FUNNY GIRL on Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 79

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 12:19pm

So I saw Funny Girl last, completely oblivious to the show or movie beyond those two songs, and hoping beyond hope everyone was wrong about it…

Well, you were right. It’s a mess. So apologies in advance for my random venting. It was a tough night. At times I saw little sparks of genius amidst the muck, but then so many of those moments passed that I just got frustrated.

Did this thing need to be so long the curtain call didn’t start until 10:53PM? From the opening moments, staring at that ugly drop and mirrored proscenium, with the Lite Brite light show as the overture droned on with the tinny orchestra doing their best, I just knew it was going to be a long night.

That giant toilet paper roll column thing was an interesting idea, but when it was closed, I ended up staring at it instead of the action on the stage. It was just there, omnipresent. While I did appreciate the lights and set pieces they flew in for various scenes, some of it was quite nice, but when opened up and you looked down and saw a couple of tables, it only made it seem all the more depressing. Also, the damn thing was squeaking open and close during most of Act Two. The pointless stairs and side walls all in black just reminded me that the Roundabout Pal Joey did that whole thing better, and that’s not saying a lot.

Dancing was okay? Tap sequences were great, not just Jared but the Rat a Tat duo also. But the regular choreography just wasn’t that interesting overall. Of maybe all the dance sequences didn’t really do much to the actual story, or even have a reason to exist, so I just tuned them out.

Beanie was good at times, fine others, she was funny, she was cute, and she could move, but it never quite convincing. And it felt like she was playing the same age the entire time, so it was hard for me to tell if time had passed unless they specifically referred to it. Funnily enough, I thought she performed a lot of the songs fine, but in a tragic irony, not the main three we know and love. You could really tell she was trying on People and Parade, but I just wanted to scream at one point, “Let’s end this parade already so I go the toilet, were these songs always this long?!” It was never a “Wow!” It was a “Good for you!”

I was rooting for her, but at some point she could never really lift the material, because the material just isn’t there. The long slog to the end that they called a romance wasn’t helped with the black hole of chemistry between Ramin and Beanie. I couldn’t never figure out why they even cared about each other. (And again, the fact that Beanie couldn’t portray older didn’t help.)

Ramin sang lovely of course, but as others have said, he doesn’t really feel like a solid character. He comes in and out of her life, literally and figuratively, and there’s little there to see why they stick to each other as they do? Show us or tell us, but the book nor the direction does either, so Nick as a character just never feels grounded.

Also, a random point. Why was Beanie doing so much acting facing quarter to half upstage? I was house left on the aisle and I saw so much of the back of her head, it was really confusing. Her big moment with her mom towards the ends, Jane Lynch could’ve been talking to a body double, we’d never know.

Speaking of Jane Lynch, it felt at times she was in the wrong show, and she was miscast. But at some point I realized that she’s actually doing right by the show and elevating the material, and that like the sensational Jared Grimes, they were just in another production. A better one we should’ve been spending almost three hours watching.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 3:08pm

"Funnily enough, I thought she performed a lot of the songs fine, but in a tragic irony, not the main three we know and love."

This is a recurring comment, the bifurcated score with -- in practice if not intention, obviously -- two sets of vocal demands. Or perhaps more fairly, expectations. I've heard several people say the Feldstein Fanny is mostly successful in her performance numbers, but, as a friend said, "unable to to just stand on a stage and deliver a song.." 

This last report from everythingtaboo, like the best, really explains where and how the production disappoints, beyond generic thumbs up/thumbs down. There's widespread misconception in social media that theater board chatter on this show has been brutally cruel, when most of it is actually quite thoughtful, like this last post. I read posters trying hard to express this feeling of root-for from the top, and then a slide into accepting the areas the production falters. The resulting let-down. So little of it has been marked by abject bitchery, yet that's the reputation the boards seem to generate. But they always have.     

Updated On: 5/12/22 at 03:08 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 3:13pm

Auggie27 said: ""Funnily enough, I thought she performed a lot of the songs fine, but in a tragic irony, not the main three we know and love."

This is a recurring comment, the bifurcated score with -- in practice if not intention, obviously -- two sets of vocal demands. Or perhaps more fairly, expectations. I've heard several people say the Feldstein Fanny is mostly successful in her performance numbers, but, as a friend said, "unable to to just stand on a stage and deliver a song.."

This last report from everythingtaboo, like the best, really explains where and how the production disappoints, beyond generic thumbs up/thumbs down. There's widespread misconception in social media that theater board chatter on this show has been brutally cruel, when most of it is actually quite thoughtful, like this last post. I read posters trying hard to express this feeling of root-for from the top, and then a slide into accepting the areas the production falters. The resulting let-down. So little of it has been marked by abject bitchery, yet that's the reputation the boards seem to generate. But they always have."

Yes.  I saw this in some of the Tik Toks.. and I was thinking there must be some secret BWW Board.. because it did not reflect what I have been reading here. 

[DAME]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 3:17pm

One of them even went on about us going on about her plus size.. and I haven't really read any of that here. Unless I missed it.   People like to create their own truths.

[Lorna Joe]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 8:52pm

banned

Updated On: 5/13/22 at 08:52 PM

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 11:16pm

Wait what? Lorna is saying Beanie is “miscast” and “weak?” 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/12/22 at 11:36pm

“Mrs. White, or is it Mrs. Black, may I speak to Jane?”

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 6:40am

I caught the first act of this last night and bailed at intermission. I’m one of the folks who wanted so badly for this to be good, because I have genuinely found Beanie charming in the things I’ve seen her in up til now, but boy am I eating my hat.

I’ve never felt so much secondhand embarrassment in a Broadway theater before. Who greenlit this? Who cast not just Beanie, but every single person in this cast? It’s bad from top to bottom - a lead who’s incapable of meeting the demands of the role, supporting leads who all feel like they’re in different shows, and an ensemble that looks ashamed to be there. That choreography… woof. Some of the worst, most unappealing groups numbers I’ve ever seen.

I can’t give my full opinion on the show, but it was truly amateur hour. I’m baffled how this made it to the stage. Also, Funny Girl is not that great a show, so all the flaws of the score and (revised) book are on glaring display. Rough.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 9:32am

^What did you actually leave out from your first 2 paragraphs?  Seemed pretty complete to me!

 

Yes, your point about the weakness of the book getting more attention is spot on.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 9:49am

Felt the same way the other night, ColorTheHours048. You were smart to leave at intermission, because partway through Act Two, as the endless slog of romantic (?) melodrama between Fanny and Nick droned on, I remembered this was a revised book, and I was like, "Wait, this is the better version?"

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 10:29am

dramamama611 said: "^What did you actually leave out from your first 2 paragraphs? Seemed pretty complete to me!"

I guess I mean maybe act two could’ve turned it all around? I doubt it, and my friend assured me it didn’t, but who knows.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 10:38am

Lol, it didn't, although I seemed to tolerate it better. 

[soxboy22]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 10:42am

ColorTheHours048 said: "dramamama611 said: "^What did you actually leave out from your first 2 paragraphs? Seemed pretty complete to me!"

I guess I mean maybe act two could’ve turned it all around? I doubt it, and my friend assured me it didn’t, but who knows."

I love having theater-going friends.  A couple know exactly what I like and have rarely made a bad recommendation for years.  Some other friends, not so much.  No one, however, has urged me to see this production.

 

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 11:41am

Ok, before I went to bed last night. I saw that Lorna had written a pretty legendary post in response to my comment. Now it's gone and I'm wondering if it was a fever dream...

[Papi2013]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 11:43am

Sally Durant Plummer said: "Ok, before I went to bed last night. I saw that Lorna had written a pretty legendary post in response to my comment. Now it's gone and I'm wondering if it was a fever dream..."

A little bit of it remains on the page before this.  She is just trolling.  

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 11:54am

At a VERY public place in the theater district the other night, two ensemble members were very loudly trashing Beanie and the show, itself.
 

If you’re in a show, be careful. You never know who is around you especially in a place like they were at. And to quote Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 12:20pm

ColorTheHours048 said: "I caught the first act of this last night and bailed at intermission. I’m one of the folks who wanted so badly for this to be good, because I have genuinely found Beanie charming in the things I’ve seen her in up til now, but boy am I eating my hat.

I’ve never felt so much secondhand embarrassment in a Broadway theater before. Who greenlit this? Who cast not just Beanie, but every single person in this cast? It’s bad from top to bottom - a lead who’s incapable of meeting the demands of the role, supporting leads who all feel like they’re in different shows, and an ensemble that looks ashamed to be there. That choreography… woof. Some of the worst, most unappealing groups numbers I’ve ever seen.

I can’t give my full opinion on the show, but it was truly amateur hour. I’m baffled how this made it to the stage. Also, Funny Girl is not that great a show, so all the flaws of the score and (revised) book are on glaring display. Rough."

The only thing I would have to say about your missing Act II, was Ramin. Even though A Temporary Arrangement was thrown in and didn't make much sense, it was a show stopper. Also, the duet to Who Are You Now gave some indication of what the love story could have been with a better female lead. His voice is glorious and the short bit of People he sang almost makes the show worth it. 

My comments about Beanie were made early on - seems nothing changed. You can't buy talent - or at least the talent this show needed to succeed. It will linger for awhile because her fan base is very large.

I feel sorry for all involved. Jordan Catalano posted just after yours that some in the ensemble were trashing Beanie in public. I'm not surprised. She seems oblivious to what is going on with this show and how this is actively affecting the careers of everyone involved. I find that the most offensive element of this whole thing - the hubris.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 12:21pm

Jordan Catalano said: "At a VERY public place in the theater district the other night, two ensemble members were very loudly trashing Beanie and the show, itself.

If you’re in a show, be careful. You never know who is around you especially in a place like they were at. And to quote Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”"

This is a normal scenario if you live in NYC and are savvy to what’s happening in the entertainment world.  I’ve heard countless gossip from films, Broadway shows, to television happening at that time from people involved by simply being seated quite close to their tables at restaurants.  They’re not whispering so you hear their conversations.  They’re simply talking “shop” but it’s gossipy and revealing stuff.  They truly think no one around them would know anything about their conversation.  If it’s a few people, oh boy.  Order 2 desserts if you finished your dinner.  

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 12:23pm

Sally Durant Plummer said: "Ok, before I went to bed last night. I saw that Lorna had written a pretty legendary post in response to my comment. Now it's gone and I'm wondering if it was a fever dream..."

It was there. Kind of a hoot, actually. On the mark, IMO - although no diplomacy. LOL. I had to laugh when she said she could have really made something of the part 50 years ago. I think she might have done. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 12:26pm

Brody, trust me I know it’s “normal” in certain situations. My point was for people maybe “new-ish” to the business, to have a bit more discretion because you can hurt your career. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 12:33pm

Penna2 - Exactly "how this is actively affecting the careers of everyone involved"?   And even if that's so, what do you REALLY think Beanie can or should do about it?

 

And to Jordan's post: so much for the talk that everyone "adored" her.

[Bette's Turban]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 12:36pm

dramamama611 said: "Penna2 - Exactly "how this is actively affecting the careers of everyone involved"? And even if that's so, what do you REALLY think Beanie can or should do about it?."

They are all employed.  They are professional.  They stick with it and eventually move on to the next job.  How is this affecting thier career?  

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 1:20pm

Jordan Catalano said: "At a VERY public place in the theater district the other night, two ensemble members were very loudly trashing Beanie and the show, itself."

This certainly lends some credence to why the ensemble looked so “over it” last night. They really did look like they were there to collect their paycheck and not much else.

[JasonC3]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 2:13pm

"She seems oblivious to what is going on with this show and how this is actively affecting the careers of everyone involved. I find that the most offensive element of this whole thing - the hubris."

One could make the case that  the other people on stage might not have a show to perform in if not for Beanie given that previously rumored productions never came to light.

Updated On: 5/13/22 at 02:13 PM

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/13/22 at 8:17pm

dramamama611 said: "Penna2 - Exactly "how this is actively affecting the careers of everyone involved"? And even if that's so, what do you REALLY think Beanie can or should do about it?

And to Jordan's post: so much for the talk that everyone "adored" her."

Also to Bette's Turban and JasonC3

Having a lead who could sing and act the role would have elevated the entire production, particularly the love story - which, to me, was always the center of her life. However much a jerk he may have been in real life, they loved each other. The most recent comment refers to the lack of chemistry between Beanie and Ramin as a black hole, I believe. He was cast almost 3 years ago, so they must have seen something besides his singing in him (most of his fans will agree). This is a hot guy. If anything they came across as friends. 

My point here is he lost out on a Tony nomination (I don't know about a win - the character is weirdly written - not Featured, but not exactly Lead, but definitely a nomination). The same for the role of Fanny - another possible nomination because the new lead would be able to carry the role in its entirely, not just in part. Maybe even Jane - who some feel was robbed, I have no real opinion on that. The show might have gotten a nomination - which means any box office lost by Beanie pulling out would be made up because a great show was being put on - instead of what most here have talked about, not to mention the critics...and the Tony nominating committees. Being in a hit show is much stronger on a resume than a dud - for anyone involved in the show.

As to the question of there being no show without Beanie and what could she do?

True, I'm sure we are all aware that some financing was thanks to Beanie's influence as well as her name having the ability to bring in a new type of audience to Broadway and a large fan base.

This would involve Beanie realizing she wasn't cutting the mustard. This was likely known early on - even before formal rehearsals began. Okay, fine go ahead with rehearsals. Continue with the coaching and directing and working around obvious problems with both singing and acting skills for this type of production - see how that goes. Once the previews opened, there were still major problems, which haven't been resolved because Beanie is Beanie and she will not "grow" into the role at this point. It is what it is.

While it certainly didn't happen and isn't likely to happen even now, would have been for her to say: To the great producers and those who have had such faith in me, I cannot do this. I thought I could and I have been working very hard (no one is arguing she is working hard because you can see it), but I can see I am not the right person for the role and the show deserves a lead who can really become Fanny. This is something I really wanted, a dream I've had, but for the good of the show, I am bowing out. 

But, of course, that requires humility and a strong inner guide. Frankly, I don't know if someone leaving a show for knowing they weren't cutting it has ever happened on Broadway, but this show is different from most Broadway productions. I do know it has happened on smaller stages, in local venues. Takes courage, especially when it is something you really want.

So, that is my answer to how the failings of the lead has affected the careers of others in the show, as well as what she could have done. 

For the record, when I saw the first promo - I was rooting for her - thought she was sharp and I loved her attitude. No one wants someone else to fail, at least I hope not.

Updated On: 5/13/22 at 08:17 PM