Swing Joined: 2/20/07
I have to say I'm loving the 10-years-ago-Debra Messing for Fanny Brice. As much as I love Stephanie J Block I don't think she has the oomph to play Fanny (and she's entirely too conventionally pretty), maybe Julia Murney but I didn't think her voice was entirely suited to the score when I heard her sing 'People'.
Hell I'd be happy if Funny Girl was just revived. I grew up with that music!
While Julia Murney nailed "People" and the preceding scene during the Actors Fund concert, she isn't funny enough to pull off Fanny. She would also read too old in the early scenes, I think (as would most of the women people tend to suggest.)
I agree with BrodyFosse about Ana Gasteyer. Although I heard she was better when she did the role full out, her performance the night of the benefit was awkward and forced. I also don't think her voice really soars enough to do the score justice.
Can you imagine what Liza would have done with the role in her prime, around when she did FLORA...?
I have to agree with all the people who have been saying that the main problem with any revival would be the book. While the first act works, the second act is just plain boring, especially the part of Nick Arnstein. Without someone as electric as Streisand, one is disappointingly left with a great score being sung by a second rate talent. A revival would be very problematic. And I have to leave it to the younger people on this Board to select Streisand's "replacement". I simply don't know the newer divas. I think I will live with my memories of seeing the original production in 1964 as well as the OBCR.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/25/08
I'm sure Stephanie would do this in a heart beat, as she has said numerous times it was her favorite role she has ever performed. But, she is signed onto '9 to 5'.
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