FUNNY GIRL on Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 76

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 4:20pm

BarnabyTucker said: "A bit of hot take but what if the theater girl fans who are rallying for Beanie on TikTok and Twitter are just seeing themselves in her? Like the idea that you being mediocre won't stop you from being a leading lady on Broadway.

In a world where every college is creating a BFA musical theater program to cash in on the "me generation's" collective ego, perhaps fans feel like the bar is being lowered so that they have a shot at being center stage."

Absolutely. Her entire persona seems to be about not necessarily mediocre, but average achieving the heights of fame. In fairness, I'd never seen or heard of Beanie before this show, so was very curious about how she came to be the lead in this revival. My own research and comments here and elsewhere found the answers - we all know what they are, so I won't bring them up again.

I had to laugh at Ramin (who is the reason I care about the show at all) commenting that she was the modern day Fanny. If anyone is the modern day Fanny, it's Ramin! Left high school to be the youngest Phantom - which he accomplished about 10 years later, among other Phantom accolades. He worked as backup to boy bands, on cruise ships (where he met his wife), any job or show he could get. Understudied Hadley in Les Miz, created his own Enjorlas and was ultimately nominated for a Tony  as Valjean. 

If these young women or men want to know what it takes to be a star, he's the one to emulate. Also, it helps to have a great instrument! He's the best thing in this show.

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 4:24pm

99.9% of the TikTok/theatre twitter girls are never going to be on stage again after the graduate. However, they WILL 100% be ticket buyers when they visit New York. 

[brenway]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 4:31pm

I went in with low expectations and having never seeing any staging of this show, and loved it. Beanie was never going to give Barbra vocals, and I knew that! She still fit well in the role, her comedic timing was fantastic. The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough. However she nailed the songs that mattered! Also I loved the staging, not sure what “imaginative” staging you would want? The sets and actors to fly in? Overall was a great time on Thursday night!

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 4:51pm

brenway said: "The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered!!"

 

All the songs that Fanny sings matter.  And if Feldstein as Fanny can't sing all those songs, that matters, as well.

 

[brenway]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 4:55pm

Sorry, but to most audiences that’s not the song that truly comes to mind with this show. Some of you are highly critical of everything, enjoy Benko when she’s in then for flawless vocals and go see something else in the meantime. Life’s too short to hold on to that much hate.

[DAME]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 5:39pm

brenway said: "I went in with low expectations and having never seeing any staging of this show, and loved it. Beanie was never going to give Barbra vocals, and I knew that! She still fit well in the role, her comedic timing was fantastic. The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered! Also I loved the staging, not sure what “imaginative” staging you would want? The sets and actors to fly in? Overall was a great time on Thursday night!"

I am so glad you enjoyed.   I wish I had as well.   But I have to disagree with you on Greatest Star .  The song matters a lot.  It is her first big number.  It sets up Fanny's story.  It is also for me the moment one realizes in this production that this show is in trouble.  

[Papi2013]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 6:05pm

" Life’s too short to hold on to that much hate."

I guess we are not aloud to hate a show now?  If it were good we would be singing its praises.  Look at the Company and Strange Loop threads.  This one just disappointed people and they should be able to discuss it as much as they want.  

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 6:06pm

Not sure when honest criticism became hate, but.... We seem to living in a time of low expectations. I would hope those young people, not just girls - would buy those tickets with an expectation of excellence - to see someone who could do what they couldn't. That used to be what Broadway stood for in theater. The ideal the goal. If producers are content with continuing to cast people who need to "grow into a role" or can do this, but not that, or have connections, then they will ultimately lose audiences.

I would say whatever criticisms being leveled at Beanie are also being directed at the production crew who felt she was good enough, and continued when they realized she wasn't - this includes Beanie herself.

A trip to NYC costs a bundle, by any measure. Especially now, in this day and age, one does and should expect the best that Broadway can provide. 

Updated On: 5/7/22 at 06:06 PM

[BarnabyTucker]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 6:43pm

Penna2 said: "Not sure when honest criticism became hate, but.... We seem to living in a time of low expectations. I would hope those young people, not just girls - would buy those tickets with an expectation of excellence - to see someone who could do what they couldn't. That used to be what Broadway stood for in theater. The ideal the goal. If producers are content with continuing to cast people who need to "grow into a role" or can do this, but not that, or have connections, then they will ultimately lose audiences.

I would say whatever criticisms being leveled at Beanie are also being directed at the production crew who felt she was good enough, and continued when they realized she wasn't - this includes Beanie herself.

A trip to NYC costs a bundle, by any measure. Especially now, in this day and age, one does and should expect the best that Broadway can provide."

Well said!

[Up In One]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 8:40pm

brenway said: "I went in with low expectations and having never seeing any staging of this show, and loved it. Beanie was never going to give Barbra vocals, and I knew that! She still fit well in the role, her comedic timing was fantastic. The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered! Also I loved the staging, not sure what “imaginative” staging you would want? The sets and actors to fly in? Overall was a great time on Thursday night!"

Everyone has different standards, you rated her singing as either cringe worthy or that she nailed it. If nailing it means she just didn’t make you cringe then you’ve set a low bar that in my opinion doesn’t belong on Broadway. You probably also applied a low bar to the staging and must have not seen many great stagings - Company is a great example right now and if you want brilliant traditional staging references -  all the musical revivals at Lincoln Center.  I appreciate your appreciation which is probably the average theater goers take. This board has always been more than a fan site. So we need to put the good and bad out there and let individuals decide for themselves. PS Should we ever have anything - even one song - on Broadway that makes us cringe? 

[CookieBroadway]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 8:49pm

Highland Guy said: "brenway said: "The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered!!"
All the songs that Fanny singsmatter.And if Feldstein as Fanny can't sing all those songs, thatmatters,as well."

I think the thing is this: it matters to many people and it matters to you;  but at the same time it does not matter to many who go and see Beanie as Fanny and they love the show because they do not pick it apart. They do not analyze her inability to sing the songs. They are satisfied with mediocrity and enjoy the music and the spirit of the show. They are not connoisseurs. They do not want to be. You can't force an audience to view a production through your eyes and ears with your level of judgement and expertise. So many who go and see Beanie fail at the songs just do not care. You can't force them to think her poor singing matters or should impact their enjoying of the show. 

I will give you an example. I went to a ball game and many spectators were complaining about so many things.... I had a great time. The stuff they complained about just did not matter to me. And when my friend said "you should care that he swung and missed" I laughed. I couldn't force myself to care, I just liked watching it for what it was with all the flaws and disappointments. 

 

Updated On: 5/7/22 at 08:49 PM

[brenway]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 9:22pm

Papi2013 said: ""Life’s too short to hold on to that much hate."

I guess we are not aloud to hate a show now? If it were good we would be singing its praises. Look at the Company and Strange Loop threads. This one just disappointed people and they should be able to discuss it as much as they want."

You are more than allowed to not like a show, but I just don't get harping on "____ is awful", "_____ was sung terribly", etc. And feel free to continue to voice your discontent for whatever you wish. I didn't realize that sentence would trigger so many, but welp here we are. I have seen pretty much every show that has opened this season, and honestly thought Funny Girl was a great time. 

It seems the younger demographic/generation seems to like this more than those who grew up knowing of Barbra's Fanny Brice. And for me, I guess after COVID and Broadway reopening I am not as hard to please and just genuinely happy to be back in theaters. 

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 9:23pm

CookieBroadway said: "Highland Guy said: "brenway said: "The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered!!"
All the songs that Fanny singsmatter.And if Feldstein as Fanny can't sing all those songs, thatmatters,as well."

I think the thing is this: it matters to many people and it matters to you; but at the same time it does not matter to many who go and see Beanie as Fanny and they love the show because they do not pick it apart. They do not analyze her inability to sing the songs. They are satisfied with mediocrity and enjoy the music and the spirit of the show. They are not connoisseurs. They do not want to be. You can't force an audience to view a production through your eyes and ears with your level of judgement and expertise. So many who go and see Beanie fail at the songs just do not care. You can't force them to think her poor singing matters or should impact their enjoying of the show.

I will give you an example. I went to a ball game and many spectators were complaining about so many things.... I had a great time. The stuff they complained about just did not matter to me. And when my friend said "you should care that he swung and missed" I laughed. I couldn't force myself to care, I just liked watching it for what it was with all the flaws and disappointments.
 

Interestingly enough, I suspect Beanie cares. Very much. I think she would love to be able to nail every song. She's been working on this show for at least 8 months now. This is not the victory I think she hoped it would be. As for her fans, yes, they are loyal, but you cannot tell me there wasn't a level of disappointment when the rush of inappropriate carrying on was over and they were back in their hotel rooms. Kind of like Peggy Lee singing "Is That All There Is?"

As an aside, baseball, as a sport, is boring as hell. One of the reasons fans get so excited about missed hits is to keep themselves awake. Go to enough games and you will find it's the sort of camaraderie you commented on - along with the beers, hot dogs, singing breaks, etc., that make most games tolerable. LOL.

Overall, though, your comment seems to go back to the participation trophy mentality so common these days. Well, she got through it - good for her. Maybe these young fans should attend some shows, as suggested, to see what a Broadway show is supposed to look like. Not so much to criticize FG - there are some great moments. Despite the questions about adding Temporary Arrangement, it's a show stopper because of Ramin's talent. Jared's dancing is pure brilliance. Fanny's numbers need to equally wonderful. Theater is special, which is why we are still talking about this. We want greatness - not just for us, but for the performers. It's about winning.

 

 

Updated On: 5/7/22 at 09:23 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 9:43pm

Penna2 said: "CookieBroadway said: "Highland Guy said: "brenway said: "The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered!!"
All the songs that Fanny singsmatter.And if Feldstein as Fanny can't sing all those songs, thatmatters,as well."

I think the thing is this: it matters to many people and it matters to you; but at the same time it does not matter to many who go and see Beanie as Fanny and they love the show because they do not pick it apart. They do not analyze her inability to sing the songs. They are satisfied with mediocrity and enjoy the music and the spirit of the show. They are not connoisseurs. They do not want to be. You can't force an audience to view a production through your eyes and ears with your level of judgement and expertise. So many who go and see Beanie fail at the songs just do not care. You can't force them to think her poor singing matters or should impact their enjoying of the show.

I will give you an example. I went to a ball game and many spectators were complaining about so many things.... I had a great time. The stuff they complained about just did not matter to me. And when my friend said "you should care that he swung and missed" I laughed. I couldn't force myself to care, I just liked watching it for what it was with all the flaws and disappointments.


Interestingly enough, I suspect Beanie cares. Very much. I think she would love to be able to nail every song. She's been working on this show for at least 8 months now. This is not the victory I think she hoped it would be. As for her fans, yes, they are loyal, but you cannot tell me there wasn't a level of disappointment when the rush of inappropriate carrying on was over and they were back in their hotel rooms. Kind of like Peggy Lee singing "Is That All There Is?"

As an aside, baseball, as a sport, is boring as hell. One of the reasons fans get so excited about missed hits is to keep themselves awake. Go to enough games and you will find it's the sort of camaraderie you commented on - along with the beers, hot dogs, singing breaks, etc., that make most games tolerable. LOL.

Overall, though, your comment seems to go back to the participation trophy mentality so common these days. Well, she got through it - good for her. Maybe these young fans should attend some shows, as suggested, to see what a Broadway show is supposed to look like. Not so much to criticize FG - there are some great moments. Despite the questions about adding Temporary Arrangement, it's a show stopper because of Ramin's talent. Jared's dancing is pure brilliance. Fanny's numbers need to equally wonderful. Theater is special, which is why we are still talking about this. We want greatness - not just for us, but for the performers. It's about winning.

************

If we're going to be watching a work in progress, we shouldn't be paying Broadway prices.



"

 

[CookieBroadway]

Posted: 5/7/22 at 10:54pm

Penna2 said: "CookieBroadway said: "Highland Guy said: "brenway said: "The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered!!"
All the songs that Fanny singsmatter.And if Feldstein as Fanny can't sing all those songs, thatmatters,as well."

I think the thing is this: it matters to many people and it matters to you; but at the same time it does not matter to many who go and see Beanie as Fanny and they love the show because they do not pick it apart. They do not analyze her inability to sing the songs. They are satisfied with mediocrity and enjoy the music and the spirit of the show. They are not connoisseurs. They do not want to be. You can't force an audience to view a production through your eyes and ears with your level of judgement and expertise. So many who go and see Beanie fail at the songs just do not care. You can't force them to think her poor singing matters or should impact their enjoying of the show.

I will give you an example. I went to a ball game and many spectators were complaining about so many things.... I had a great time. The stuff they complained about just did not matter to me. And when my friend said "you should care that he swung and missed" I laughed. I couldn't force myself to care, I just liked watching it for what it was with all the flaws and disappointments.


Interestingly enough, I suspect Beanie cares. Very much. I think she would love to be able to nail every song. She's been working on this show for at least 8 months now. This is not the victory I think she hoped it would be. As for her fans, yes, they are loyal, but you cannot tell me there wasn't a level of disappointment when the rush of inappropriate carrying on was over and they were back in their hotel rooms. Kind of like Peggy Lee singing "Is That All There Is?"

As an aside, baseball, as a sport, is boring as hell. One of the reasons fans get so excited about missed hits is to keep themselves awake. Go to enough games and you will find it's the sort of camaraderie you commented on - along with the beers, hot dogs, singing breaks, etc., that make most games tolerable. LOL.

Overall, though, your comment seems to go back to the participation trophy mentality so common these days. Well, she got through it - good for her. Maybe these young fans should attend some shows, as suggested, to see what a Broadway show is supposed to look like. Not so much to criticize FG - there are some great moments. Despite the questions about adding Temporary Arrangement, it's a show stopper because of Ramin's talent. Jared's dancing is pure brilliance. Fanny's numbers need to equally wonderful. Theater is special, which is why we are still talking about this. We want greatness - not just for us, but for the performers. It's about winning."

 

Yes! YOU want greatness but many other just.do.not.care. You are deciding for THEM what they should like. You are suggesting how they should experience Broadway. it is advice that will not be taken. 

Anyway, there seems to be too much happiness over the fact that Beanie probably was disappointed... too much licking of the chops as they say over her failure and how she felt. 

it just comes across as weird. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 12:40am

Respectfully: I’ve read a preponderance of the posts, including the reports covering the standby’s four performances, and haven’t detected “hate.”This revival is a much anticipated Broadway event, after at least two other productions were announced, formally or via halted startups. Mostly we’ve seen voiced disappointment. The ensuing debate invariably centers on someone scolding a reaction as too wed to Streisand or the equivalent. But disagreeing with a formidable musical theater casting decision and articulating why - usually about vocal limitations mentioned in most reviews - doesn’t constitute hate. Ms. Feldstein has not been unfairly judged - she’s an over the title star in a production charging 2-3 hundred dollars for center orchestra seats - and she and the creatives knew she would be expected to deliver. I’m intrigued how many people believe that audiences simply behaving as consumers - shows in a commercial arena a product - should be more accommodating. Ms. Feldstein is an experienced professional and an adult.

[Deedee23]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 11:11am

Auggie27 said: "Respectfully: I’ve read a preponderance of the posts, including the reports covering the standby’s four performances, and haven’t detected “hate.”This revival is a much anticipated Broadway event, after at least two other productions were announced, formally or via halted startups. Mostly we’ve seen voiced disappointment. The ensuing debate invariably centers on someone scolding a reaction as too wed to Streisand or the equivalent. But disagreeing with a formidable musical theater casting decision and articulating why - usually about vocal limitations mentioned in most reviews - doesn’t constitute hate. Ms. Feldstein has not been unfairly judged - she’s an over the title star in a production charging 2-3 hundred dollars for center orchestra seats - and she and the creatives knew she would be expected to deliver. I’m intrigued how many people believe that audiences simply behaving as consumers - shows in a commercial arena a product - should be more accommodating. Ms. Feldstein is an experienced professional and an adult."

I agree with you, Auggie. 

In addition, I shouldn't have to lower my expectations for a Broadway performer. I should be allowed to have a high bar. It's Broadway after all. I think some people on here have been maybe a little spicy with their dislike for certain performers but I see it as valid if they've actually seen the show. 

 

*Edited to add*

It's also perfectly fair for some people to have a higher bar than others, its all relative. Like what Cookie said earlier, some things of a performance matter to some people but not to others. That doesn't make their review any less valid.

Updated On: 5/8/22 at 11:11 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 11:50am

"They are satisfied with mediocrity."

 

What a sad, sad comment. 

 

You liked/loved the show,  that's just fine....but here you are telling people to like things just because they exist is exactly what you're accusing others of doing.

[CookieBroadway]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 1:49pm

dramamama611 said: ""They are satisfied with mediocrity."



What a sad, sad comment.



You liked/loved the show, that's just fine....but here you are telling people to like things just because they exist is exactly what you're accusing others of doing."

I never told anybody to like mediocrity. Quite the opposite: I hope audiences aspire to appreciate excellence. However, the fact is they do seem to be enjoying mediocrity. 

 

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 2:07pm

This revival of FUNNY GIRL and its non-traditional casting of Beanie has created this fan girl following that has followed many similar shows that feature outcast, underdog characters like WICKED, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, BE MORE CHILL, etc.  Many young girls resemble Beanie therefore they identify with her and follow her career and her successes.  This is where that “Twilight Zone” scenario exists at each performance.  Even if Beanie’s voice cracks twenty times, those young girls still scream and go crazy like they’re at a Backstreet Boys concert circa 1990s. Beanie is their idol.  If she can star in a Broadway musical, they can achieve this as well.  Nothing is impossible.  They see themselves in Beanie Feldstein.  

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 2:53pm

When this production is in the rear view mirror, BrodyFosse’s astute observations will be a point of access. I’m reminded of the last 15 minutes of All About Eve, Phoebe and the Eve Harrington Clubs “in all the high schools.”  That niche fan component is no small piece of this moment. Someone on FB this morning exploded over the “pile on.” Pile on another synonym for Beanie hate. Simply because a mutual friend who went last night didn’t like her, and addressed the shortcomings respectfully. To BrodyFosse points, this performance is a cultural Rorschach test: those who need to see it as a triumph, representative of underdogs everywhere having their delayed success, will not be dissuaded. 

[soxboy22]

Posted: 5/8/22 at 9:16pm

Penna2 said: "CookieBroadway said: "Highland Guy said: "brenway said: "The only song that actually made me cringe was “I’m the Greatest Star” it was rough.However she nailed the songs that mattered!!"
All the songs that Fanny singsmatter.And if Feldstein as Fanny can't sing all those songs, thatmatters,as well."

I think the thing is this: it matters to many people and it matters to you; but at the same time it does not matter to many who go and see Beanie as Fanny and they love the show because they do not pick it apart. They do not analyze her inability to sing the songs. They are satisfied with mediocrity and enjoy the music and the spirit of the show. They are not connoisseurs. They do not want to be. You can't force an audience to view a production through your eyes and ears with your level of judgement and expertise. So many who go and see Beanie fail at the songs just do not care. You can't force them to think her poor singing matters or should impact their enjoying of the show.

I will give you an example. I went to a ball game and many spectators were complaining about so many things.... I had a great time. The stuff they complained about just did not matter to me. And when my friend said "you should care that he swung and missed" I laughed. I couldn't force myself to care, I just liked watching it for what it was with all the flaws and disappointments.


Interestingly enough, I suspect Beanie cares. Very much. I think she would love to be able to nail every song. She's been working on this show for at least 8 months now. This is not the victory I think she hoped it would be. As for her fans, yes, they are loyal, but you cannot tell me there wasn't a level of disappointment when the rush of inappropriate carrying on was over and they were back in their hotel rooms. Kind of like Peggy Lee singing "Is That All There Is?"

As an aside, baseball, as a sport, is boring as hell. One of the reasons fans get so excited about missed hits is to keep themselves awake. Go to enough games and you will find it's the sort of camaraderie you commented on - along with the beers, hot dogs, singing breaks, etc., that make most games tolerable. LOL.

Overall, though, your comment seems to go back to the participation trophy mentality so common these days. Well, she got through it - good for her. Maybe these young fans should attend some shows, as suggested, to see what a Broadway show is supposed to look like. Not so much to criticize FG - there are some great moments. Despite the questions about adding Temporary Arrangement, it's a show stopper because of Ramin's talent. Jared's dancing is pure brilliance. Fanny's numbers need to equally wonderful. Theater is special, which is why we are still talking about this. We want greatness - not just for us, but for the performers. It's about winning.


I’m glad these young people love the show, but I’m sure if we had a magic wand to bring them to A Chorus Line (1975), Dreamgirls (1981) or even Nine, the same year, to name just three, they’d be much, much happier.  at least I hope so.
"

 

[theatermangeek]

Posted: 5/9/22 at 12:11am

I heard that interview and based on his recollections, that all occurred between July and December 2019. So this has been churning for close to 2 years before casting was announced late summer 2021.

Interesting time line considering the casting choices.

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/9/22 at 12:36am

Interesting time line considering the casting choices.

I agree. The Hyde Park Concert was on July 7, 2019. Judging from what he said, the word for casting was out at that time - someone from the show likely saw him with Babs. Covid didn't hit the fan until March, 2020. So looks like they were still looking for financing - just a guess. I remember him hinting about a role he was looking forward to doing, this was back around that time - then it got put on hold. Curious who they had in mind for Fanny before Beanie. The money people may have liked him, but not the her...or she went somewhere else? There was talk about Lauren Ambrose doing it at one time. Despite some of the mixed stories about her being cast, I got the impression, Beanie wasn't brought on board until much later.

Updated On: 5/9/22 at 12:36 AM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/9/22 at 1:01am

There was talk about Lauren Ambrose doing it at one time.

Ambrose was announced to lead the 2012 Broadway revival that was to be directed by Bartlett Sher.  Bobby Cannavale was confirmed as Nick Arnstein.  This Broadway revival was scheduled to begin it’s pre-Broadway start at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles then cancelled when investors pulled out.