Any draw Lea Michele's name would provide at the box office for a proposed revival would be completely diminished by the disastrous critical reception she'd receive when actually performing the role.
FUNNY GIRL requires a vivacious performer with a huge personality and (most importantly) an inherently unique and specific comedic sensibility. The emotional range and depth that the material demands is enormous, and someone like Michele could not be
less qualified. Though she and her devout followers seem to think otherwise, having a pronounced nose, a high belt, and a big ego are not the only necessary prerequisites for a role of this magnitude.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Updated On: 9/9/13 at 04:37 PM