Lea Michele to Star as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL Starting 9/6; Beanie Feldstein Departing 7/31- Page 52
Lea Michele to Star as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL Starting 9/6; Beanie Feldstein Departing 7/31
#1276Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:37am
Oof. We really do need a tell-all book.
#1277Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:44am
TotallyEffed said: "Oof. We really do need a tell-all book."
LITERALLY what I said to Julie last week.
#1278Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:47am
At this point, the only people less happy than the cast are the audience members who have to sit through the show!
#1279Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 10:12am
Jordan, how was Liz McCartney?
#1280Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 10:36am
Liz was wonderful!!! But also keep in mind I seem to be one of the rare people who just loves Jane in the role.
#1281Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 10:40am
Jordan Catalano said: "Liz was wonderful!!! But also keep in mind I seem to be one of the rare people who just loves Jane in the role."
I also loved Jane in the role. Say what you will about Beanie's talent, it's clear she was really kind and pleasant to work with. As was Jane. Both Lea and Tovah have a reputation for intensity and at times are tough. I fear it will lend itself to a different atmosphere.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#1282Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 11:04am
"With my long-planned vacation on the books and then the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony in LA on Thursday, September 1, I will take my final curtain call on August 14," says Lynch in a statement. "As I embark upon my last week in Funny Girl, my heart is filled with gratitude for this wildly talented company led by Beanie Feldstein and our wonderful audiences for keeping theatre alive! I offer a special thanks to my current scene partner Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights.”
1. I really don’t think she’s going to win that Emmy, and she could have prerecorded a speech from the theater.
2. Did anyone hear or know of said vacation prior to this announcement? I remember Beanie’s announced times off but never Jane’s. The whole thing is odd.
I am big. It’s the REVIVALS that got small.
ashley0139
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
#1283Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 11:13am
What in the world is going on over there?
"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#1284Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 11:44am
"With my long-planned vacation on the books and then the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony in LA on Thursday, September 1, I will take my final curtain call on August 18th. As I embark upon my last week in Funny Girl, my heart is filled with gratitude for this wildly talented company led by Beanie Feldstein and our wonderful audiences for keeping theatre alive! I offer a special thanks to my current scene partner Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights.”
Makes perfect sense and sadly not the hugely dramatic thing some people (desperately) need it to be. I wish Jane all the best, I really enjoyed her performance.
#1285Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 11:55am
Wait until Michele starts, that's when we need the big bags of popcorn and very large cups of tea!
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#1286Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 12:19pm
LOL they had an interview at playbill waiting to go to manage the PR for this/the show more broadly. Apparently backstage it’s all positive and they are a family! (Maybe it’s true though.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#1287Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 12:47pm
I agree that they would be smart to NOT invite critics back. IF they get any goodwill from Lea Michele's performance, reviews of how bad the rest of the show remains (design, etc) will dampen that goodwill
Huss417
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#1288Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 1:19pm
Mr. Wormwood said: "I agree that they would be smart to NOT invite critics back. IF they get any goodwill from Lea Michele's performance, reviews of how bad the rest of the show remains (design, etc) will dampen that goodwill"
I think the critics will be there invited or not.
"I hope your Fanny is bigger than my Peter."
Mary Martin to Ezio Pinza opening night of Fanny.
shocktheatre
Featured Actor Joined: 4/28/22
#1289Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 2:45pm
The whole thing is a bomb. Just close it.
#1290Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 4:12pm
shocktheatre said: "The whole thing is a bomb. Just close it."
You live up to your h.a.m-essness
Penna2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/24/18
#1291Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 4:13pm
GiantsInTheSky2 said: ""With my long-planned vacation on the books and then the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony in LA on Thursday, September 1, I will take my final curtain call on August 14," says Lynch in a statement. "As I embark upon my last week in Funny Girl, my heart is filled with gratitude for this wildly talented company led by Beanie Feldstein and our wonderful audiences for keeping theatre alive! I offer a special thanks to my current scene partner Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights.”
1. I really don’t think she’s going to win that Emmy, and she could have prerecorded a speech from the theater.
2. Did anyone hear or know of said vacation prior to this announcement? I remember Beanie’s announced times off but never Jane’s. The whole thing is odd."
The vacation schedule makes sense. Ramin is on vacation this week and that wasn't announced. It makes sense that Jane would have something scheduled upon his return. Initially Beanie was taking the last weekend off in August. So looks like they were taking turns. The only country not heard from yet is Jared and to when he will be taking a break.
Jane is giving Liz a chance to shine, like Beanie, whether intentionally or not is giving Julie her chance. Liz and Tovah seem more suited to the role, JMO, but regardless people loved Jane and she's a class act. I hope she wins the Emmy.
#1292Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 5:31pm
What an odd decision (and announcement) from Lynch. She needs TWO WEEKS to fly to L.A. and prepare for the Emmys? Not buying it. She’s clearly just done being stuck in a role she knows she’s miscast in and wants to move on with her life.
I saw Liz McCartney play Mrs. Lovett once. She’ll be great.
Auggie27
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
#1293Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 6:40pm
I was informed on Twitter that Lynch sat out Feldstein’s last performance only so that McCarthy could perform once with Beanie. This was an unannounced absence - not on the website or in advance in social media - presented as business as usual. Forget folks who paid $199 or more to see the four above the title stars. I’m startled that this is offered as sound justification for disappointing a paying audience. And that I was corrected as not appreciating the need for Lynch’s understudy to get a shot with Feldstein. Been years since a show was riddled with so many bizarre casting issues and strange bending of established rules of professionalism.
Did anyone here know Lynch was sitting out that Sunday matinee before it turned up in one of the 27 Funny Girl threads?
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
#1294Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 6:55pm
Auggie27 said: "I was informed on Twitter that Lynch sat out Feldstein’s last performance only so that McCarthy could perform once with Beanie. This was an unannounced absence - not on the website or in advance in social media - presented as business as usual. Forget folks who paid $199 or more to see the four above the title stars. I’m startled that this is offered as sound justification for disappointing a paying audience. And that I was corrected as not appreciating the need for Lynch’s understudy to get a shot with Feldstein. Been years since a show was riddled with so many bizarre casting issues and strange bending of established rules of professionalism.
Did anyone here know Lynch was sitting out that Sunday matinee before it turned up in one of the 27 Funny Girl threads?"
As a matter of course, I'd take being "informed on Twitter" with more than a big grain of salt. Right or wrong, this issue or that, do you really know who's "informing" you?
Penna2
Broadway Star Joined: 2/24/18
#1295Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 7:00pm
Auggie27 said: "I was informed on Twitter that Lynch sat out Feldstein’s last performance only so that McCarthy could perform once with Beanie. This was an unannounced absence - not on the website or in advance in social media - presented as business as usual. Forget folks who paid $199 or more to see the four above the title stars. I’m startled that this is offered as sound justification for disappointing a paying audience. And that I was corrected as not appreciating the need for Lynch’s understudy to get a shot with Feldstein. Been years since a show was riddled with so many bizarre casting issues and strange bending of established rules of professionalism.
Did anyone here know Lynch was sitting out that Sunday matinee before it turned up in one of the 27 Funny Girl threads?"
I assumed she took ill (tonsillitis redux) I hope Liz loved acting with Beanie, I'm sure it was the thrill of her career. Now she's going to have the role for a few weeks, good for her. That said, I think Beanie took a day off when Julie was down with covid so Ephie could take the lead for one show before she left. A little friendly actor taking care of another actor business.
Everyone talks about how nice Beanie and Jane were to the cast and crew. Might be nice if they had some consideration for the audience as noted above. Somehow I can't see Ramin or Jared (or Julie, for that matter), who are both nice guys, being so "thoughtful." Ramin named his sportwear company 8X - for 8 times a week. That's the deal, unless your contract states otherwise.
At this point, the producers have likely just thrown their hands in the air with Jane. I'd tell her, just leave now and don't let the door hit you in the butt.
#1296Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 8:53pm
smallvillefan16 said: "I am so over all the people complaining about the situation. You have ZERO money riding on the show, so your opinion and ideas are absolutely pointless [if not hilarious to read.]"
"I'm so over people having opinions but let me write a whole unbroken essay that's difficult to read of MY IMPORTANT opinion!"
Settle down, Love.
As for the Jane's alleged "Pre-Planned Vacation" that is extremely suspect. She's one of the names and is above the title (as Ramin is but lets be honest is far less of a draw and also isn't leaving at the end of the month) and they weren't going to announce it? And save those refunds? And the Emmy Nods were announced a month and she's decided to go... now? Nah... this is not confluence of events, it's get me out of here as FAST as I can.
#1297Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:46pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOmH99oPoVk
Julie Benko mentioned on Instagram that Jeremiah James is on as Nick Arnstein this week. (Btw, he is dreamy.)
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Updated On: 8/9/22 at 09:46 PM
#1298Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:59pm
Unfortunate that Jane missed Beanie's final performance and now Ramin will miss Jane's final performance.
Ke3
Broadway Star Joined: 6/25/20
#1299Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)
Posted: 8/9/22 at 11:09pm
BETTY22 said: "I spoke to the press rep who said they hadn't decided yet what to do with critics.
Even if Lea is brilliant, it's still the same production and show. Not sure they want rot open themselves up to those reviews again."
Critics will be there anyway. They might as well invite them officially and pray for the best that night. This entire situation has been gold for any outlet that covers theatre and even some that usually don't. It's been years since Broadway gossip found itself so far away from the Great White Way. In the click economy, all the big outlets are going to send someone. Invited or not. They can't afford not to.
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