Michele, Benanti, O'Hara, and Parker in the running for FUNNY GIRL...

To say that O'Hara would be miscast is an understatement, love her though I do. I think Benanti could handle it, as could Parker and Michele, but my choice is Kritzer. Girl's amazing. Did anybody see her at Papermill?

---

Kritzer all the way for me too.

---

Sadly, I really can't see anyone of these talented ladies except Lea Michele as Fanny (I don't care what anyone says, I'd pay to see it). I really like them all, but really, Kelli O'Hara? ROFLOL at the thought!

---

Kritzer. full stop.

(Also- is Stephanie J. Block no longer one of the names being tossed around here?)

Somethingwicked, on planet Bartlett Sher. The reasoning behind that is obvious, albeit misguided.

And you want a belter? Kritzer. Has the look? Kritzer. Can do the right sort of comedy? Kritzer. Other than Michele, none of them are really names. I'd see Benanti do it, but Kritzer is the rightest out of the list.

---

I can't believe that this is a real conversation.

Kritzer.

(although the Kelli O'Hara part is a little hilarious. He would try to put her in Porgy and Bess if given the opportunity. Bart, cut the cord, dude.)

Benanti certainly has the personality and the comic chops! My god, I would die in all the best ways if she played Fanny. I think that she has a "interesting" enough look, although she is beautiful. They frumped her up for a part of Gypsy, so why not do it in a different way again? She isn't exactly what comes to mind when I think of a beltress, but it could work.

O'Hara, as much as I LOVE her, isn't right for it.

Although I love the idea of Benanti now just because I hadn't thought of it before, I also think that Parker and Kritzer would also be excellent choices. These ladies are perhaps better suited for it than Benanti, but I got pretty excited thinking about Benanti in the role.

Updated On: 5/6/11 at 01:11 AM

Am I the only one who isn't on the Kritzer train? I just find her loud and annoying.

If it were me casting, my first choice is still Ana Gasteyer, with Benanti and Parker being my backups.

---

Am I the only one who isn't on the Kritzer train? I just find her loud and annoying.

Nope. I am right there with you. I have never been impressed by her in any show I have seen her in.

I'd love to see Natalie Weiss sing the score!

I've been suggesting Parker in prior Funny Girl threads, and she'd still be my first choice. Neither Benanti not O'Hara are even close to the right type, and I don't know that Michele has the comedic chops. For me, Parker is the right package: quirky, funny, with a non-traditional look.

As for Kritzer, I saw her at the Papermill, and she was terrific, but having seen her, I'd rather see someone else's take on the role.

Having said all that, I was Ana Gasteyer were a little younger.

---

I think this is a lose-lose situation, which is probably why this show hasn't had a NY revival yet.

Anyone who remotely imitates Streisand's performance will be criticized for it and pale in comparison.

Anyone who departs from her interpretation will be criticized for it and pale in comparison ... although a total departure sounds like it would have a (very faint) chance.

If I were them, I would be looking for a young character actress/comedienne, not a singer. Anyone who tries to "sing" these songs will lose in the comparison game. But they might win, if they have the acting chops and can charm and win over an audience with personality. The singing should be secondary, this time around.

But I agree with Reidel, the minute anybody starts to sing "People," the judgements will be harsh.

---