Posted: 8/25/16 at 12:52am
For some reason my original post came up with an error message when I attempted to post it yet the thread title went through.
So hear goes again. Just listened to the new OLC FUNNY GIRL recording and can only recommend it as a curiosity piece. Over many years I've seen five different actresses play the role. While some acted the role better than others, what this show calls for is a singer/actress who can knock the roof off the theatre with her incredible vocal powers.The score is my second favorite Jule Styne musical next to GYPSY. Though the script was beefed up in this revival by Harvey Fierstein there is a very slight story going on here. It's all hinged on a leading lading who can not only make you fall in love with her but is able to sing Styne's powerhouse score to the point of raisng the hairs on the back of your neck. If that can't be accomplished why bother doing it? Even Academy Award winning actress Ann Bancroft who was a pre Streisand choice knew she couldn't pull off the vocal demands and was smart enough to bow out. I'm sure Sheridan Smith is a fine actress but she is not an accomplished enough singer.
The one plus for me was hearing the song "A Temporary Arrangement" which was cut from the Broadway production. Previous to this I was only familiar with the demo played by lyricist Bob Merrill accompanying himself on piano. On the new recording we get a fully orchestrated rendition of a really enjoyable song. Also some of the numbers have more dance music included compared to the OBC recording which I appreciated. But what were they thinking with the arrangement of one of my favorite Styne ballads, "The Music That Makes Me Dance"? Here was Styne's version of a heart wrenching final song for Fanny in the vein of "My Man" from the film. The way it's presented here is mind boggling.
Of course this is my opinion on the recording but I'm curious as to what others think of it who didn't see the show in London and are basing their view of it solely on the recording. Also after hearing the recording does one really think this will transfer to NY?
