Lea Michele to Star as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL Starting 9/6; Beanie Feldstein Departing 7/31 — Page 52

Now Jane is leaving early.

TotallyEffed said: "Oof. We really do need a tell-all book."

LITERALLY what I said to Julie last week.

Jordan, how was Liz McCartney?

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.

What in the world is going on over there?

Wait until Michele starts, that's when we need the big bags of popcorn and very large cups of tea!

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

The whole thing is a bomb. Just close it.

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.

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?

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.

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.)

Updated On: 8/9/22 at 09:46 PM

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.