Posting from other thread...
Well, that was exhilarating.
HELLO, LEA! WELCOME BACK TO BROADWAY.
I knew her voice would be stellar, but I was unprepared for the clarity and ferocity at which she approached the score. It is a flawless vocal performance. She even has her homages to Barbra's opt ups without going too far.
Then, there's her acting. My word. Impeccable comedic timing, delivery, vulnerable at all times, a younger Fanny with so much hunger and desire for stardom (Rachel Berry who?), and a star Fanny in act 2 that will break your heart.
Lea knew she had to deliver and you can tell she has worked tirelessly to come through with a performance that will go down in history. And she has succeeded.
Sonia Friedman and Michael Mayer must be thanking their lucky stars tonight. I've never seen such an adoring audience. Standing ovation for her entrance, the end of "Greatest Star", partial for "People", back to full for the climax of "Parade" (she said BAM and the entire theatre LEPT), then back up on the final note. THRILLING.
In act 2 standing ovations for: her entrance at the top of the act (that was probably the longest and the one where you could see the love behind her eyes for the moment. Looked like that most happy girl in the world), then we started back down and Ramin came back on shirtless so naturally people stood back up for that! Then standing ovations for Rat-Tat-Tat (she absolutely crushed it in that song. Totally clowning. Real Fanny would be proud). And for the finale.
Buy your tickets. The most anticipated casting just officially became the best performance currently on Broadway.
OH! and Tovah! WHAT A DELIGHT. She earns every laugh, her scene with Fanny during Nick's arrest was stellar. Her and Lea are perfectly matched together.
Truly, just a performance for the ages. Lea Michele gave no Barbra impression or Rachel Berry channeling. She is Fanny. Through and through. Congratulations, Lea.