FUNNY GIRL on Broadway - Reviews & News Thread — Page 33

SisterGeorge said: "CarlosAlberto said: "This has to be one of the most divisive and controversial casting choices I have seen to date. I am still looking forward to seeing this and hoping that a lot of the negative sentiments are just mere hyperbole because honey, these tickets did not come cheap."

And speaking of divisive and controversial casting, Katrina Lenk as Bobbie is right up there, too. Could this be a new trend on Broadway? If so, can we add a new Tony category: Most WTF Casting Choice in a Revival?"

They're not comparable. Completely different types of roles, needs, casting ideas, etc. But then again I've never understood the controversy regarding Katrina. I think she's phenomenal in the role and have no issues with her voice or casting. It's not WTF to me at all.

(To me, Lenk couldn't handle the score. I was at the first preview and it was a little rough to watch her struggle vocally. I'm sure she's better now).

SisterGeorge said: "CarlosAlberto said: "This has to be one of the most divisive and controversial casting choices I have seen to date. I am still looking forward to seeing this and hoping that a lot of the negative sentiments are just mere hyperbole because honey, these tickets did not come cheap."

And speaking of divisive and controversial casting, Katrina Lenk as Bobbie is right up there, too. Could this be a new trend on Broadway? If so, can we add a new Tony category: Most WTF Casting Choice in a Revival?"

I will admit that Lenk wasn't the best choice for Company and with her in it I could have done without the added first act closer but you go to see Company for the show itself - its closer to an ensemble piece than not, the staging, Sondheim the songs and Stritch or LuPone. For Funny Girl audiences went for Streisand and Styne - the songs - and in that order. You can go in a different direction with the singer but it had better be equally impressive and impactful because the rest of the package is not worth the price of admission.

The production stage manager along with the dance captain decide who will fill any spots on a given night since they know who has had the most rehearsal time and who is prepared to go on that moment. Also, Beanie was not cast in the role-the show was produced FOR her. No producer would option the rights to a revival without already having a star in mind. One would not option the show and just HOPE someone would show up at auditions. This show, like The Music Man and Dolly exist because it was created for the person in the leading role .

Mike Costa said: "Beanie was not cast in the role-the show was produced FOR her."



"Citizen Kane" comes to mind.

You guys are a bit delusional if you think they're replacing her. First of all, if they cared about the weak vocals they wouldn't have cast her. This is her voice after months of extra training. Whatever they heard was even worse, and they gleefully pulled the trigger. Secondly, Beanie is not a five star name, but she's also not an unknown. If they had cast say, a Micheala Diamond, and had issues, sure they'd probably dump her in a heartbeat. She has no buzz outside the theatre. They're not going to dump Beanie, because they believe her to be enough of a star that combined with the show title, they'll have a critic proof show. Not sure I believe it. Time will tell.

Ke3 said: "You guys are a bit delusional if you think they're replacing her. First of all, if they cared about the weak vocals they wouldn't have cast her. This is her voice after months of extra training. Whatever they heard was even worse, and they gleefully pulled the trigger. Secondly, Beanie is not a five star name, but she's also not an unknown. If they had cast say, a Micheala Diamond, and had issues, sure they'd probably dump her in a heartbeat. She has no buzz outside the theatre. They're not going to dump Beanie, because they believe her to be enough of a star that combined with the show title, they'll have a critic proof show. Not sure I believe it. Time will tell.

"

While you’re right that her status makes it trickier to replace her, the notion that they wouldn’t change their minds, because they were fine with her at auditions and that she spent months preparing isn’t a valid argument, because actors are replaced in previews and out of town tryouts from time to time.

Sutton -


I find it hilarious you are stating something as fact (she was given the part because of the producers and who she is!) and then you say it is “your opinion only.” Do you know what an opinion is?

the drama in this thread is really something

Didn’t she prepare three songs and videotape them? And end up anointed thus? Or: Is her casting narrative already a myth? (Remember when Hal Prince made Liza Minnelli. - who had won a Tony for Flora - audition multiple times for Cabaret, only to give Sally to Jill Haworth?)

A new take is emerging: her growth in the role in previews will become the narrative. Those demanding stronger vocals will be shamed and she will triumph. Maybe. We live in a culture that loves a comeback. At this point, a comeback construct would enhance this production’s marketing. As always: Anything is possible.

pmensky said: "Papi2013 said: "Our wishful thinking has nothing to do with delusion. We are just disappointed . That is all. At what point do our opinions become just being mean? I am not accusing anyone of it. We are entitled to our opinions.. especially on broadway and when we are paying broadway prices. But I am just wondering..because karma is a bitch."

You might be a little too invested if you think karma is going to come calling for some people having a chat about their disappointment in a Broadway show."

You might be right. Why do I care so much?

Yep, I got ya.

[resists urge to make an Eve Harrington joke]