#26
Posted: 5/9/14 at 9:24pm
This is making the show's logo very, very sad:
Ryan Murphy INTENT on Teaming with Lea Michele for FUNNY GIRL Broadway Revival — Page 2
#27
Posted: 5/9/14 at 9:34pm
Updated On: 5/9/14 at 09:34 PM
#28
Posted: 5/9/14 at 9:36pm
Uh-oh! Now she's PISSED!!!
Updated On: 5/9/14 at 09:36 PM
#29
Posted: 5/9/14 at 9:42pm
No where near a fan, but she might surprise us. Unlikely but you never know. With Jordan on this book the theatre, announce a date and stop saying every couple of months you wanna do it. put up the money and just do it!
Well I didn't want to get into it, but he's a Satanist.
Every full moon he sacrifices 4 puppies to the Dark Lord and smears their blood on his paino.
This should help you understand the score for Wicked a little bit more.
Tazber's: Reply to
Is Stephen Schwartz a Practicing Christian
#30
Posted: 5/9/14 at 9:49pm
I've only seen "Glee" once or twice, so this is a real question: Is she, you know, funny?
Not if GLEE is any indication. I knew Murphy hadn't read the libretto, based on the errors whenever GLEE cuts to a scene from the faux FUNNY GIRL. But now I'm thinking maybe he hasn't even read the title. It's FUNNY GIRL, not STAND WITH MY SADDLE SHOES PRESSED TIGHTLY TOGETHER AND WAVE MY ARMS GIRL.
And I actually like Lea Michelle, but FUNNY GIRL is the story of a clown. It's a variation on PAGLIACCI and other happy-clown-is-sad-in-real-life stories. I've seen nothing that indicates Michelle has it in her. Singing 90 seconds of PARADE now and then is not the same thing as playing the part.
Not if GLEE is any indication. I knew Murphy hadn't read the libretto, based on the errors whenever GLEE cuts to a scene from the faux FUNNY GIRL. But now I'm thinking maybe he hasn't even read the title. It's FUNNY GIRL, not STAND WITH MY SADDLE SHOES PRESSED TIGHTLY TOGETHER AND WAVE MY ARMS GIRL.
And I actually like Lea Michelle, but FUNNY GIRL is the story of a clown. It's a variation on PAGLIACCI and other happy-clown-is-sad-in-real-life stories. I've seen nothing that indicates Michelle has it in her. Singing 90 seconds of PARADE now and then is not the same thing as playing the part.
#31
Posted: 5/9/14 at 9:59pm
Has Lea forgotten how grueling 8 shows a week is? She hated them when she was on Broadway and she hated the fans at the stage door. She must thin her new found star power will inoculate her from the rigors. I can guarantee you she is going to request an alternate and only do 6 shows. No way in hell she'll do eight.
I think she should skip Funny Girl and hold out for the Patti LuPone story.
I think she should skip Funny Girl and hold out for the Patti LuPone story.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#32
Posted: 5/10/14 at 1:03am
I think I would tolerate her likely mess of a performance if the score is presented with the original arrangements and a large orchestra. Do you think that would happen?
Keeping BroadwayWorld Illustrated
#33
Posted: 5/10/14 at 1:29am
Nowack - I don't think Mr. Murphy has even seen the real stage show. Every single song/scene is a cut-and-paste from the movie, except lacking any of the nuance Barbra brought to the role. Even when he tried hard to show it was the stage show by giving us "Who Are You Now?", the entire episode was fixed on telling us that "Who Are You Now?" is the "last time [Fanny] is on stage", even thought that is not true - in either the musical OR the movie. Also, I bet they'll drop "The Music That Makes Me Dance" so Lea can sing "My Man", which she's REALLY trying to make her signature song (Wait, maybe her signature song is "Don't Rain On My Parade"... or is it "People"? Who knows, she sings them all every chance she gets.)
I just hope if this comes to fruition, Murphy hires a director who can make it new, yet good (James Lapine?), and give us a great Fanny standby/understudy. And if they give us the original score (hopefully not re-orchestrated), I might actually think of seeing it. But with Murphy on board, It's about as likely Fanny will travel to Camelot while singing "My Man" on the sinking Titanic.
I just hope if this comes to fruition, Murphy hires a director who can make it new, yet good (James Lapine?), and give us a great Fanny standby/understudy. And if they give us the original score (hopefully not re-orchestrated), I might actually think of seeing it. But with Murphy on board, It's about as likely Fanny will travel to Camelot while singing "My Man" on the sinking Titanic.
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
Updated On: 5/10/14 at 01:29 AM
#34
Posted: 5/10/14 at 6:05pm
Sad on many levels. One level is I was really looking forward to seeing Lauren Ambrose in this role. THAT would have been good!
#35
Posted: 5/10/14 at 6:27pm
I don't think I'll ever get over the idea of Lauren Ambrose as Fanny Brice. I just think it was so out of the box casting that it'd have been perfection. GavestonPS, that's a great way to put it. Fanny is a clown, Lea is too hyper-aware to ever be that relaxed, fun and funny on stage/camera. Actually, that's it for me, she never seems to be having actual fun, her gestures, reactions and line readings (even the "candid" ones) are always so manufactured.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
#36
Posted: 5/10/14 at 8:59pm
I support this, but only if the actors play their own instruments the whole show. Hook Lea's Fanny to a tuba and don't let her sing a word.
That clip...I can't. The script says blue bloomers, not black. And so nice of the orchestra to, on the fly, change the arrangement so she could hold that out of place high note right at the moment the audience was about to launch tomatoes at the stage and riot, Rites of Spring style.
That clip...I can't. The script says blue bloomers, not black. And so nice of the orchestra to, on the fly, change the arrangement so she could hold that out of place high note right at the moment the audience was about to launch tomatoes at the stage and riot, Rites of Spring style.
#37
Posted: 5/10/14 at 9:39pm
Ray, the Lauren Ambrose casting came from producers absolute refusal to back the show with Lea Michele in it. I would have also loved to see what she could have done with the part
#38
Posted: 5/10/14 at 9:57pm
LMFAO Carlos!
....but the world goes 'round
#39
Posted: 5/10/14 at 11:15pm
CarlosAlberto, I just spent the last five minutes laughing hysterically on the bus with everybody looking at me like I'm crazy, so thanks for that.
Also, I think that we are forgetting all of the possibilities to replace Lea! Think of all of the Broadway stars you would love to see in Funny Girl. I will go see this, but on a day where Lea's understudy is performing.
Also, I think that we are forgetting all of the possibilities to replace Lea! Think of all of the Broadway stars you would love to see in Funny Girl. I will go see this, but on a day where Lea's understudy is performing.
Anything regarding shows stated by this account is an attempt to convey opinion and not fact.
#40
Posted: 5/11/14 at 4:39am
Loving all the hi-larious pictures and gifs!
I watched the clip as well and I'm in agreement its obvious they didn't put much thought into the sequence.
I'm also in agreement about the fact that they should just let these two do it already so they'll STFU about it. Maybe she'll break the "Barbra curse," maybe not.
Someone had to fill the Merm's shoes for a revival of Gypsy, and when Angela Lansbury slipped into them, I'm sure comparisons were made. For the record, I know comparing Gypsy to the problematic Funny Girl, is well . . . impossible. I'm merely pointing out the fact that comparisons will /always/ be made to the actor who originated a role. Even in the souvenir program for the critically acclaimed LuPone revival, there was a two page spread about the original production.
The shadow that Streisand cast over Funny Girl will always be there. There's no way around it. But maybe if they throw it into a rehearsal hall and work the kinks out with an actress who has some major chutzpah (like mjohnson2 said, I'll see Lea's understudy or alternate) maybe. . .just maybe the shadow won't loom so heavily over the show.
I'm also in the Lauren Ambrose camp. She's a very intuitive and vulnerable actress. Her sensitive and nuanced work on HBO's Six Feet Under, was in a word, suburb. Although not much of a singer, she has that "thing," not unlike what a young ambitious Streisand once had. I was looking forward to seeing what such a smart actress would bring to the role. Sorry to say, Lea Michele doesn't have that.
I watched the clip as well and I'm in agreement its obvious they didn't put much thought into the sequence.
I'm also in agreement about the fact that they should just let these two do it already so they'll STFU about it. Maybe she'll break the "Barbra curse," maybe not.
Someone had to fill the Merm's shoes for a revival of Gypsy, and when Angela Lansbury slipped into them, I'm sure comparisons were made. For the record, I know comparing Gypsy to the problematic Funny Girl, is well . . . impossible. I'm merely pointing out the fact that comparisons will /always/ be made to the actor who originated a role. Even in the souvenir program for the critically acclaimed LuPone revival, there was a two page spread about the original production.
The shadow that Streisand cast over Funny Girl will always be there. There's no way around it. But maybe if they throw it into a rehearsal hall and work the kinks out with an actress who has some major chutzpah (like mjohnson2 said, I'll see Lea's understudy or alternate) maybe. . .just maybe the shadow won't loom so heavily over the show.
I'm also in the Lauren Ambrose camp. She's a very intuitive and vulnerable actress. Her sensitive and nuanced work on HBO's Six Feet Under, was in a word, suburb. Although not much of a singer, she has that "thing," not unlike what a young ambitious Streisand once had. I was looking forward to seeing what such a smart actress would bring to the role. Sorry to say, Lea Michele doesn't have that.
Updated On: 5/11/14 at 04:39 AM
#41
Posted: 5/11/14 at 7:18am
This may be the story of a clown, but damn could that original clown sing! I go back and forth when thinking about what is most important, comedy or singing. But, they both are of course. I think we are also maybe forgetting how Barbra's Broadway run went. Because of the movie we think she did the same on stage, but aren't there many people, including Stephen Sondheim, who felt that she didn't successfully blend the comedy, signing, and drama? For example, when she sang, she was purely singing and not really "in it" dramatically. Also, when I go and listen to recordings on "that site" from the OBC, Barbra never seems to sing a song close to the same way twice. She really is doing whatever to the melody at some points and just riffing. Nothing that comes close to the precision she has in the movie.
Lea Michelle will definitely be tested, but I feel that she has the tools to succeed. She has a voice similar to Barbra's. I think she can do that style of singing very well and by today's standards (and because we have the movie), might be expected to perform it better then Barbra would have on most nights. I feel the key is for Murphy and Michele to find what was special about season 1 of Glee, I have some faith they can do it.
Also, I think I would rather see a Fanny Brice who can sing those gorgeous and powerful songs, reaching all those notes and with healthy dramatic passion, over a Fanny who is acting the **** out of it, but just can't live in those ballads and make them reach the heights musically/vocally that they want to reach.
Lea Michelle will definitely be tested, but I feel that she has the tools to succeed. She has a voice similar to Barbra's. I think she can do that style of singing very well and by today's standards (and because we have the movie), might be expected to perform it better then Barbra would have on most nights. I feel the key is for Murphy and Michele to find what was special about season 1 of Glee, I have some faith they can do it.
Also, I think I would rather see a Fanny Brice who can sing those gorgeous and powerful songs, reaching all those notes and with healthy dramatic passion, over a Fanny who is acting the **** out of it, but just can't live in those ballads and make them reach the heights musically/vocally that they want to reach.
Updated On: 5/11/14 at 07:18 AM
#42
Posted: 5/11/14 at 8:53am
Jewishboy brought up lots of good points. It's no secret that Barbra was wildly inconsistent during her run of Funny Girl. She would sleepwalk through performances and cut verses of songs just to get the hell out of the theatre. She allegedly was very rude to her fans also. Sound like anyone we know? 
She just got very bored with the show which is why I was surprised she agreed to do the west end version
It doesn't sound like Lea enjoyed doing 8 shows a week for Spring Awakening so I'm not sure why she would want to take on this Evita-sized role 8 times a week.
She just got very bored with the show which is why I was surprised she agreed to do the west end version It doesn't sound like Lea enjoyed doing 8 shows a week for Spring Awakening so I'm not sure why she would want to take on this Evita-sized role 8 times a week.
#43
Posted: 5/11/14 at 8:35pm
jewishboy, I don't think anybody is saying an actress playing the title role in FUNNY GIRL can be a non-singer. (But, in fact, when Lauren Ambrose was announced, posters here posted clips of Ambrose singing with her band. She actually CAN sing the part and quite well.)
Nor are most of us--leave of all I--saying Lea Michelle can't sing the part. What we're saying is singing it isn't enough. Streisand's successor on Broadway, Mimi Hines, is also a gifted comedienne/brilliant singer who kept the show running for about 18 months, even though she is not at all like Streisand. (And as Mimi herself jokes, she isn't even Jewish!)
I too was quite jazzed to see Ambrose and rushed out to buy tickets when the pre-Broadway tryout was announced. I ended up see that wonderful production of FOLLIES instead, so I couldn't really complain.
Nor are most of us--leave of all I--saying Lea Michelle can't sing the part. What we're saying is singing it isn't enough. Streisand's successor on Broadway, Mimi Hines, is also a gifted comedienne/brilliant singer who kept the show running for about 18 months, even though she is not at all like Streisand. (And as Mimi herself jokes, she isn't even Jewish!)
I too was quite jazzed to see Ambrose and rushed out to buy tickets when the pre-Broadway tryout was announced. I ended up see that wonderful production of FOLLIES instead, so I couldn't really complain.
#44
Posted: 5/11/14 at 9:20pm
Is there any truth to the rumor that Patti Lupone was offered the role in the 80's but turned it down?
#45
Posted: 5/12/14 at 12:00am
"Nowack - I don't think Mr. Murphy has even seen the real stage show. Every single song/scene is a cut-and-paste from the movie, except lacking any of the nuance Barbra brought to the role."
How directly connected to Glee is Murphy anymore anyway? I mean on an episode by episode basis. He was back as showrunner on American Horror Story this year (unfortunately since Tim Minear's second season was much much stronger) had the Normal Heart, now has that new HBO sex show, etc, etc.
How directly connected to Glee is Murphy anymore anyway? I mean on an episode by episode basis. He was back as showrunner on American Horror Story this year (unfortunately since Tim Minear's second season was much much stronger) had the Normal Heart, now has that new HBO sex show, etc, etc.
#46
Posted: 5/12/14 at 12:04am
I think Lea Michele has proven to be funny on Glee. Not all the time, and not recently, but she was in the beginning. Whether or not that translates to the specific comedy of Funny Girl, is another question. But, I believe it would be hard for any young famous actress to have shown those type of comedic skills. If that makes sense.
#47
Posted: 5/14/14 at 1:17am
Story about Babs at the Stagedoor. The text is as follows:
"Barbra Streisand
"Funny Girl," Winter Garden Theater
Aug. 12, 1964
"She snuck out the front door to avoid fans at the stage door. Someone yelled, 'Here she comes,' and we all ran around to the front. I was waiting for two or three nights by then.
"When my Brownie camera flashed, she turned to me and said, 'Don't you know, that's rude!' That broke my 20-year-old heart."
— Demetrie Kabbaz"
This is from a great New York Times article/slideshow about meeting stars at the stagedoor-
New York Times: Stagedoor Snapshots
Updated On: 5/14/14 at 01:17 AM
#48
Posted: 5/14/14 at 11:29pm
I could see this getting revived next season with Mueller after she wins her Tony this year.
#49
Posted: 5/14/14 at 11:37pm
Has anyone actually seen FUNNY GIRL on stage? Does anyone remember how slow and lumbering it is? With at least a half-dozen "filler" songs for characters we don't care about? I saw Streisand, Mimi Hines and Barbara Cook (on the stock circuit, around 1967), all were wonderful, but what about that show? Instead of worrying about who's going to play Fanny, how about a discussion about the dull, old-fashioned book and the songs that Fanny doesn't sing? And no, I don't look forward to seeing Lea, she has proved on GLEE that she hasn't a clue as to what she's doing with these songs. As several people have said, to Lea they're just songs.
#50
Posted: 5/15/14 at 12:19am
I LOVE the stage version of Funny Girl. The superior songs ("Cornet Man", "Who Are You Now?", and "The Music That Makes Me Dance"), the wonderful sequences ("His Love Makes Me Beautiful" and "Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat"), and the story. It may be perceived as sexist, but the show is part of the past (even when it opened in 1964) and the overarching theme , over wanting fame, is longing for love. Fanny wants to be loved despite her faults, which is why she ignores all of Nick's wrongdoings - because she believes he's all she'll get. The book has it's slow moments, but it serves the show (in my opinion). I'm watching the film right now and I find myself longing for the stage show. I think if there is a revival they should get an unknown for the role, make her famous like it made Barbra famous. It's a great vehicle, and I think (unlike Rose in Gypsy) it's an "arriving" role. Like Fanny, this girl is becoming a star.
Also, the orchestrations are far superior than in the film (the only superior orchestration is "Don't Rain On My Parade" which is more explosive in the film). The only addition I would be ok with is "Funny Girl", because it's a Styne-Merril song, and makes sense on the story, but I wouldn't want to replace "Who Are You Now?" or "Music That Makes Me Dance", maybe place it between "Find Yourself a Man" and "Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat"?
Also, the orchestrations are far superior than in the film (the only superior orchestration is "Don't Rain On My Parade" which is more explosive in the film). The only addition I would be ok with is "Funny Girl", because it's a Styne-Merril song, and makes sense on the story, but I wouldn't want to replace "Who Are You Now?" or "Music That Makes Me Dance", maybe place it between "Find Yourself a Man" and "Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat"?
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
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