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
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1275
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:33am
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1276
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:37am
Oof. We really do need a tell-all book.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1277
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1278
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!
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1279
Posted: 8/9/22 at 10:12am
Jordan, how was Liz McCartney?
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1280
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1281
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1282
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1283
Posted: 8/9/22 at 11:13am
What in the world is going on over there?
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1284
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1285
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!
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1286
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1287
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
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1288
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1289
Posted: 8/9/22 at 2:45pm
The whole thing is a bomb. Just close it.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1290
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
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1291
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1292
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1293
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?
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1294
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?
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1295
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1296
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.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1297
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.)
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1298
Posted: 8/9/22 at 9:59pm
Unfortunate that Jane missed Beanie's final performance and now Ramin will miss Jane's final performance.
Beanie Feldstein Departing FUNNY GIRL on July 31 (Two Months Earlier Than Originally Announced)#1299
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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