FUNNY GIRL on Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 42

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 5:33pm

So the discussion moves to: “People” isn’t really necessary because it was once reductively characterized as a pop hit for an exploding star. As if the first ever Broadway revival isn’t also concerned with audience expectation in 2022. The show is selling well and that’s in no small part due to decades old affection for a score with knowable signature songs. Does anyone seriously feel this production will inch closer to artistic or commercial success with removal of Fanny’s music?  

[Ke3]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 5:34pm

CZJ's performance in ALNM was divisive and she walked away with that Tony quite easily. Now I liked CZJ's performance, but I'm not sure why a divisive response would somehow block Beanie from a nomination. Catherine is just one example. I could list dozens.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 5:34pm

I saw the show on Wednesday night and I am someone who truly only knew the bare minimum about the show going in and doesn't have any real attachment to the material or Streisand. Perhaps that just makes me an anomaly although from reading Barnaby's review, we are very much on the same page, so maybe not as much I thought. 

I loved the show and truly cannot wait to go back at some point in the near future. 

Beanie Feldstein is living her entire life up that stage! She's just so charming, winning, and actually hilarious and you can just feel her excitement and joy in each moment. She does a fantastic job of following Fanny's arc from a girl who wants to make it big to a woman who has and how does she balance that with life and a family. Her chemistry with Ramin was wonderful and they played off each other so well and her moments with Jane were warm and tender, despite the latter half of Act 2 where they aren't exactly seeing eye to eye. Vocally, I thought she did a great job, and having no real connection to Barbra, I wasn't sitting there comparing her to the icon herself. Her Don't Rain On My Parade was full of so much heart and got me right in the feels as I watched Beanie absolutely owning the stage. 

Jared Grimes was fantastic and his tap solo in Act 1 was truly glorious. He makes the most of the time he's on stage through out the remainder of the show as he pops in and out. I absolutely second the moment Barnaby brought up regarding Eddie glaring at Nick and how that spoke a thousand words, but I too wish there had been some sort of confrontation between them. 

Jane Lynch was great and while she is definitely doing her usual schtick, it works very well. As I mentioned, she and Beanie have such a great chemistry and they play off each so well. 

Ramin. Ramin. Ramin. This role suits him like a glove and he is perfect. He oozes charm and charisma from the minute we meet him and we as an audience also fall in love with him along with Fanny. His voice is gorgeous and it was fun to see him get a little more song and dance man than we're used to seeing him do. Again, he and Beanie have such great chemistry and they do such a great job with the heavier stuff in Act 2. I would be shocked if he didn't get nominated for Featured Actor come Tony time. 

The ensemble is wonderful and the Henry Street number is such a joy to watch. It was so good to see Daniel Beeman (who I loved in Something Rotten and Hello Dolly on tour) getting to have some featured moments and I also second the love for Colin Bradbury being on in the ensemble from Barnaby. 

The second act drags a little bit and could use some cuts and trims, but I'm not familiar enough to say where specifically but it felt long in places. I liked the scenic design, but agree with others that it felt small at times especially during the Ziegfeld moments.

The audience around me was eating the show up myself and my friend I was with included. I know for many it's hard to look at Funny Girl without Streisand, but if you're going in expecting Beanie to be Barbra you're just not going to be happy at all. If you want to hear the score sung by Streisand, just stay home and watch the movie or listen to her recordings. If you want to see someone new playing this role and giving Fanny a new life - I feel like you'll be pretty happy with what you'll see at the August Wilson. 

Updated On: 4/5/22 at 05:34 PM

[ATerrifyingAndImposingFigure]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 5:42pm

Ke3 said: "CZJ's performance in ALNM was divisive and she walked away with that Tony quite easily. Now I liked CZJ's performance, but I'm not sure why a divisive response would somehow block Beanie from a nomination. Catherine is just one example. I could list dozens."

To be fair, the Tonys were then in kind of a weird stint at that point of rewarding not so well received Hollywood A-listers, they’ve been less receptive recently.

[MsPiety&Rectitude]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 5:48pm

Auggie27 said: "...The show is selling well and that’s in no small part due to decades old affection for a score with knowable signature songs. Does anyone seriously feel this production will inch closer to artistic or commercial success with removal of Fanny’s music?"

I actually do think the production would move closer to artistic success if certain Fanny songs were cut. Count me among those who ended up surprised and really enjoying Beanie's performance, but I found the act 2 ballads - Who Are You Know and Music That Makes Me Dance - hard to take in stride. She was vocally just not up to these songs and it took me out of it. I would rather see more Fanny comedy from Beanie anyway, she was great in those scenes. Act 2 is really a slog! One less ballad would not be a bad thing in this particular production.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 6:43pm

MsPiety&Rectitude said: "I actually do think the production would move closer to artistic success if certain Fanny songs were cut. Count me among those who ended up surprised and really enjoying Beanie's performance, but I found the act 2 ballads - Who Are You Know and Music That Makes Me Dance - hard to take in stride. She was vocally just not up to these songs and it took me out of it. I would rather see more Fanny comedy from Beanie anyway, she was great in those scenes. Act 2 is really a slog! One less ballad would not be a bad thing in this particular production."

 

I have nothing to add other than I love your screen name  

 

[SweetLips22]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 6:43pm

To the general public the majority would buy a ticket to Funny Girl because of the title. Music Man because of Hugh[or Sutton]. Company, maybe just LuPone. Funny Girl should sell on name alone and memories of association so unless whoever is playing Fanny is down right wrong for the role[and this one it seems she is NOT] then it should succeed. Reading reports here the audience is loving it and future adjustments will only make it stronger and easier for the lead. I don't feel that the reviews will say 'A Star is Born' but that the show is in very capable hands and any successive Fanny will probably do the same, until another Barbra comes along.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 6:46pm

MsPiety&Rectitude said: "Auggie27 said: "...The show is selling well and that’s in no small part due to decades old affection for a score with knowable signature songs. Does anyone seriously feel this production will inch closer to artistic or commercial success with removal of Fanny’s music?"

I actually do think the production would move closer to artistic success if certain Fanny songs were cut. Count me among those who ended up surprised and really enjoying Beanie's performance, but I found the act 2 ballads - Who Are You Know and Music That Makes Me Dance - hard to take in stride. She was vocally just not up to these songs and it took me out of it. I would rather see more Fanny comedy from Beanie anyway, she was great in those scenes. Act 2 is really a slog! One less ballad would not be a bad thing in this particular production."

 

Cut any of Fanny's songs and we are left without a "Funny Girl".  Instead, replace the actor with someone who can actually SING those songs.  Both Streisand and Garland remind us how important "Music That Makes Me Dance" is to the story of Fanny Brice.

 

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 6:50pm

Auggie27 said: "So the discussion moves to: “People” isn’t really necessary because it was once reductively characterized as a pop hit for an exploding star. As if the first ever Broadway revival isn’t also concerned with audience expectation in 2022. The show is selling well and that’s in no small part due to decades old affection for a score with knowable signature songs. Does anyone seriously feel this production will inch closer to artistic or commercial success with removal of Fanny’s music?"

Exactly one person (and not the op who started this topic) has suggested the song should be moved. No one has said it should be cut. It's been mentioned the song isn't landing, and I and others pointed out it didn't always land when Streisand did it, either. The song has repeatedly caused a problem for the show because it isn't a well-constructed show. But, no, most of us aren't saying the song should be cut.

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 6:54pm

Highland Guy said: "MsPiety&Rectitude said: "Auggie27 said: "...The show is selling well and that’s in no small part due to decades old affection for a score with knowable signature songs. Does anyone seriously feel this production will inch closer to artistic or commercial success with removal of Fanny’s music?"

I actually do think the production would move closer to artistic success if certain Fanny songs were cut. Count me among those who ended up surprised and really enjoying Beanie's performance, but I found the act 2 ballads - Who Are You Know and Music That Makes Me Dance - hard to take in stride. She was vocally just not up to these songs and it took me out of it. I would rather see more Fanny comedy from Beanie anyway, she was great in those scenes. Act 2 is really a slog! One less ballad would not be a bad thing in this particular production."



Cut any of Fanny's songs and we are left without a "Funny Girl". Instead, replace the actor with someone who can actually SING those songs. Both Streisand and Garland remind us how important "Music That Makes Me Dance" is to the story of Fanny Brice.

 

"

So important, it was cut from the movie and no one complained, and people have basically only known the movie for 50+ years and not cared, and the song is almost unknown outside of the cognoscenti. Terribly important. Because Judy Garland also sang it once. 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 7:21pm

And Barbra, of course.  THIS is how you sing this beautiful song.  No need to cut it, even from this production of "Funny Girl".

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 7:52pm

THAT is a polished and perfected studio recording.

Here is 23 year old Streisand performing “The Music That Makes Me Dance” at the Winter Garden Theatre at her final performance in the original Broadway production of FUNNY GIRL (December 26, 1965):

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 7:59pm

^^^^^^

Yeah, I know.  I had the same result when I tried to post the same video.  Thus, I posted the other one.  Doesn't diminish the power of the song or the beauty of her voice or the importance to the plot.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 9:32pm

Streisand performing “The Music That Makes Me Dance” in FUNNY GIRL:

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 9:52pm

Highland Guy said: "^^^^^^

Yeah, I know. I had the same result when I tried to post the same video. Thus, I posted the other one. Doesn't diminish the power of the song or the beauty of her voice or the importance to the plot."

So important, it was cut from the movie and nobody cared.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 9:58pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Streisand performing “The Music That Makes Me Dance” in FUNNY GIRL:

"

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 10:08pm

Also of note, Streisand was a 3-time Grammy Award winning singer with 3 chart topping albums so she was a seasoned singer when she did FUNNY GIRL on Broadway.  Her vocal chops were quite seasoned especially as the first couple of years of her professional career was singing in night clubs throughout NYC and across the country.  Beanie doesn’t have a singing career. Her only prior professional singing was as Minnie Fay in the group numbers of HELLO, DOLLY!  She had no solos.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 11:53pm

YettaTelebenda2 said: "BarnabyTucker said: "I just caught the Saturday, April 3 evening performance and I am thrilled to report that I loved every minute of it.

I am so happy to hear this.... I knew it. There are many naysayers who are pulling apart the show and Beanie's "instrument" and her key but most people go to enjoy the show and I think most will also love every minute of it.....

"

When are you going to see it?

[Theatrelover1975]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 1:42am

Auggie27 said: "So this is where things are?

"'People' kills the momentum in act one and 'Music' kills it in act two. And unlike 'People' in act one you don’t need Music so cut it." Jimmyb1969

"People" is a liability? And "Music That Makes Me Dance," Fanny's eleven o'clock spot, needs to go?

Whatever the strengths of this production, and I accept that there are many, these comments alone are quite an indicator of challenges in the next two weeks. "
 

”Music That Makes Me Dance” is the best song in the show and one of the best songs in all musical theatre. If they need to cut that song, they just need to cut Beanie instead. She’s laughably wrong for this show. 

 

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 3:09am

I’ve always found it odd that some find People to be expendable. That’s the moment in the show where we first see Fanny’s romantic side and learn that she very much longs for love. Without People, I think it’s harder to understand some of her behavior throughout the rest of the show. People also always struck me as the moment where Nick falls in love with Fanny. But maybe I’m giving the writing too much credit.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 8:06am

Theatrelover1975 said: "Auggie27 said: "So this is where things are?

"'People' kills the momentum in act one and 'Music' kills it in act two. And unlike 'People' in act one you don’t need Music so cut it." Jimmyb1969

"People" is a liability? And "Music That Makes Me Dance," Fanny's eleven o'clock spot, needs to go?

Whatever the strengths of this production, and I accept that there are many, these comments alone are quite an indicator of challenges in the next two weeks. "


”Music That Makes Me Dance” is the best song in the show and one of the best songs in all musical theatre. If they need to cut that song, they just need to cut Beanie instead. She’s laughably wrong for this show."

 

I personally have never cared for "The Music That Makes Me Dance". It's very telling that it didn't matter when it was cut from the film version. 



 

 

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 8:57am

I think it's perhaps more apt to say "Music Who Makes Me Dance" was REPLACED by "My Man" for the film. Yes, in a slightly different context, but with the same emotional impact. It's absurd to me that anyone is suggesting cutting a leading lady's 11 o'clock number.  Can you imagine if people were suggesting cutting "Rose's Turn?"  New York friends who saw the show over the weekend offered responses about Beanie's performance ranging from "cute" to "completely awful." So I guess this really will be anyone's guess how this goes critically.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 9:18am

Barbra singing The Music That Makes Me Dance on the recording posted- live, no less- was absolutely thrilling. Glorious. Thank you for posting. 

[Flowerlovestage5]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 10:49am

I saw the matinee on 4/2. I bought tickets for the first week of previews because we love the show (for the show itself) and I’m sure I would go back as it develops, later in the run. I know the work that one sees during a first week is not where they will be five weeks later, let alone five months. At least in most cases…
 

I am only expressing my perspective, in no way to put down those who may have a different opinion. I think this is a very, very solid revival in both design and talent elements. I can only go off Mayer’s filmed version of his London production, as I much prefer this one for various reasons. 
 

Beanie was the weakest link in the show and overpowered, in spades, by her co-workers, including the set. I am not saying this to be plain mean. I saw her in Dolly! several times and have enjoyed her various film/tv work. I am a “fan” if that means I enjoy her craft and what she brings to the table.  This is the problem here; she brings nothing to the table, never mind as the star of the show. I was so delighted when they announced her casting. Perfect casting? No. Though, fresh to the scene and someone you want to win and cross the finish line…

While beautiful and yes, a lovely singing voice (at times) her cute presence about her is not enough as she has been swallowed up by this role. It was painful to watch because she was giving 110%. I don’t blame her, I blame the producers for casting her. She is truly being swallowed up and left to grip for balance…

…. she was terrible. I sat down with an open mind, knowing I was going to see a different interpretation - not Streisand and not Leslie Kritzer (fabulous). I hoped to see Beanie’s strength, even if it’s not what we all have stamped in our memories from the film or original production. With that said, her acting was just as poor, if not worse than any high school or community level I have ever seen. The overture dazzled and then she made her entrance; I have never in my 31 years of theatre attendance been more turned- off by someone’s first 20 seconds of their performance. No doubt it’s only the first week and she must be nervous. Unfortunately, there was no shift or improvement for the rest of the show.
 

Again, her vocals are a very mixed bag. There is a beautiful vibrato and she does have power on her final notes but not at the level that one should be carrying this score, let alone 8 times a week. Had her acting made up for her severe pitch problems if she were giving a focused interpretation, I would have bought it. Example: Tyne Daly in Gypsy. 
 

I am embarrassed to say that I felt nothing after each of her numbers. People is staged terribly, walking off and leaving him at the table as she stands facing out (directors fault, not hers). As for Parade, I didn’t see what she was so passionate about because there had been no emotion or sparks prior to her prompting this song. 

Ramin, both charming of looks and voice, played Nick very well though stronger in the second act. The same can be said for Lynch and Grimes. Both brought a spark to their scenes and Grimes is adorable in his supporting role. Excellent tap skills!

The set was lovely, more so, the lighting design. For a smaller ensemble, I thought it worked well for the production and the scenic design fit the space nicely. I will say, I wish the set of each Follies number was expanded in a grander manner. The cylinder structure in the center, which opens and rotates is effective and works fine. 

Harvey has done a fine job tweaking and adding here and there without making you notice the book has been adjusted. 

Back to Beanie: Her acting is not enough to drive the songs forward.  As others have stated, she can sing and the higher register is not effective for most, if not all of the numbers. Everything sounds the same, no emotional shading or color. Her BEST (in my opinion) was Rat-Tat-Tat and literally the last four minutes of the final reprise. Rat-Tat gave us a full flash of what I consider to be her strongest charms. That cute charisma and “can do” attitude that set her apart from the rest, at least for the few minutes of that number.

The last four minutes of the reprise, at the end, was her strongest.  It wasn’t so much about the tears, as they were coming from a genuine and connected place. She became honest and alive for those few moments. I saw her vulnerability, insecurities, and drive right before the ending. My issue was that it was 2 hours and 35 minutes too late. I honestly feel she made me care about her a character and Fannys purpose about 4% out of 100. 
 

When the other performers become the spine of the show and the one playing “Funny Girl” is not the driven focus, this is not a good thing. I won’t take away the fact that a majority of the audience laughed and chuckled, I loved the supporting energy. However, even my opinion aside, I do question if the laughs coming from the older patrons were that if recognition for the famous lines (thanks to the film) rather than the one executing them on stage.
 

Fingers crossed for Beanie and the production to have a healthy run. I will return again for the show itself. 

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/4/22 at 11:00am

QueenAlice said: "I think it's perhaps more apt to say "Music Who Makes Me Dance" was REPLACED by "My Man" for the film. Yes, in a slightly different context, but with the same emotional impact. It's absurd to me that anyone is suggesting cutting a leading lady's 11 o'clock number. Can you imagine if people were suggesting cutting "Rose's Turn?" New York friends who saw the show over the weekend offered responses about Beanie's performance ranging from "cute" to "completely awful." So I guess this really will be anyone's guess how this goes critically."

Except that all this hand-wringing is coming from one post saying the number isn't working and it should probably be cut, and one or two people saying the number as a number (not related to Beanie's performance) isn't necessary for the dramatic arc.

It's a bit of a silly overreaction to get a bunch of indignant responses that anyone would dare to even hypothesize about cutting a number that isn't working. And comparing the importance of "Music That Makes Me Dance" to "Rose's Turn" is a bit absurd. Again, if the song is so crucial to Fanny's development, that doesn't explain how it could be cut from the movie and the movie still work fine. If you did a movie or reviva of Gypsy and cut "Rose's Turn," that would kill the production's reputation. Obviously, unlike Gypsy, Funny Girl survives without its eleven o'clock number--again, a sign that we aren't dealing with a well-constructed show to begin with. 

This has zero to do with whether it is a good song or Barbra (or Judy!) sang it well. No one's claiming either of those things. A (very small number of) people are commenting on its effectiveness in the show. But it's enough for the people are are mortified by Beanie's casting to get all up in arms again. At this point, that response is getting ridiculous.