Funny Girl Revival- Page 2
Funny Girl Revival
#25Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/19/15 at 10:23amTo be clear, the intention is not and has never been for Ryan Murphy to direct this theoretical production. He's strictly involved from a producorial standpoint.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
#26Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/19/15 at 11:39am
To comment on gypsy101's post: Streisand's ego and the correct belief that the show was all about her so there was no point in focusing on her mother or that friend of hers for very long (long enough for Barbra to change costumes, it seems.)
I suggest you read the book "Hello, Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand". The entire book deals with her early years, especially the culmination of FUNNY GIRL's opening on Broadway (it's a great read btw). The producers and director realized in early out of town previews that the audience was ONLY interested in seeing Streisand. Their interest waned seriously when she wasn't on stage. They immediately knew that with a weak book their best bet was to scrap the script they had entirely and make it more of an "evening with Barbra Streisand". An already cast Allyn McLerie playing a supporting role as a Ziegfeld girl was let go (they tried it again in the movie version with Ann Francis and that apparently didn't work either). So your assessment of Streisand's character in regards to the show is both unfounded and inaccurate. I suggest that before you bash a performer you have the facts.
#27Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/19/15 at 12:15pmDemitri2, I've read Becoming Barbra and loved it (William Mann is one of my guilty pleasure biographers, I also loved his biographies on Katharine Hepburn and Liz Taylor). What you reference as the weak book and making it An Evening With Barbra Streisand was exactly what I was referring to (as I said, they correctly assumed that the show was all about her and was the only thing the audience wanted to see). As for bashing Barbra Streisand, I didn't mean for it to come off that way; she's one of my absolute favorites and think she's one of the most talented singers of the past century right up there with Judy Garland. But my suggestion that she has a huge ego is not an attack, I think the entire entertainment industry could attest to the fact that it's astronomical (what with thinking she could play Rose in a film version of Gypsy at her "advanced" age).
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
#28Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/19/15 at 12:47pmIf the show is revived, it will undoubtedly need a new script. This is the show most desperately in need of a revisal.
#29Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/19/15 at 12:59pm
Personally I'm still waiting for what was to be Bartlett Sher's revival with Lauren Ambrose and Bobby Cannavale, but let sigh I fear that production is gone..gone with the wind what could have been gone with the wind fabulous.
If a big name is really warranted for this production personally I think Lady Gaga would be a terrific fit, if she had a strong director, not sure about her acting abilities, but I could definitely see her handling those songs.
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#30Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/19/15 at 9:01pmThe problem with Lea Michelle is that she is humorless. She has no sense of comedy. She may be able to land the songs, but a majority of the book scenes will fall flat because she has no sense of comedy.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
IloveBroadwAY3
Understudy Joined: 1/7/15
#31Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 6:08pmcan we stop talking about this. The musical is gone done finished
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#33Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 6:23pmLady gaga could be fabulous! I wouldn't be surprised if an actual revival happens in the next 2-3 years. I think a lot of people are waiting for the right time to do Funny Girl. It would be fun if they could get Barbra to play Fanny's mother but I doubt Babs would agree. My vote would definitely be for Jesse or Gaga
#34Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 7:03pmEven the movie, as great as the musical scenes with Barbra are, is something of a chore to watch.
Claudia Draper
Featured Actor Joined: 6/14/11
#35Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 7:17pmAs long as Babra is alive.. This will not be revived. It is impossible.
#36Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:05pm
"can we stop talking about this. The musical is gone done finished"
are you crazy?? This show has one of the best scores ever!!! SOOOO many great songs!! With an updated book, and Jesse Mueller playing Fanny Brice, this show would be FABULOUS!!!
"As long as Babra is alive.. This will not be revived. It is impossible."
Why??
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sctrojan65
Featured Actor Joined: 10/24/14
#37Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:15pm
I agree that the songs in this show are great. I remember listening to the score with my mom back when I was a kid, as well as the soundtrack from the movie. Some great music.
Would love to see what Jessie Mueller would do with this. Put a period wig on her, period clothing and let her go to town.
Fantod
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/3/14
#38Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:17pmWhy would we need a revival of the show when we still have the fabulous (if melodramatic) movie with the one and only Barbra Streisand?
#39Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:33pm
why do live theatre at all fantod?
IM THE GREATEST GREATEST STAAAAAAAAAAAAR!
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Fantod
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/3/14
#40Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:40pmFanny Brice is just so closely identified with Barbra that I don't think a revival would be good because the movie preserves such a perfect performance. Also why you don't see a lot of productions of Summer and Smoke, and why you shouldn't see productions of The Wizard of Oz or Singin' in the Rain.
sctrojan65
Featured Actor Joined: 10/24/14
#41Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 9:49pmWhat's your take on An American in Paris, fantod? I plan on seeing it in NY this spring, but a little reticent. The movie is just so good. And nothing beats the ballet sequence. Will be interested to see how they do it.
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#42Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 10:29pmWhile the movie is perfect in many ways they cut too many songs. Including one of the best in the score The Music That Makes me dance.
#43Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 10:59pmI'd love to see Stephanie J. Block do it. Don't Rain on My Parade is her favorite song to perform. I think we are underestimating how recognizable Funny Girl is. I think a revival would do well without a name in the starring role.
Fantod
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/3/14
#44Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 11:03pmBut I don't think the show itself works without a star. Fanny Brice herself was as big a star as they came back when she was performing, and someone who plays the role can't just do well with it, they need that little extra something that really makes them shine. Barbra had it for this role, which is what made the movie so good.
Fantod
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/3/14
#44Funny Girl Revival
Posted: 1/20/15 at 11:03pmBut I don't think the show itself works without a star. Fanny Brice herself was as big a star as they came back when she was performing, and someone who plays the role can't just do well with it, they need that little extra something that really makes them shine. Barbra had it for this role, which is what made the movie so good.
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