land at the same moment, Styne having the tough assignment of creating a pastiche-esque musical comedy version of the Brice standard. The show won't hold both numbers.

Reminded of Merman's interpolated "World Take Me Back" in Dolly. When you listen to it, you hear all of Dolly's revived life sentiments in "Before the Parade Passes By." The show had to fold in a duplicate Dolly epiphany in order to give Merman a chance to sing a (great) Herman song, pre-production written for her. She basically came downstage and just sang it midway through act one. The song has never returned in other iterations because of its redundancy; it was written before "Parade" of course. Therein lies the issue with shoehorning both "My Man" and "His Music" into Funny Girl,"

They could cut "The Music That Makes Me Dance" and put "My Man" in its place.

I'm not saying they will or that they should but they could, providing that the creatives' respective estates gave their permission for such a change.

Good post! Thanks for your insights

Auggie27 said: ""The Music That Makes Me Dance" is the Jule Styne take on "My Man."snip

CarlosAlberto said: "I wonder if they will use the original stage version's orchestrations/arrangements."

I expect it will sound somewhat like the recent London revival but with a larger orchestra.

The Broadway music team is: Music orchestrated by Chris Walker; Vocal, Dance, and Instrumental Music Arrangements by Alan Williams; Additional Arrangements: David Dabbon and Carmel Dean; Musical Director: Michael Rafter

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "CarlosAlberto said: "I wonder if they will use the original stage version's orchestrations/arrangements."

I expect it will sound somewhat like the recent London revival but with a larger orchestra.

The Broadway music team is:Music orchestrated byChris Walker; Vocal, Dance, and Instrumental Music Arrangements byAlan Williams; Additional Arrangements:David DabbonandCarmel Dean; Musical Director:Michael Rafter"

Thank you Ermengarde. I am not too familiar with the recent London revival, are you? If so, how were the orchestrations and arrangements of the score?

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Watch it (or find the cast album) and decide for yourself:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-2HR33V44Y"

Thank you so much for sharing this! Having only seen the film, this was a huge treat to watch and honestly has satiated me - and my wallet - from having to see this new revival. Thank you!

I mean, if you’re treating. I’ll gladly be your date.

Yes to be clear I was referencing the musical arrangements when posting the vid, not the physical production. The director, book adapter, and music team is basically the only carryover from the London production.

But I guess the larger answer is simply WE DON'T KNOW what this will sound like on Bway. No doubt will be some eagle-eared folks at the 1st preview who can elaborate more.

I like what I've seen of the set design models, which feels appropriately impressionististic and not trying to go for hard realism.

Here are some clips from the Sitzprobe, including all of the principals singing.

https://twitter.com/FunnyGirlBwy/status/1507062362729234440

Sounds great! This is now more footage than most Broadway shows release before the start of previews...so all the haters can be quiet now :) We also get some of Jared Grimes' dancing.

Beanie sounds fabulous. I can't wait!!!