Lea Michele to Star as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL Starting 9/6; Beanie Feldstein Departing 7/31 — Page 56

I checked on the availability of tickets for Funny Girl after March 2023, and they aren't yet available. Could that be an indicator that Lea Michele would have a 6 month contract and when she leaves the show will close? Possibly the producers are banking on really high grosses for the next 6 months and that would be enough? If I recall Reba did Annie Get Your Gun for about six months? Would this be similar for Funny Girl. Or maybe they just don't release tickets that far in advance?

FYI, Ephie is on for Fanny today at 2.

From Julie Benko's instagram story today:

They are changing keys and rehearsing changes to be made starting in tonight's performance. So for people seeing the show over the next few days, it'll likely be more of what we'll get for Lea.

Once again, hats off to Julie! Never a dull moment.

BCfitasafiddle said: "From Julie Benko's instagram story today:

They are changing keys and rehearsing changes to be made starting in tonight's performance. So for people seeing the show over the next few days, it'll likely be more of what we'll get for Lea.

Once again, hats off to Julie! Never a dull moment."

I think it’s disrespectful to Julie to make these changes during her run as Fanny, especially making key changes. They should implement those kinds of changes during Lea’s put in rehearsal(s). While Julie may soon be returning to being standby, she must be currently contracted as Fanny and should be able to continue playing the role as she’s done so until that changes.

I walked by 42nd Street studios this afternoon on the way to the subway and saw Lea outside with a few others - they were smoking cigarettes and joking about. She looked so happy and content. Looking forward to seeing her in the role.

BCfitasafiddle said: "Come to think of it, the key changes are also confusing to me. Mainly because Benko was singing in "Don't Rain on My Parade" in a different key than Beanie. Unsure about other songs, but the point is that it wasn't an issue to switch the orchestrations then. Maybe Benko is actually now getting key changes that she's requested for other songs with Beanie being gone now? Only time will tell.

Also, that ~guy on Tok Tok~ is reporting that "My Man" is not only being added for Lea, but that Julie may start singing it tonight. Anyone going tonight?"

Based on Julie’s demeanor in her video, I did not get the impression that these key changes were requested.

PipingHotPiccolo said: "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."



Well, it will always be known as the revival that should have never happened with Beanie Feldstein! A career embarassment for her and for the producers casting her as Fanny!

JSquared2 said: "Robbie2 said: "PipingHotPiccolo said: "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."



Well, it will always be known as the revival that should have never happened with Beanie Feldstein! A career embarassment for her and for the producers casting her as Fanny!"



But wait! What does "your agent friend" think?? We MUST know!!!"

HAHA - just sharing stuff on the site coming from someone that represents talent in Broadway musicals! Glad that for some reason it bothers you so....Ha!

TaffyDavenport said: "Ramin was out last night, and now it looks like he's out until 9/6, so maybe COVID again?"

Where are you seeing that he's out until 9/6?

ElephantLoveMedley said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Ramin was out last night, and now it looks like he's out until 9/6, so maybe COVID again?"

Where are you seeing that he's out until 9/6?"

As mentioned, every performance from tonight til Sept 4, the following is posted on SeatGeek:

lkerr2 said: "Julie reposted an IG story of someone who watched the show. Apparently, the changes are: keys, new lines, and choreo. Didn't say how big of a change though in terms of the new lines. I'm thinking the new choreo is mostly for Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat? They probably toned down the tap dancing for the lead to help Lea once she starts since she isn't really a dancer.

For anyone who watched, how significant were the changes?"

Not sure why she is posting about changes, key changes, etc... I guess the days of the magic all being up on the stage are all gone. I guess this is where the Eve Harrington-esque moments read loud for me. Now don't come swinging at me. I have already said I like her and I am pleased for her success. I guess I am just old school.

BrodyFosse123 said: "Had social media existed back in 1965, I’m sure Lainie Kazan would have posted on her Instagram that she was going on for Streisand. Benko is simply keeping folks posted on what’s going on. Yeah, years ago no one knew what was going on as there were no social media platforms. Had there been, I’m sure Ethel Merman would have been posting dressing room videos from her shows."

Perhaps! But key changes? Choreography adjustments? And when you know the vultures are dissecting?



I would have loved Merman on Tik Tok. LOL

DAME said: "lkerr2 said: "Julie reposted an IG story of someone who watched the show. Apparently, the changes are: keys, new lines, and choreo. Didn't say how big of a change though in terms of the new lines. I'm thinking the new choreo is mostly for Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat? They probably toned down the tap dancing for the lead to help Lea once she starts since she isn't really a dancer.

For anyone who watched, how significant were the changes?"

Not sure why she is posting about changes, key changes, etc... I guess the days of the magic all being up on the stage are all gone. I guess this is where the Eve Harrington-esque moments read loud for me. Now don't come swinging at me. I have already said I like her and I am pleased for her success. I guess I am just old school."

I have to say, I was one of Julie's biggest cheerleaders here, but that post left a sour taste in my mouth as well. Your comment about Eve Harrington came to mind. Was tempted to IG her about not whining. She won a battle, but not the war. Wonder if they will clamp down on her now.