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

[FranklinDickson2018]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 11:37am

Hi can you point me to a source where all of this was discussed by the producers?  Costumes I can see having to change, but also set design at this point?  I don't see why a new "Fanny" would require a new tweak in the scenary.  Are so many changes really being made between now and September 6th? 

 

The producers have made it quite clear they are somewhat going back to the drawing board and doing some restructuring.  The Beanie Feldstein version was their out-of-town tryout and now they’re making the tweaks (in the costumes, set design, etc) for the Broadway version. 

[FranklinDickson2018]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 11:48am

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. 

 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 11:52am

FranklinDickson2018 said: "Hi can you point me to a source where all of this was discussed by the producers? Costumes I can see having to change, but also set design at this point? I don't see why a new "Fanny" would require a new tweak in the scenary. Are so many changes really being made between now and September 6th?



The producers have made it quite clear they are somewhat going back to the drawing board and doing some restructuring. The Beanie Feldstein version was their out-of-town tryout and now they’re making the tweaks (in the costumes, set design, etc) for the Broadway version."

 

The producers have done nothing of the sort.  Sure they will probably tweak Fanny's costumes a touch -- but in no way are they paying for a new set (or even a few "modifications" and the additional tech/rehearsal time that would be required.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 11:53am

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. 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:11pm

 

[pmensky]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:28pm

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. 

 

[Dollypop]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:32pm

I just hope Lea doesn't come down with tonsillitis 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:34pm

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! 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:49pm

Sutton Ross said: "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!"

 

What's "informally re-reviewed"?  is it like being "a little bit pregnant"?  Either you are or you aren't.  And yes, the critics will most certainly be invited back to "formally rev-review" the show.

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:53pm

"Funny Girl" film fashion.

 

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 12:57pm

Followed by "Funny Lady" film fashion.

 

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 1:08pm

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

 

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

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 1:32pm

Alecohanian said: "Beanie has just announced that she will not be performing this weekend due to tonsillitis. She posted a video to her instagram. Wrenches continue to be thrown in her last few weeks of performances and i'm sure there will be much speculation regarding her absence. I feel badly for her. I was excited to see her end on a triumphant note. Hopefully all is not lost."

 

My brother is a Dr. and said you don't recover from having tonsillitis over the weekend as you're on antibiotics-penicillin for 10 days and it takes at least a week to recover. She won't be back this week!  

Updated On: 7/17/22 at 01:32 PM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 1:43pm

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 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 1:44pm

Sutton Ross said: "Oh Robbie, you absolutely recover from imaginary tonsillitis over the weekend! "

Ha - Good one and the story goes on with her...

[Robbie2]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 1:58pm

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! 

 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 2:10pm

Any restructuring would have to be accomplished by Fierstein with full approval of the Lennart estate, as has been the case in the past. I know that agent, formally of Lucy Kroll, and have been told of rights and revision issues since the late 90s. Book work happened between London and Broadway (and further juggling/inclusion of songs and reprises) but it’s quite a challenge to put in a new text - which creates a cascade of new cues and tech calls over about 48 hours - or rehearse the full company beyond a double put in. It’s not impossible but expensive and hard to fathom without closing the show. If that’s the case, surely Fierstein is working now and statements will be issued. So far, it just costumes. If someone can source even veiled references to textual changes, post and source. We’re all curious.

Updated On: 7/17/22 at 02:10 PM

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 2:13pm

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

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 2:19pm

I doubt much will change. They've already got to redo the artwork, the merch, etc. Changing the set would be super expensive. 

Granted nothing got good reviews in this show. So curious if they'll touch any of it.

[Azúcar!]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 5:14pm

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

[shocktheatre]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 5:18pm

This appears to be a very lazy production. Post 'ol pal Bean, they won't change much, hoping that the Glee-a-verse will put butts in the seats. The book is hopeless. They will keep Jared Grimes if they have half a brain (which is questionable), and I have to assume they will not let go of Ramin Karimloo's sex appeal unless he just wants to get out of there and maintain his sanity.

And I can't see them beefing up the sets and costumes to any significant degree. Obviously, this FG was done on the cheap, and it will probably remain that way.

 

 

 

[Alecohanian]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 5:44pm

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. 

[pmensky]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 5:51pm

Alecohanian said: "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."

They’d be fools not to redo the wigs and costumes. If they don’t, it will look like Lea is wearing the shroud of Beanie Feldstein on stage, or like the new Mrs. Dewinter showing up to her own ball wearing Rebecca’s old costume.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 6:13pm

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.  

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 7/17/22 at 6:20pm

On Beanie, they're very unflattering, but I like this dress and wig on Julie: