Funny Girl, With Sher at Helm, Aimed for Broadway Revival- Page 3

[D2]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 4:26pm

As Michael Bennett so aptly put it, the role is not just about the vocal chops. It's all well and good to have sung a ravishing version of one of Fanny's songs, but as MB said, it really is about the unique qualities the actress playing the part can bring to the character.

And what people tend to forget is that the original production ran for a year and a half after Streisand left, with Mimi Hines playing the role. It wouldn't have stayed open that long if Streisand were the only thing going for it.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 4:28pm

I'd love to see Paolo Szot as Arnstein.
Mmmmmmmmmmm

[bwayguy22089]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 4:29pm

I second Nicole Parker. She has a small following from MadTV and from Wicked, which will help get the show rolling in the beginning (paired with the show's already famous title). I think she'd be great. She's a wonderful comedic actress (Have you seen her portrayal of Ellen?) and a wonderful dramatic actress (as seen in Wicked). She has an excellent voice... I don't know. I personally think she'd be wonderful.

[silversurfer2]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 4:31pm

I agree..Lea Michele is all wrong for this...for many reasons. IMO, why bother. Streisand was the definitive Fanny.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 4:35pm

The problem with the show is that you can't really skimp on either of the two things needed: a totally unique personality and someone than can sing that bitch of a score fabulously for 8 shows a week.

[Brick]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 4:48pm

Michael Bennett put it correctly in context, pointing out the uniqueness required. Also, the role is heavily comedic. Supreme vocal chops aside, Streisand was hysterical. And that's Brice.

I, too, am so curious as to who these "Hollywood types" are!!!

All said, I'm confident Sher will cast it well. I can't think of another director today who is so consistent in good taste.

[CandiceElyse]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:00pm

I disagree, I think Stephanie J Block would be a great choice, but thats just my opinion. I'm personally not a big Kritzer fan, so I really wouldn't want to see her cast. I do think Nicole Parker would be an excellent choice as well, she is hilarious. I feel bad for whoever is cast though, they have some big shoes to fill..and its going to be one of those casting decisions that delights half of the people on here and enrages the rest....it will be interesting for sure.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:02pm

What about Idina?

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:09pm

Careful, Chicago Star!

[fflagg]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:21pm

Sher is such a serious director. Sounds like a miscast choice. And this production, IF it happens, is 2 years away. Cannot wait for the thousands of posts by thousands of fags to dissect every little thing of the show and who should do it.

[D2]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:24pm

You don't have to wait ff - it's already started.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:24pm

Nicole Parker cannot sing. Stephanie J. Block cannot act (and has as much stage presence as a toenail). Casting either one of them in this role would be a disaster.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:34pm

Montego Glover?

[bjh2114]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:43pm

Farah. Alvin.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 5:43pm

Crucify me, but I'm rooting for Idina.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:09pm

"...and someone than can sing that bitch of a score fabulously for 8 shows a week."

So TEAR DOWN that BITCH of a score and put a JUKEBOX MUSICAL WHERE IT OUGHT TO BE!!

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:16pm

Thank you, Munkustrap, I thought I was the only one who doesn't like Lea Michele's nasally vocals!

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:20pm

fflagg, I don't know if Sher's necessarily serious. His productions of SOUTH PACIFIC and LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA both had moments of lightness. I feel like what I like about Sher is that he serves the material really well. I doubt he'll try to make FUNNY GIRL anything heavy or serious.

And we all know Seth Rudetsky was born to the play this role and will play this role at long last, so let it go and wait for the announcement.

Seriously thinking, though, can people think of anyone for this? In terms of being unique and different, I like Kacie Sheik. She's not a name, but I felt like she made a real presence in the HAIR revival.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:26pm

Can't picture Lea Michelle, Idina, or anyone for that matter playing this GO FOR AN UNKNOWN!

[Almira]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:30pm

My concern is less with the casting and more with the book. Doubtless they are going to have to do some sort of revision or re-tooling.

If they can strengthen the book, the success of the show might be a little less "star" dependent and the show can run long after with multiple Fannys.

Otherwise, at best, they'll have the same problem they had with the original production. Once "whoever they cast" leaves, the show doesn't work as well.

Updated On: 6/8/10 at 06:30 PM

[elphabelle07]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:41pm

I vote for Kritzer. That woman's hilarious. However, I would like to see Anneliese van der Pol in the role....don't kill me...

[elphabelle07]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:41pm

I vote for Kritzer. That woman's hilarious. However, I would like to see Anneliese van der Pol in the role....don't kill me...

[PauloFanClem]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 6:44pm

I SO want to see Paulo tackle Arnstein! Since it's Sher who's going to direct, you think it's possible? I have so much confidence on Sher. His direction breathes in meaning with details to the material yet still maintains its original scent.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 7:08pm

How about Kristen Stewart?

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 6/8/10 at 7:28pm

Ooh bjh, I like the idea of Farah Alvin...in any case she certainly has the vocal chops to carry it off.
Updated On: 6/8/10 at 07:28 PM