Seb28 said: "Has anyone noticed that Lea sings her songs in this show in a lower key?
I thought she was great, actually the best Fanny in this production so far, but the other girls including Julie Benko sing it in a higher key. I thought that is quite interesting and I did not expect that to be needed for Lea."
this made me curious about Lea's keys vs. Barbra's so I checked: Lea Michele sings Who Are You Now, I'm the Greatest Star, Cornet Man, People, You Are Woman, Don't Rain On My Parade, Sadie Sadie and the finale in the keys shown in the original vocal score; she sings The Music That Makes Me Dance down a half step; the title song from the film is sang down a whole step. however, Barbra's keys for You Are Woman and Don't Rain on My Parade (on the OBCR) are a half-step higher than in the vocal score. [note: despite my best efforts i'm not sure about Lea's keys for His Love Makes Me Beautiful, I Want to Be Seen With You or Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat]
the topic of the keys reminded me that Barbara Cook once played Fanny back in the 60s, I wish I could hear her sing the songs. she only ever recorded Who Are You Now (at her 75 carnegie concert) which is up 2 and a half steps, i wonder what her other keys were like (though i guess her concert arrangement could have been transposed from when she played the part)
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."