Lea Michele as Fanny - Funny Girl - Page 71

[Penna2]

Posted: 7/27/23 at 2:59pm

hearthemsing22 said: "Penna2 said: "hearthemsing22 said: "mshalo18 said: "alovingfan said: "pair-o-dice said: "Am I the only one who follows Julie Benko on social media? Because every time she has a big concert or gig, Lea seems to take off and be "sick" out-of-the-blue the days leading up to it. Like, Julie had a Birdland concert and live stream last night and Lea was suddenly under the weather this weekend."

My mind went there as well. But I don't believe it."

But it cuts both ways- it can also be said that a lot of Julie's gigs are around the same time that Lea has scheduled time off. She was scheduled to be off July 22nd and 23rd, and Julie's Birdland concert was the 24th.



"

You both truly wouldn't think it's planned that way, do you? I truly believe it's mere coincidence. That's insane and if so, very petty on the part of both of them."

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest neither one of them watches the other's schedule, except for Julie knowing the dates Lea is scheduled to be off. Lea knows she covered even if Julie is sick because of Ephie. Doubt she thinks about Julie at all. (Me being snotty, but likely true, nonetheless.) Julie isn't in that big a demand in other venues - her primary job is still in FG, so limits what commitments she can take on. Push comes to shove, I'm fairly certain her contract stipulates she can book what she wants so long as it doesn't interfere with FG, but if it does - the side job gets cancelled, unless they don't mind Ephie going on.

Going a step further, Lea has been showing photos of herself, her friends and her family at the Hamptons all summer which may or may not be related to whether she is there or not. So, I wouldn't put too much stock in her having been there during the most recent call it.

I do, however, feel bad for people who make plans to see a certain show/performer only to have them out sick. Been there, done that. Not fun and doesn't make you feel too warmly toward the star, even understanding people do get sick/have accidents. Seeing Julie is not the same as seeing Lea no matter what her fan base says."

Let me see if I have this right- your opinion of a performer would change if they called out for something beyond their control?"

It did happen to me, and my feelings changed for a while, but it didn't last long. I'm human and when I spend a lot of money and time arranging my life to see a show I'm going to be unhappy for a while if the plans go awry. BTW, it was Ramin. I still find him the most incredible singer/performer around.

If that hasn't happened to you, you are lucky. If it has and you weren't upset, maybe you're a saint. No one wants someone else to be injured (in his case), ill or have a family emergency, but my feeling are what they are and I'm not going to deny them. Good for mental health when you don't deny your instincts.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 7/27/23 at 3:15pm

If FG has not broken even, it must be pretty damn close.  According to the grosses info, from its first preview until last Sunday, it has grossed $98,341,000.  Since the first preview, it has been open 69 weeks.  That means that average weekly gross — including the weeks it died during the latter part of Beanie’s run and the interval before LM took over — for the 69 weeks has been $1,425,000. 

I don’t know the weekly breakeven (which presumably got higher as LM presumably got pay increases) or the up-front investment, but if a cheesy looking show like FG can’t at least return its investment with those stats, that is to me pretty shocking.  

Updated On: 7/27/23 at 03:15 PM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 7/27/23 at 7:51pm

Azúcar! said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Penna2 said: "hearthemsing22 said: "mshalo18 said: "alovingfan said: "pair-o-dice said: "Am I the only one who follows Julie Benko on social media? Because every time she has a big concert or gig, Lea seems to take off and be "sick" out-of-the-blue the days leading up to it. Like, Julie had a Birdland concert and live stream last night and Lea was suddenly under the weather this weekend."

My mind went there as well. But I don't believe it."

But it cuts both ways- it can also be said that a lot of Julie's gigs are around the same time that Lea has scheduled time off. She was scheduled to be off July 22nd and 23rd, and Julie's Birdland concert was the 24th.



"

You both truly wouldn't think it's planned that way, do you? I truly believe it's mere coincidence. That's insane and if so, very petty on the part of both of them."

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest neither one of them watches the other's schedule, except for Julie knowing the dates Lea is scheduled to be off. Lea knows she covered even if Julie is sick because of Ephie. Doubt she thinks about Julie at all. (Me being snotty, but likely true, nonetheless.) Julie isn't in that big a demand in other venues - her primary job is still in FG, so limits what commitments she can take on. Push comes to shove, I'm fairly certain her contract stipulates she can book what she wants so long as it doesn't interfere with FG, but if it does - the side job gets cancelled, unless they don't mind Ephie going on.

Going a step further, Lea has been showing photos of herself, her friends and her family at the Hamptons all summer which may or may not be related to whether she is there or not. So, I wouldn't put too much stock in her having been there during the most recent call it.

I do, however, feel bad for people who make plans to see a certain show/performer only to have them out sick. Been there, done that. Not fun and doesn't make you feel too warmly toward the star, even understanding people do get sick/have accidents. Seeing Julie is not the same as seeing Lea no matter what her fan base says."

Let me see if I have this right- your opinion of a performer would change if they called out for something beyond their control?"

Who said that?"

No comparison on the Lea vs. Julie. FG is all about seeing it with Lea Michele. Lea is a star as for Julie she's a capable performer that does great with Fanny. Julie was the ''it'' girl before Lea came on and that has faded. She has Harmony in the fall but the role is not starring and nothing to rave about. The show will most likely have a limited run on Broadway but we'll see? Michaela Diamond has stolen her thunder since Parade!

Updated On: 7/27/23 at 07:51 PM

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 7/28/23 at 2:50pm

Last row of the mezzanine is on sale for the final performance on September 3, $445 a ticket. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/28/23 at 3:29pm

TaffyDavenport said: "Last row of the mezzanine is on sale for the final performance on September 3, $445 a ticket."

Wow. That's steep for the mezzanine... especially the LAST row. I know I'm probably in the minority, but sometimes I DON'T like going to closings of high profile productions as the audience tends to be filled with fans screaming and shouting the entire show.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 7/28/23 at 3:42pm

bwayphreak234 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Last row of the mezzanine is on sale for the final performance on September 3, $445 a ticket."

Wow. That's steep for the mezzanine... especially the LAST row. I know I'm probably in the minority, but sometimes I DON'T like going to closings of high profile productions as the audience tends to be filled with fans screaming and shouting the entire show."

For those who have means to pay that much for a single ticket, it's still a great option because the view from the two last rows at the August Wilson is fantastic. I saw Lea from the mezz row P center during one of her first performances last year, and it was a full, unobstructed view. All for measly $76 including fees. Have an amazing time September 3rd, whoever will be there!

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 7/28/23 at 4:23pm

bwayphreak234 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Last row of the mezzanine is on sale for the final performance on September 3, $445 a ticket."

Wow. That's steep for the mezzanine... especially the LAST row. I know I'm probably in the minority, but sometimes I DON'T like going to closings of high profile productions as the audience tends to be filled with fans screaming and shouting the entire show."

I would never want to go to an opening night of a big name in a show, or a closing performance. I know the fans would be out of control, screaming at every moment and you wouldn't be able to hear  a word. totally with you on that! 

[suzcap]

Posted: 7/28/23 at 7:54pm

Robbie2 said: "Per Broadway Journal

Funny Girl, a hit from last season thanks to the drawing power of Lea Michele, has returned 70 percent of its $15 million capitalization to investors and is on track to turn a profit."

So back a few months it was projected to make a profit.

 

QUESTION:  Best guess as to what Lea is making a week?

 

[DJD4]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 1:39pm

Somebody said this a couple pages ago, and I completely agree.

I cannot wait for this show to close.

Ever since it opened, it has caused so much toxicity both in the broadway community and here on the boards. It has practically destroyed a young actresses reputation amongst the theatre community, and then brought an extremely polarizing figure back into the narrative and gave her a huge platform and spotlight that many argue is undeserved.

This thread has just evolved into Lea fans aggressively defending her, and subsequently tearing down and arguing with anyone that disagrees with them. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 1:46pm

Feel free not to read about it then, since it causes you so much strife. 

 

[Claudia Draper]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 2:28pm

I'm sure she will call out on her last performance.  Julie Benko is the Star. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 3:03pm

Claudia Draper said: "I'm sure she will call out on her last performance. Julie Benko is the Star."

Don't get me wrong, I loved Julie Benko, but Lea is the star here. She's the one who saved this show from closing a year ago. The show would NOT have run as long as it did without Michele.

[suzcap]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 3:14pm

So dramatic, Beanie will be fine.   I bet some day she will return to Broadway with open arms. Meanwhile she will enjoy a nice career in movies, voice work etc.

[Azúcar!]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 4:25pm

DJD4 said: "Somebody said this a couple pages ago, and I completely agree.

I cannot wait for this show to close.

Ever since it opened, it has caused so much toxicity both in the broadway community and here on the boards. It has practically destroyed a young actresses reputation amongst the theatre community, and then brought an extremely polarizing figure back into the narrative and gave her a huge platform and spotlight that many argue is undeserved.

This thread has just evolved into Lea fans aggressively defending her, and subsequently tearing down and arguing with anyone that disagrees with them."

 

We will be chit chatting about this show long after the tour closes .  So if you don’t like it.. don’t come on the thread.  

 

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 4:50pm

"This thread has just evolved into Lea fans aggressively defending her, and subsequently tearing down and arguing with anyone that disagrees with them. "

I have not read every post, but the common theme is that Lea gives a fantastic performance every night and made the show a "hot ticket" on Broadway. She has had the reputation of not being a nice person years ago, but I have not heard or read any complaints about her during her time in "Funny Girl". Maybe the death of Corey Monteith, finding love again and becoming a mother has changed her. I am willing to give her and any other person the benefit of the doubt until proven wrong. 

"QUESTION:  Best guess as to what Lea is making a week?"

I have no idea. My guess would be $30-40,000 a week and percentage of the box office. 

[Phillyguy]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 9:22pm

DJD4 said: "Somebody said this a couple pages ago, and I completely agree.

I cannot wait for this show to close.

Ever since it opened, it has caused so much toxicity both in the broadway community and here on the boards. It has practically destroyed a young actresses reputation amongst the theatre community, and then brought an extremely polarizing figure back into the narrative and gave her a huge platform and spotlight that many argue is undeserved.

This thread has just evolved into Lea fans aggressively defending her, and subsequently tearing down and arguing with anyone that disagrees with them."

Either the show or this thread has destroyed anyone's reputation. Acting is a tough job. Sometimes it's just not a right match for the skill set needed. And sometimes a bit of reality check and self awareness is necessary. 

[Dom P]

Posted: 7/29/23 at 9:24pm

DJD4 said: "Somebody said this a couple pages ago, and I completely agree.

I cannot wait for this show to close.

Ever since it opened, it has caused so much toxicity both in the broadway community and here on the boards. It has practically destroyed a young actresses reputation amongst the theatre community, and then brought an extremely polarizing figure back into the narrative and gave her a huge platform and spotlight that many argue is undeserved.

This thread has just evolved into Lea fans aggressively defending her, and subsequently tearing down and arguing with anyone that disagrees with them."

The show hasn't caused toxicity. It's people who caused the toxicity.

Updated On: 7/29/23 at 09:24 PM

[bear88]

Posted: 8/6/23 at 3:47pm

Ticket price watch for the last few weeks of the revival:

— For several months, ticket prices and availability have been easier a few days in advance than for the last couple of weeks before the revival closes Sept. 3. That’s changed in recent weeks, with prices having dropped for the last couple of weeks (except for Labor Day weekend) while prices and availability a few days out have gotten tighter. The only exception is that tickets remain available at the TKTS booth, so anyone in town can still give that a shot.

— There are still cheap tickets available in the mezzanine and rear orchestra. But the front side, partial view seats are pretty much gone. There are $256 seats further back in side orchestra. My suspicion is that these prices will not drop further, and may rise if the ‘last few weeks’ dynamic kicks in (see Parade as a recent example).

— So my suggestion as an out-of-towner who doesn’t have TaffyDavenport’s knowledge of these matters but has followed the saga and bought my tickets in July for the last week: Buy now if you’re interested in seeing Funny Girl with Lea Michele during those last two weeks. Availability has dropped, but prices are still decent for some seats. They probably won’t get any better and could get worse, possibly a lot worse.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 8/6/23 at 4:04pm

They also released the rest of what would normally be the cheapest mezzanine seats, the sides of row L-N and all of row P, for the final performance, which is a sh*tty thing to do to people that already spent the same $445 for row Q.

Updated On: 8/6/23 at 04:04 PM

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 8/7/23 at 9:04am

‘Funny Girl’ Recoups $16.5 Million Capitalization As Revival Enters Final Weeks Weeks On Broadway

Funny Girl, the Broadway revival with one of the strangest casting histories in recent theatrical memory, has recouped its $16.5 million capitalization, producers announced today.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/7/23 at 9:06am

Very exciting news! I summarize this as a bad production of a bad show with a hummable score and a SPECTACULAR leading lady (Lea Michele). It's truly amazing that this production was able to have the turnaround it did after such a rocky start.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 8/7/23 at 9:06am

MemorableUserName said: "‘Funny Girl’ Recoups $16.5 Million Capitalization As Revival Enters Final Weeks Weeks On Broadway

Funny Girl, the Broadway revival with one of the strangest casting histories in recent theatrical memory, has recouped its $16.5 million capitalization, producers announced today."

Wonderful news! Wild journey this production has had… even from the West End counterpart and its complete overhaul and redirection. 

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/7/23 at 10:03am

LEA literally saved this show. Turned a flop into a hit. 

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 8/7/23 at 10:24am

The turnaround this show had is really one for the Broadway history books. Off the top of my head, I can't think of another show that really had this type of odd trajectory. Congrats to all involved on a recoup, that would have seemed unthinkable at one point.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 8/7/23 at 11:00am

What a success story. Congrats