Lea Michele to Star as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL Starting 9/6; Beanie Feldstein Departing 7/31- Page 55

[shocktheatre]

Posted: 8/19/22 at 8:05pm

NOWa Warning (love that )  says:

"I’m apprehensive about Michele, but that clip and the copy of the ad did get me excited. Finally the marketing department of this show does something right"

NOW if they could only get costumes, sets, a full orchestra and chorines, they might have something.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 8/19/22 at 9:48pm

BCfitasafiddle said: "That video was thrilling. She sounds great and looks like she is having the time of her life. Feels like a whole new show. Talk about the event of the Fall!"

 ‘Funny Girl’: First Look At Lea Michele Tackling Iconic Broadway Role

https://deadline.com/2022/08/lea-michele-funny-girl-video-1235096599/

Now, WOW - that was a great sneak peek of Lea and hearing that voice! 

Updated On: 8/19/22 at 09:48 PM

[Ke3]

Posted: 8/19/22 at 10:39pm

BCfitasafiddle said: "If you want a Lea Michele - Funny Girl cast album, it already exists and it's called the Glee soundtracks. I'm sure someone has a playlist out there with all the collective Glee covers from the Funny Girl score. Besides the group numbers, they seem to have basically done all of Fanny's songs.

Side note: the producers and social media team must be thrilled to be able to promote their show featuring the singing voice of their stars: Benko and Michele."

As someone who actually watched Glee I can tell you anybody who wants to hear Lea sing these songs should want a cast album. The music production on Glee was not very good. It was a network television show doing an average of six music performances in every episode. With each season being around 22 episodes. The speed needed to accomplish that is evident in the music. Even a not very good cast album is bound to sound better than what they did on Glee. 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 2:45am

Why did they wait so long to bring this show back to Broadway if all it's about is finding a young lady who can sing the hell out of the score? There have been decades of actresses  who could have done it before now.

People knew that there would never be another performance of this show as powerful as BS's, so if all they were looking for was a great voice to sing the score, well, many have come before LM.   

So where does that leave us?  Will she channel BS and try to mimic the performance? That would be weird.  

Or is she going to "make it her own."  And if that's the case, again, why didn't they allow one of the many, many great singers and actresses who have come before to make it THEIR own.

I don't think anyone doubted this girl, LM, could sing the hell out of this score.  

IMO, what's making this an event is that the actress playing the role wants to be Barbra Streisand, and it's her lifelong ambition to make it happen.  

But since that's the story now, maybe they should have just made this "event" happen in the first place rather than going with BF.

For me what made FG so great is Barbra Streisand's voice, and the way she used that voice in song, and in her acting skills.  She had such a unique essence about her, and she took the portrayal of this character to a whole new level.  BS was the comedic star, with a fantastic voice, in a musical that was considered pretty meh when it came to everything else about it, especially the book. 

Again, LM will sing this score in a beautiful and powerful way, but she is no Barbra.    She's just a very good singer who will do a very good job singing the score.

So if that's what it's about, you're telling us they couldn't find another great singer to bring this role to Broadway earlier than they have?  You were never going to get a reincarnation of BS.   And this young lady isn't going to make that happen either.  Even if she is obsessed with Streisand and wants to be her.  

She has a fantastic voice, but hers isn't "the voice" that made this show a hit.   I'm sure her voice will get really good reviews, but it's not the voice I want to hear sing this score.   Barbra was just THAT good.

[Emma_Pillsbury]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 8:39am

theatreguy12 said: "Why did they wait so long to bring this show back to Broadway if all it's about is finding a young lady who can sing the hell out of the score? 

Again, LM will sing this score in a beautiful and powerful way, but she is no Barbra. She's just a very good singer who will do a very good job singing the score.

So if that's what it's about, you're telling us they couldn't find another great singer to bring this role to Broadway earlier than they have? 


Wow! That was a lot to take in! You're assuming that's what it's all about, no one is claiming she is Barbra Streisand and no one is telling "us" anything.

Updated On: 8/20/22 at 08:39 AM

[BJR]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 9:09am

Just from anecdotal evidence, I think folks are underestimating the draw of her in this. All those kids who watched Glee 10+ years ago are now ticket buying age and there's some heavy nostalgia happening here. I've overheard quite a few people gush to each other about having tickets already.

And whether one likes it or not, the problematic issues that came to light a couple years ago only matter to some, as it the case with nearly every outing/exposing/cancelling situation.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 10:33am

The Barbra arguments are so old at this point. Lea Michele will sing the hell out of the score.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 11:21am

And bring much needed glamour to the role as well. I hope she has a huge hit on her hands. 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 12:01pm

QBWAY Baby2 said:

"I hope she has a huge hit on her hands."

So do the investors.

 

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 12:52pm

"For me what made FG so great is Barbra Streisand's voice, and the way she used that voice in song, and in her acting skills.  She had such a unique essence about her, and she took the portrayal of this character to a whole new level.  BS was the comedic star, with a fantastic voice, in a musical that was considered pretty meh when it came to everything else about it, especially the book. "

Not sure Linda Eder had the acting skills for this role but she sure could have done an excellent job vocally. See link below.

Linda Eder - Dont rain on my parade!!!! - YouTube

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 1:30pm

theatreguy12 said: "Why did they wait so long to bring this show back to Broadway if all it's about is finding a young lady who can sing the hell out of the score? There have been decades of actresses who could have done it before now.

People knew that there would never be another performance of this show as powerful as BS's, so if all they were looking for was a great voice to sing the score, well, many have come before LM.

So where does that leave us? Will she channel BS and try to mimic the performance? That would be weird.

Or is she going to "make it her own." And if that's the case, again, why didn't they allow one of the many, many great singers and actresses who have come before to make it THEIR own.

I don't think anyone doubted this girl, LM, could sing the hell out of this score.

IMO, what's making this an event is that the actress playing the role wants to be Barbra Streisand, and it's her lifelong ambition to make it happen.

But since that's the story now, maybe they should have just made this "event" happen in the first place rather than going with BF.

For me what made FG so great is Barbra Streisand's voice, and the way she used that voice in song, and in her acting skills. She had such a unique essence about her, and she took the portrayal of this character to a whole new level. BS was the comedic star, with a fantastic voice, in a musical that was considered pretty meh when it came to everything else about it, especially the book.

Again, LM will sing this score in a beautiful and powerful way, but she is no Barbra. She's just a very good singer who will do a very good job singing the score.

So if that's what it's about, you're telling us they couldn't find another great singer to bring this role to Broadway earlier than they have? You were never going to get a reincarnation of BS. And this young lady isn't going to make that happen either. Even if she is obsessed with Streisand and wants to be her.

She has a fantastic voice, but hers isn't "the voice" that made this show a hit. I'm sure her voice will get really good reviews, but it's not the voice I want to hear sing this score. Barbra was just THAT good."

She'll be fantastic and this will be an event. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 3:11pm

She has a fantastic voice, but hers isn't "the voice" that made this show a hit. I'm sure her voice will get really good reviews, but it's not the voice I want to hear sing this score. Barbra was just THAT good."

Yeah, it's like she's a totally different person than Barbra. Feel free not to buy a ticket, it won't make any difference whatsoever. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 3:48pm

Barbra was/is an original and there is no one like her. Her voice, her acting skills, her comedic skills, her kookiness- all combined- with so much more- to make her the worldwide superstar she has been for decades. Funny Girl as a revival still can succeed and be very entertaining- it has an excellent score- and the storyline has moments of drama and comedy- with a love story that is somewhat engrossing. If Lea can bring glamour, sexiness and humor to the role- she can make it her own. Even BF made it her own-- but she did not have the singing chops to shine in this role. Lea has the singing skills- and if she has the talent- and self confidence- to shine in the dramatic and comedic aspects of the show- this could be a real hit. Can Lea do comedy? I think that is not a settled question as of now. Also, glamour and sexiness are important qualities that will make or break this performance, IMO. I am eagerly awaiting the verdict. 

[singer234]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 4:28pm

I feel like there's that narrative that Lea can't handle comedy, and I don't find that to be true, imo. Particularly in Scream Queens, her role was super campy and funny and she nailed it. I also think people are underestimating her fame-at least in terms of her fame with millennials/older Gen Zers. She may not be a household name with tons of credits, but the internet cannot stop talking about her. That's worth a lot, and they're striking while the iron is hot.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 5:08pm

She has a fantastic voice, but hers isn't "the voice" that made this show a hit.   I'm sure her voice will get really good reviews, but it's not the voice I want to hear sing this score.   Barbra was just THAT good.

You obviously haven’t heard any of the women who played Fanny during the original run of FUNNY GIRL - from Barbra’s original standby Lainie Kazan (and Linda Gerard), to the national tour’s Marilyn Michaels and Barbra’s replacement Mimi Hines.  Each lady had vocal chops to rival Streisand in their own right.  Streisand, the personality, was infused in her Fanny Brice so it stood on its own (heck, she originated the role), but each above mentioned actress/singer were en par to Streisand. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 8/20/22 at 5:29pm

Each of those actresses were on par with Streisand is a very subjective judgement. Barbra, the superstar, was /is something very special- with charisma and originality that only a handful of performers- in each generation- possess. Which is not to say that another performer cannot give a credible and outstanding performance. But, Barbra is in a class by herself- which should not detract from any other performer's interpretation. 

[ManOfLaMuncha]

Posted: 8/21/22 at 12:03am

I don't know if anyone posted this, but Lea can belt those songs~~~

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzVfD0FylDU

 

clips of barbra then lea doing the same songs

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 8/21/22 at 1:15pm

Emma_Pillsbury said: "theatreguy12 said: "Why did they wait so long to bring this show back to Broadway if all it's about is finding a young lady who can sing the hell out of the score?

Again, LM will sing this score in a beautiful and powerful way, but she is no Barbra. She's just a very good singer who will do a very good job singing the score.

So if that's what it's about, you're telling us they couldn't find another great singer to bring this role to Broadway earlier than they have?


Wow! That was a lot to take in! You're assuming that's what it's all about, no one is claiming she is Barbra Streisand and no one is telling "us" anything."

Not really.  Not a terribly difficult post to understand. 

So what "you're" telling "us" is that this chick isn't obsessed with BS?   Where have you been the past 10+ years.

And when saying she's no Barbra Streisand, that's my opinion.  That's my statement. I didn't generalize it to you or anyone else.

Good luck to LM. She'll do a damn good job singing the score.

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 8/21/22 at 1:28pm

BWAY Baby2 said: "Each of those actresses were on par with Streisand is a very subjective judgement. Barbra, the superstar, was /is something very special- with charisma and originality that only a handful of performers- in each generation- possess. Which is not to say that another performer cannot give a credible and outstanding performance. But, Barbra is in a class by herself- which should not detract from any other performer's interpretation."

 

Very subjective, yes.  IMO, if those other actresses were on par (as in equal to) with BS we'd still be seeing them. They'd be household names.

Now, granted they have gone on to different, though not super famous to the world, successes, but none of them have what BS brought to the role.  Talented, and great in their own rights, but they weren't the "it" girl that Barbra was.

Personally I've wanted to see this musical back on the boards for a very long time and figured it would never happen because of the Streisand factor.  But glad it's getting its time.

None of the performers will have that "it" voice that Barbra brought to the musical, but it doesn't mean it won't be totally entertaining.  I was ready and willing to head east to see Ambrose if that one had gone on. Will be hard to separate the role from BS's performance, but we've certainly done it before with other iconic performances that had come before.  And welcomed the new.

 

[Emma_Pillsbury]

Posted: 8/21/22 at 2:55pm

theatreguy12 said:

Not really. Not a terribly difficult post to understand.

Oh, I understood your post 

So what "you're" telling "us" is that this chick isn't obsessed with BS? Where have you been the past 10+ years.

I wasn't telling anyone anything. You're assuming again. And for the last 10 years I've been living my best life and not obsessing over Lea Michele and/or Barbra Streisand.

And when saying she's no Barbra Streisand, that's my opinion. That's my statement. I didn't generalize it to you or anyone else.

You're entitled to your opinion. You do know what they say about opinions and assuming, don't you? 

 

 

[ManOfLaMuncha]

Posted: 8/21/22 at 11:33pm

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11129037/Lea-Michele-belts-Im-Greatest-Star-scenes-Funny-Girl-footage.html

Lea and the show, with video clips...article in today's Daily Mail!

The show is getting some publicity.

[Dolly80]

Posted: 8/22/22 at 9:53pm

The big question is- will she be able to sing these songs without closing her eyes?

She couldn’t sing a single song on Glee without doing it.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 8/22/22 at 10:17pm

im sure she can sing it, i doubt she'll be able to pull off the lovability and charm required. 

but no matter, because some people are so invested in "beanie ruined the show" that they now have to laud her, and predict her success. tale as old as time. 

[Amos Hart2]

Posted: 8/23/22 at 3:21pm

I'm curious to see how FG fares once the Fall 2022 musicals begin their runs.  While I'm sure that Lea Michele's presence will create excitement, at the same time, she will be Fanny #3 in a months-old production that received so-so reviews and whose alleged backstage drama has been more buzzworthy than its on stage drama.  Even if Michele gives the performance of a lifetime, will that be enough to draw audiences away from newer, fresher shows, especially if those shows receive better word of mouth?

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 8/23/22 at 3:39pm

Amos Hart2 said: "Even if Michele gives the performance of a lifetime, will that be enough to draw audiences away from newer, fresher shows, especially if those shows receive better word of mouth?"

If she gives the performance of a lifetime, it'll draw audiences. This is going to be a big deal. They should have Lea on all the talk night shows, perform "People" or something. Get the build up going now to allow for a great run of filled audiences.