Posted: 3/27/22 at 8:59am
Beanie sings this score like a high schooler. Honestly the book just isn't good enough or complex enough and this show really sinks or swims on the score. And she just can't sing this and doesn't have the star power to justify the casting either.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:35am
WldKingdomHM said: "Everything looks like a mess. Anyone want my ticket for Tuesday ? I paid $50"
PM’ed you.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:35am
Bill Snibson said: "Was hoping this was a thread about the show and reviews from people who have seen it instead of posters arguing about what a scrim is, etc, etc. Can people just post their thoughts and reviews of the show???? Thats why we come here"
I too mainly visit the preview threads here just to get actual thoughts on the shows themselves.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:39am
I believe we're all eager for some more specifics. Can those who attended discuss how the book adjustments work? How the solos re-purposed as duets serve the score -- and character -- presentations? Does Nick's expansion, in the text and given two more songs, aid his relative weight in the story? How does the storytelling differ from the film? Is the second act more substantive, and with Rat-tat-tat back, more musically interesting? I'd like to hear more than thumbs up, thumbs down.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:41am
Were her vocals perfect? No. But they didn’t distract me and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. And I have certainly been distracted by bad vocals at other shows in my life. I heard people talking as we left the theater and comments were positive.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:47am
I would love to hear about the physical design elements. How is the set? What is it like?
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:51am
Again, details and specifics if you can offer them. What were "imperfect" vocals? Not hitting the notes, using head for chest? Pitch? We're eager to learn how she negotiates one of the most famous sets of songs. And she does have 12 numbers, or parts of them. It's not like we asking about how a Desiree interprets "Clowns."
Posted: 3/27/22 at 9:58am
Is she vocally perfect? No. She hits the notes, but isn't not quite as lyrical as Barbra. Her technique isn't as strong (mostly breath support issues, it seems).
But she's just so charming and funny that everyone was rooting for her. I personally thought she was fabulous and can't imagine anyone else playing the role in this production.
The expansions for Nick were great, and Ramin managed to navigate the role and the age difference without seeming creepy.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:02am
All I want to know about is the staging/stage height and how it relates to seat locations, partial view seats, etc.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:03am
Gone are the days when WHIZZERMARVIN would post his succinct, informative reviews. Whether he liked it or not, he hit on all aspects of the show. I miss him.
I'm sure there was a revved up crowd last night given all the producers, co-producers, and friends in the house.
Look forward to hearing more specifics when others can more cohesively elaborate on the production.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:17am
Trish2 said: "Gone are the days when WHIZZERMARVIN would post his succinct, informative reviews. Whether he liked it or not, he hit on all aspects of the show. I miss him.
I'm sure there was a revved up crowd last night given all the producers, co-producers, and friends in the house.
Look forward to hearing more specifics when others can more cohesively elaborate on the production."
Did we ever find out what happened to Whizzer?
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:20am
Auggie27 said: "Again, details and specifics if you can offer them. What were "imperfect" vocals? Not hitting the notes, using head for chest? Pitch? We're eager to learn how she negotiates one of the most famous sets of songs. And she does have 12 numbers, or parts of them. It's not like we asking about how a Desiree interprets "Clowns.""
She undersings the whole score and her voice is just very light and nasally and it just comes off as unprofessional. This isn't a Sondheim score where it can be pretty badly sung by a great actor and still be spectacular. These songs really need a great voice behind them and that just isn't there honestly. I really have no clue why they went this route. Her acting of the role is great and she looks great in the role, but unfortunately just can't even begin to sing that score properly. Pretty much every single song was a let down.
I've honestly never seen Funny Girl on stage and it's been many years since I've seen the film, so I can't really comment on changes made to the script.
The production is pretty and the supporting cast is wonderful. Overall, not happy that this is what we get for the first revival of Funny Girl.
Apparently there was a shortage of funny young Jewish girls who can actually belt in Manhattan.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:36am
Apparently there was a shortage of funny young Jewish girls who can actually belt in Manhattan.
I generally would have responded with: “yeah, girls the mainstream masses have zero knowledge about and names are what sell tickets that need to keep a show running.”
But based on the amount of non-Broadway folks I know who are seeing the show are mostly going because they love the film FUNNY GIRL. Beanie had zero to do with their decision on buying their tickets. Sure, they all said “oh, that’s cool,” but I’m sure if you ask hundreds, FUNNY GIRL the name brought their initial interest. It wasn’t Beanie. This truly could have been the perfect star-making vehicle for Michaela Diamond. She fits the visual criteria and she can definitely make the score soar with her own vocal stylings without having to emulate anyone. Let’s see how this revival plays out.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:37am
100% agree with this assessment and thought I was losing my mind seeing all the positive reviews. I was completely underwhelmed and said repeatedly after it was like watching a high school performance of Funny Girl. Beanie had cute acting moments and is most comfortable in the humorous “bit” scenes but otherwise is way out of her depth the entire way through. I don’t even know how someone could say she sounded great, she was nasally at times and at others, would semi-break into a more open range but never stayed there, it was just very immature sounding the whole show. Also, found her and Ramin together look uncomfortable. They do seem to be close and supportive with one another but absolutely no real chemistry and the pairing is awkward to watch unfold.
The show is too long, there is too much repetition, and I can’t imagine anyone truly thinks she can carry the role if they aren’t a mega fan or personal connection.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 10:55am
I’ve said it before but I think this is going to turn out like Elena Roger in Evita. A musical’s first Broadway revival severely dampened by a lead with extremely weak vocals.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:02am
I wanted to love this SO MUCH. And I love Beanie. But she just can't sing it. And she was not as funny as I craved. There is a lot to like in the production, but I just was a little disappointed in the lead performance unfortunately.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:03am
I thought of writing a long review but the claws are too far out for this show and her especially and so really, I just decided not to bother. I enjoyed it. My friends ALL enjoyed it (which never happens). The theater as a whole seemed to love it. I'm not going to be following this show as closely as others, I think, because I can tell just how it's going to divide people and I sense that they're going to get NASTY. So go and enjoy it, if you want to. If you want to go and hate it (like I'm assuming many will) then do that, too. And for all the "reviews" that will be coming based on some iPhone audio clips, masquerading as reviews of the show as a whole - well those are gonna be what they're gonna be.
Beanie gave her very first public performance last night in front of an audience in, I would say, the most anticipated revival in decades. Let her grow a bit. I really really enjoyed it but also know that what I saw at that first preview will grow and change by opening night. Again, for me, she's so completely different than Barbra that it almost makes her a non factor here which I find sort of amazing. Anyone who plays that role will be compared to Babs so their choice to just go so opposite, again in my opinion, was the right move. If they would have gotten the strongest singer imaginable their vocals would STILL be held to that impossible standard of perfection given almost 60 years ago.
Barbra's Fanny Brice is on film and available to anyone who wants to watch it at any time. So if you are so against the role being done differently, you can watch that with the click of a button. For those open to a new take on the role, she's now at the August Wilson Theatre and I wish her all the luck in the world.
EDIT - 3/30/22 -
It’s so interesting to me, how my thoughts on the show have changed in a week. I don’t think that’s ever happened so drastically with me before. I love the physical production and literally everything surrounding the leading lady and I think, in hindsight, all of that (in addition to that first preview atmosphere) made up for what was lacking in the moment. Add to that that Beanie is genuinely funny and lovely and that makes her very endearing. But I will agree with everyone now that she is very wrong for this. All of those things I loved so much about her performance can’t help but be overshadowed by the obvious glaring issue that vocally, this is not a show for her.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:19am
"Beanie gave her very first public performance last night in front of an audience in, I would say, the most anticipated revival in decades. Let her grow a bit. I really really enjoyed it but also know that what I saw at that first preview will grow and change by opening night."
I believe this is a critical note. She's young, she's been preparing for at least 6-9 months, but finally putting a show on its feet is a moment like no other. They wisely resisted requiring 8 performances a week for the first month of the run (I checked last night), so she has room to rehearse and perform, critical to nailing a show. She doesn't do two a day except Saturday for several weeks.
To those displeased with the nature of her vocals: Once she knows what it takes to do all 12 songs back to back -- never quite true in rehearsal -- she may make adjustments, yes? I'll be curious to hear how the score sits on her voice, and how she must protect it to deliver, once she's got the piece's shape in her bones.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:28am
Jordan Catalano said: "I thought of writing a long review but the claws are too far out for this show and her especially and so really, I just decided not to bother. I enjoyed it. My friends ALL enjoyed it (which never happens). The theater as a whole seemed to love it. I'm not going to be following this show as closely as others, I think, because I can tell just how it's going to divide people and I sense that they're going to get NASTY. So go and enjoy it, if you want to. If you want to go and hate it (like I'm assuming many will) then do that, too. And for all the "reviews" that will be coming based on some iPhone audio clips, masquerading as reviews of the show as a whole - well those are gonna be what they're gonna be.
Beanie gave her very first public performance last night in front of an audience in, I would say, the most anticipated revival in decades. Let her grow a bit. I really really enjoyed it but also know that what I saw at that first preview will grow and change by opening night. Again, for me, she's so completely different than Barbra that it almost makes her a non factor here which I find sort of amazing. Anyone who plays that role will be compared to Babs so their choice to just go so opposite, again in my opinion, was the right move. If they would have gotten the strongest singer imaginable their vocals would STILL be held to that impossible standard of perfection given almost 60 years ago.
Barbra's Fanny Brice is on film and available to anyone who wants to watch it at any time. So if you are so against the role being done differently, you can watch that with the click of a button. For those open to a new take on the role, she's now at the August Wilson Theatre and I wish her all the luck in the world."
Sounds like a lot of excuses to me. This is Broadway.. the olympics of theater. Not the Great Neck community theater. But Jordan; I generally trust you and I am glad you had a good time. But it is hard when all the clips and things that are out there look so tacky. Looking forward to seeing it myself.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:31am
BwayStarlette said: "I wanted to love this SO MUCH. And I love Beanie. But she just can't sing it. And she was not as funny as I craved. There is a lot to like in the production, but I just was a little disappointed in the lead performance unfortunately."
Thank you for your honest review. I think the people who saw it but like her a lot won't admit she simply can't sing the role because they don't want to be wrong. I'm glad most of the production is good and there is a lot to like in terms of the physical production and the rest of the cast.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:34am
Sutton Ross said: "BwayStarlette said: "I wanted to love this SO MUCH. And I love Beanie. But she just can't sing it. And she was not as funny as I craved. There is a lot to like in the production, but I just was a little disappointed in the lead performance unfortunately."
Thank you for your honest review. I think the people who saw it but like her a lot won't admit she simply can't sing the role because they don't want to be wrong. I'm glad most of the production is good and there is a lot to like in terms of the physical production and the rest of the cast.
"
I am not sure why anyone has to defend themselves for having high expectations. They even have signage in the front saying "It is the most anticipated musical" .. or something like that.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:40am
eeeeeesh just listened to her Parade, and...
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:43am
The divisive reactions do not surprise me. I was expecting it. A revival of this show starring anyone was going to fall under intense scrutiny. Beanie has a long, looming shadow to come out from under and incredibly big shoes to fill.
Here's hoping that she overcomes all of that, grows into her own and puts her own unique stamp onto the role.
I am still very much looking forward to seeing this.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 11:59am
Tag said: "eeeeeesh just listened to her Parade, and..."
Speaking of which - and I’m sure it’s been discussed on this board in the past - but WHY do people insist on clapping mid-note and drowning out the performer? What a bunch of very untrained seals.
Posted: 3/27/22 at 12:06pm
That audio clip of Parade is fine, the reactions on here are so damn dramatic. 90 percent of people on here for some reason want this young woman to fail, it's bizarre.
Her voice is younger sounding, deal with it, she can't help sounding young, thats her damn voice.
Her breath control needs work a little from that clip, but first might nerves and adrenaline will have been a factor there.
We lost theatre for two years, give the girl a damn chance to settle in.
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