Lea Michele to Star as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL Starting 9/6; Beanie Feldstein Departing 7/31 — Page 39

pmensky said: "No doubt, Lea will sell tickets right through the Christmas season. However, it's the winter doldrums which start in early January and continue through mid-April which would be the true barometer to see if she's still selling tickets to tourists.

And that gives her six months on the stage - will the revival close after a year's run ?"

I think these questions will be answered shortly after September 6. Because of the drama that’s gone down at the show and the drama that’s gone done with Lea’s reputation, I don’t think she can afford to give anything less than a performance that brings down the house. The audience needs to be screaming and leaping to their feet and the critics need to write her love letters, because anything less than that will be considered a failure just because of those circumstances. I can’t recall the stakes being higher or the consequences being more dire for another actor going into a show."

My question is, and no snark intended. Is Lea Michele the type of performer who has ever received "love letters" from the critics? For her TV/Movie/Recording/Concert/stage work? I can see audiences giving her big ovations --- but are the critics known to have showered accolades upon her for her previous work? Maybe this will be her chance.

That’s an interesting question. Also, has she ever done anything (of note) where she’s played an adult? She’s 35 years old and the only things people know her for are playing teenagers.

My question is, and no snark intended. Is Lea Michele the type of performer who has ever received "love letters" from the critics? For her TV/Movie/Recording/Concert/stage work? I can see audiences giving her big ovations --- but are the critics known to have showered accolades upon her for her previous work? Maybe this will be her chance.

I don’t think she’s done any previous work that warrants love letters from critics. She received positive reviews for Spring Awakening, and an Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress for Glee, but those aren’t the kind of roles for which critics write love letters. Fanny Brice on Broadway is a different story. If she rises to the occasion, then I think it’s possible we might see some love from the critics.

I do hope a few critics come back and perhaps informally re-review the show so they can see how it should have been done from the beginning. She probably is signed through January, and after that the fate of this show remains unknown. Rocky start tho!

"Funny Girl" film fashion.

And Barbra's "People" gown from the stage production.



https://streisandstylefiles.com/funny-girl-broadway-people-gown/

Highland Guy said: "And Barbra's "People" gown from the stage production.



https://streisandstylefiles.com/funny-girl-broadway-people-gown/

"

This is what Beanie wore

bwayphreak234 said: "While they are getting rid of/ replacing things that don't work in the production, maybe they can get rid of the giant Pringle can/ lighthouse/ toilet paper roll that dominates the stage the entire show...?"

Yes, this design element was ugly to took at for many scenes!

Yeah, I haven't seen any official comments on re-working aspects of the show. In my opinion, they should rework the book, by which I mean cutting most of Harvey's revisions and just doing it as originally intended. We do not need a "People" reprise sing by Nick, nor do we need a trunk song that should have stayed in the trunk to give him motivation. He doesn't need to sing basically anything besides the two duets and the mini "Don't Rain On My Parade" reprise.

Really, you only need to think about replacing the finale reprise of "Don't Rain On My Parade" with "My Man" when you have a great performance from a Fanny. But then they should cut "Funny Girl" or "Music That Makes Me Dance." Would be interesting to see them try any of that out, but I doubt the script and score will be tampered with much at all.

Also, Happy Birthday to the great Mimi Hines! Who Are You Now?

Updated On: 7/17/22 at 02:13 PM

I think you guys expecting major changes will be very disappointed. Lea will probably only get a put in with the cast and learn the show apart. With the cast performing full time I doubt they would make them rehearse any changes that we are wishing for. Even just new scenery has to be rehearsed. And it all becomes costly. When Bernadette took over for Bette they actually closed the show a few nights and implemented the new choreography. They also went as far as giving her a sitz probe.

Updated On: 7/17/22 at 05:14 PM

Personally I will be thrilled to even see the Fanny wigs change. I appreciate the period accurate styles they attempted but with the combination of the lackluster designed costumes, Fanny ends up looking like Mary Sunshine. I don't expect any book changes but I could expect the costumes to be altered. Honestly i'm hoping Lea Michele pulls a diva moment and demands some alterations! Those knee length dresses make Fanny look like a great aunt at a wedding.

I'm curious about something. I genuinely do not know the answer to this. I know that Julie Benko and Ephie Aardema are the two persons who would cover the role of Fanny Brice in case of necessity. In the event of a worst possible scenario, where the lead and the two covers are out of commission, would a swing be available to cover the role of Fanny? I'm just curious about it, tis all.