Hamilton22 said: "...The producers of the broadway show always wanted "My Man" in the show. They knew it was the stronger song....
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Hamilton, if "stronger song" were the criterion, then every show would buy the rights and end with "Over the Rainbow"! I'm not a fan of "Don't Rain on My Parade" (or of Bob Merrill's lyrics in general), but at least the reprise contrasts with the Act I rendition. Only "Don't Rain on My Parade" means "I'm going to be with Nick" in Act I and "I'm going to be fine without Nick" in Act II. I.e., "Nobody, no, nobody" (not even Nick) "is gonna rain on my parade." A clear statement of strength.
What does "My Man" say on Fannie's behalf? (Even with "He beats me, too/What can I do?" cut.) It's "What's the Use of Wonderin'" 20 years later. Do you see Fannie as a romantic masochist?
Now in the film, Streisand can easily play strength despite the lyric because she's more or less in close up. She becomes a romantic tragedienne, soldiering on bravely despite the hole in her heart.
But would we get the same impression on stage? I'm not sure. The song would still work, but would the play?
Updated On: 11/28/15 at 10:20 PM