Yentl would be a mistake

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Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 2:09pm

Don't the producers realize that without Barbra Streisand, a production of Yentl would be a terrible idea. Nobody can recapture that performance. They might as well take a pile of cash and burn it.

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 2:18pm

With Barbra Streisand it was an unedurable piece of pooh. Who said anything about a non-streisand Yentl?

I don't agree.

I actually think it could make a very good stage musical.

For me one of the problems of the film is that it is too Yentl/Streisand centered. It has more to do with glorifying Streisand and giving her die-hard fans something to gorge on then the actual telling of the story.

The story itself - which is rather engaging one, regardless of Streisand -would only benefit from more musical numbers for the surrounding characters.

My caution with this project is that it might end up Victor/Victoria meets Fiddler on the Roof. And not in a good way.

As for Streisand, there are a number of talented age-appropriate actresses with star-quality who could play this role.

What great ones do the less will prattle of

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 2:47pm

But how can anyone else sing Papa can you hear me other than Streisand? It's just wrong, it's her song. You're right, it was a star vehicle for her, and that is the ONLY thing it's good for. There are not many talented actresses who can play her, she is one in a generation. Who do you think could do it as good as she?

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 2:53pm

Sweetie.. I'm talking about the story and character of Yentl.

You are talking about the performer Streisand.

You do understand that those are two separate and different things,right?

An actress named Barbara Streisand played a CHARACTER named Yentl in a film based on a short story.

Now a creative team is going to trying to tell the Yentl story again. Not the STREISAND-playing-some-cross-dressing-girl story.

What great ones do the less will prattle of

Updated On: 2/24/08 at 02:53 PM

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 2:56pm

"But how can anyone else sing Papa can you hear me other than Streisand?"

Easy, they just open up their mouths and sing. Yentl without Streisand could be great. Streisand was it's original draw, but on-stage the fact that it's being adapted from the film version may draw enough people to come see it. Even though I'm a huge fan of Streisand, there are other singers out there who can sing the role just like Streisand could. I personally can't think of many people who could, doesn't mean there aren't any. (I'd at least like to see Block's take on the songs. Not the role itself, but just one of the songs.)

"Light the candles! Get the ice out! Roll the rug up, it's today!"

Updated On: 2/24/08 at 02:56 PM

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:03pm

I could sorta buy barcelona's argument if he was talking about casting a revival of Funny Girl.

What great ones do the less will prattle of

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:06pm

I agree, Funny Girl is Streisand. Yentl is not.

"Light the candles! Get the ice out! Roll the rug up, it's today!"

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:09pm

We will just have to agree to disagree. All I know is, I can't imagine anyone replacing the amazing performance and vocal ability of Streisand to those songs. I think any other performance will be considered a disappointment. They will say, wow, she was great, but she is no Streisand.

#10

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:11pm

For me, the one thing that was wrong with Yentl was Streisand.

Yentl, would make a great musical.

Updated On: 2/24/08 at 03:11 PM

#11

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:17pm

I guess I have an issue with the attitude that since such-and-such person sang such-and-such song it can never be satisfyingly performed again.

I've heard plenty of great non-Garland Over the Rainbows

I've heard plenty of knock-out Non-Strich Ladies Who Lunch.

My Man was "owned" by Fanny Brice.

My Man is now "owned" by Streisand.

The list goes on.

What great ones do the less will prattle of

Updated On: 2/24/08 at 03:17 PM

#12

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:27pm

There are some songs that just can't compare to the original, no matter how well they are sung. Why is a Yentl musical even needed? I don't get it.

#13

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:35pm

Why is ANYTHING the musical needed?

The play version, with Tovah Feldshuh (I believe) had a pretty good run. It could work, as long as they let more than just Yentl/Hanschel sing. (Why cast Mandy Patinkin and not let him sing? I read an interview with Striesand way back when which she defended the choice because the songs were her characters inner thoughts. What -- Pantinkin's character didn't think?)

For me the bigger issue is: Why can't we just bring ORIGINAL work to the stage. There are so many adaptations and revivals that my head could spin.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#14

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:35pm

Well... I think my ears can handle someone else singing Papa Can You Hear Me? without missing Streisand.

Why mount a production of Yentl? Why mount a production of anything?

My guess is combination of a couple things: a creative team wanting to tell the story again (maybe fix the mistakes of the first attempt). Producers hoping to make buck on a recognizable property.

What great ones do the less will prattle of

#15

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:43pm

There is original work this season. Passing Strange and In the Heights are examples.

Sure my ears can handle hearing someone else singing it, but it will always be compared to Streisand's performance is all I am saying. I think her actually being Jewish also added to the weight of the performance. What Broadway jewish women could handle this role?

#16

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:49pm

True, the theatre community has a frightening shortage of jewish women who sing and act.

*chuckles*

Who? I don't know. That is why there are casting directors and auditions. Who says they will go for an established star? It would be a wise choice to find an up-and-comer like Ray Stark did when he cast that nobody in the original production of Funny Girl.

What was her name again?

What great ones do the less will prattle of

#17

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:57pm

Well, one thing's for sure....

They won't succeed on Broadway if they don't have any Jews!

:)

"To love another person is to see the face of God!"

#18

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 7:54pm

All I know is, I can't imagine anyone replacing the amazing performance and vocal ability of Streisand to those songs.

And that is why you are not a Broadway director.

Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#19

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 8:08pm

I've never seen Yentl, but aren't you saying that all performances can be replicated, and that none can be held sacred???

Updated On: 2/24/08 at 08:08 PM

#20

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 8:13pm

Yentl is easily the most horriffic self centered pice of crap Streisand has ever been associated with and THAT is saying something!

#21

re: Yentl would be a mistake

Posted: 2/24/08 at 8:16pm

YENTL was an endearing Broadway play when Tovah F played the title rol.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

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