Lea Michele as Fanny - Funny Girl - Page 52

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 1:51pm

Another option to consider is just ignoring this thread and let the people who appreciate hearing different perspectives and thoughts on the different performances exchange their views ... because if you're waiting for the show to close so these comments will end I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. These conversations will continue long after the lights go down on that final performance."

You're perfect.

 

[DAME]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 4:50pm

Vinyl arrived today from Amazon.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 4:55pm

I have to go back and see the show again before it closes - BUT....I think I want to see Julie not Lea.

I can't afford both. Am I crazy? 

[DAME]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 4:59pm

I think I asked this in another thread but got no answer .  I noticed some Lea performances have been available at the booth .  Anyone know where the seats are?  

[Phillyguy]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 5:07pm

BETTY22 said: "I have to go back and see the show again before it closes - BUT....I think I want to see Julie not Lea.

I can't afford both. Am I crazy?"

Plenty of valid reasons to see Julie instead, such as cost and schedule. However, if neither is an issue and you choose to see Julie over Lea, then you are missing the once in a generation performance that will likely not happen again at least for this show. 

I saw her at the beginning of her run and I hear she is even better now. I'm definitely planning on seeing her again before closing. 

 

[gibsons2]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 6:38pm

BETTY22 said: "I have to go back and see the show again before it closes - BUT....I think I want to see Julie not Lea.

I can't afford both. Am I crazy?"

My Broadway budget is very tight too, so I was agonizing whether I also need to see Julie while the show is opened. But since Harmony opens on Broadway this fall, there's a chance she'll be cast or given the exposure she received from FG, Julie might be cast in a leading role in some other new musical, a role which she'll originate. I'm sure will be hearing from her soon enough after FG closes. That being said, I'd see Lea again, her performance is legendary.

Updated On: 5/1/23 at 06:38 PM

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 7:56pm

Phillyguy said: "
I'm not quite sure if I understand your point. This is a musical about a comedienne who achieved stardom. This is not a comedy show. It's not about who could deliver better humor or land a better joke.

You need a leading actress who makes you believe she is the greatest star. Regardless of what people think of her, she is an excellent actress and an incredible singer. She takes you into her (Fanny's) life and make you believe that you are part of her journey. You feel happy when she triumphs and cry when she fails. That's why she succeeds in this role.

People have complained about the book, staging, lighting, the second act, but when I saw her on that stage, none of it seemed to matter because you are so focused on her and her life. I was actually surprised at how fast time flew by during the performance."

I cant dispute any of that- I didnt see her live. I've only seen clips online, which have confirmed that as talented as Lea Michele is, she isnt a naturally kooky or witty comedienne. To each their own--- I thought Beanie did a fine job with the comedy and would gently remind everyone that this was actually the consensus on these boards and amongst the critics before everyone went nuts with The Narrative.

I am not disagreeing that the show needs a Star that radiates Stardrom to work-- or that Lea is doing that better than Beanie did. I'm just struggling to take seriously the suggestion that Lea Michele is doing a better job with the comedy they amped up for Beanie, than Beanie did. I say this while completely recognizing that Lea Michele made the show a hit, and sings the hell out of the role, and is according to all who have seen her, fantastic. But that probably isnt enough for the usual crowed, so, cue the chorus. 

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/1/23 at 9:58pm

PipingHotPiccolo said: "Phillyguy said: "
I'm not quite sure if I understand your point. This is a musical about a comedienne who achieved stardom. This is not a comedy show. It's not about who could deliver better humor or land a better joke.

You need a leading actress who makes you believe she is the greatest star. Regardless of what people think of her, she is an excellent actress and an incredible singer. She takes you into her (Fanny's) life and make you believe that you are part of her journey. You feel happy when she triumphs and cry when she fails. That's why she succeeds in this role.

People have complained about the book, staging, lighting, the second act, but when I saw her on that stage, none of it seemed to matter because you are so focused on her and her life. I was actually surprised at how fast time flew by during the performance."

I cant dispute any of that- I didnt see her live. I've only seen clips online, which have confirmed that as talented as Lea Michele is, she isnt a naturally kooky or witty comedienne. To each their own--- I thought Beanie did a fine job with the comedy and would gently remind everyone that this was actually the consensus on these boards and amongst the critics before everyone went nuts with The Narrative.

I am not disagreeing that the show needs a Star that radiates Stardrom to work-- or that Lea is doing that better than Beanie did. I'm just struggling to take seriously the suggestion that Lea Michele is doing a better job with the comedy they amped up for Beanie, than Beanie did. I say this while completely recognizing that Lea Michele made the show a hit, and sings the hell out of the role, and is according to all who have seen her, fantastic. But that probably isnt enough for the usual crowed, so, cue the chorus."

Here's the chorus - Fanny Brice wasn't "naturally kooky" - she was a serious person/performer, who was incredibly driven with a sharp mind and a sharp tongue and honed her career (and private life) from that. Her daughter said she was actually very quiet in her private life. That's the difference between Beanie and Lea - Lea is acting a complete character, Beanie had no idea who the character was beyond the jokes. It was really a shame that the producers put her in that position. Especially since they had a standby and an understudy who knew and could act the character better than their lead. When Lea came on board, they got the whole package. You really have to see the entire show from beginning to end. The clips are great, but the scene work and overall character development is what makes Lea special and why we keep talking about her. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/2/23 at 12:01am

gibsons2 said: "BETTY22 said: "I have to go back and see the show again before it closes - BUT....I think I want to see Julie not Lea.

I can't afford both. Am I crazy?"

My Broadway budget is very tight too, so I was agonizing whether I also need to see Julie while the show is opened. But since Harmony opens on Broadway this fall, there's a chance she'll be cast or given the exposure she received from FG, Julie might be cast in a leading role in some other new musical, a role which she'll originate. I'm sure will be hearing from her soon enough after FG closes. That being said, I'd see Lea again, her performance is legendary."

The role in Harmony is a nothing and would be surprised if she decided to take it after be the Fanny alternate in a starring role but we shall see?

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 5/6/23 at 12:39pm

The new double record vinyl release sounds stunning.  For those that have turntable with a legit set up it is totally worth it.  You will be playing the overture and star over and over again.

[gleek4114]

Posted: 5/6/23 at 2:02pm

Does Lea regularly sign after evening performances?

[DAME]

Posted: 5/6/23 at 7:00pm

For anyone interested.  The vinyl is a two record set.  The actual vinyl is yellow.  There’s some pictures when you open  the cover snd a booklet with lyrics.  Very nice.  And the sound is warm and vibrant .  I am happy with my purchase .  

[Penna2]

Posted: 5/6/23 at 8:46pm

To no one in particular and not necessarily a major issue with all the other issues that dogged this show early on, but if they are going to continue marketing the show with yellow roses, they should change the roses in the show from white to yellow. One line of dialogue and some props?

[bear88]

Posted: 5/7/23 at 11:43pm

OK, knowledgeable folks. We are going to be in New York City during the last week of August. This also happens to be the last week Funny Girl is open. Our reason for going is a friend's wedding on a Thursday night, not to see shows, but we might try to sneak one in. (We had planned to see the revival during our March trip but cancelled when Lea Michele called out.)

In recent weeks, I have noticed sales are a little softer and tickets have even been available at TKTS for Michele shows. But I assume the last week of Funny Girl will be different, which leaves me with a bit of dilemma.

I would like to see the musical but I’m not that desperate to see it any cost. The question is whether that last week will be incredibly pricey or if Tuesday or one of the Wednesday shows might be sane - with some lower prices available if I wait and keep and eye on things.

Any guesses?

Updated On: 5/8/23 at 11:43 PM

[Jarethan]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 1:11pm

The best prices you are likely to get are right now.  It is inconceivable that they will be discounted the last week, and prices WILL go up.  If you do t want to spend a lot, get the cheaper seats — if still available — and enjoy.  It is not a huge theatre…get them NOW.

[bear88]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 1:48pm

I understand that prices are unlikely to go down much for the last week, or that there will be magical discounts. But the current prices for the Tuesday and Wednesday shows in the last week are about $100 higher than comparable tickets now - or in March, when we originally were going to go.

I may, of course, have to decide whether it’s worth $299 plus fees (about $337) to buy tickets now - or get tickets up in the mid-mezzanine for $278. That’s a lot. (There are a few $199 tickets with partial views, far back in the orchestra. I don’t know how bad those seats are.)

If it wasn’t the last week, I would definitely wait for a pair of tickets to become available at a better price/location. And maybe that’s what I will do anyway. If I don’t see the revival, so be it. I was just trying to get an idea if I’m kidding myself to think that waiting will do me any good given the timing of our trip.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 2:59pm

gleek4114 said: "Does Lea regularly sign after evening performances?"

Lea never signs.  She waves but doesn’t stop. 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 4:04pm

I didn’t know they already started raising prices for the end of the engagement.  Guess I am not surprised.  Are the rear mezz already super-expensive for what they are.  Iris not a huge theatre, so may be the way to go if they are not already gone.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 4:47pm

Buy all remaining tickets to this show now. Unless you like spending hundreds of dollars more in a month? Your call. 

[bear88]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 5:09pm

I don’t know if Rows K thru M are considered rear or mid-mezzanine, but $278 (including fees) is the going rate for midweek shows during the last week if you buy now. You can pay $50 more for decent side orchestra seats or about $50 less for partial view seats. That’s pretty much it.

If I was local, I could certainly do better than that now. I could snag tickets that inevitably become available a few days before the show or even at the TKTS booth. Trouble is, I’m not going now. It sounds like you’re all assuming prices will get more ridiculous during the last week. Friday and Saturdays are already horrible.

I’m just trying to be realistic about my options, and what happens to prices during the last week of a successful revival. We might not go. The only reason it’s a possibility is the wedding we’re attending that week.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 5:38pm

I think you already know the answers to your questions. 

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 5/8/23 at 9:40pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "gleek4114 said: "Does Lea regularly sign after evening performances?"

Lea never signs. She waves but doesn’t stop."

There was a time at the beginning of the year when she didn't sign due to a Covid upswing but she has been doing it again for at least a month now, I think. She leaves the theater minutes after the show and signs only for the people in the first two rows or so. Probably because she wants to say good night to her son before he falls asleep.

Updated On: 5/8/23 at 09:40 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/16/23 at 3:59pm

Lea has tested positive for COVID and will be out of the show until May 23. 
Julie Benko will be on every day until then, except for Friday when Ephie Aardema will be on for Fanny. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/17/23 at 11:57am

Update: Ephie will be on for Fanny at today’s matinee. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/17/23 at 12:46pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "Update: Ephie will be on for Fanny at today’s matinee."

Heard Julie is battling allergies and didn't sound good last night. Curious if Ephie splits the week with Julie.