Question about Funny Girl (specifically Cornet Man)- Page 2

[darquegk]

Posted: 9/5/14 at 1:35pm

I remember a conversation on this board about whether or not a show with a good score and a bad book could be considered a good show or a bad one. I think Funny Girl is one of those "good score, bad book, okay show needs work?" situations.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 9/5/14 at 4:42pm

the show as written is The Barbra Streisand Story thinly discussed as a show about Fannie Brice.

FUNNY GIRL may be a lot of things but a "thinly DISGUISED" version of The Barbra Streisand it is not.

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 9/5/14 at 5:39pm

How much of the show has to stay original if someone where to revise it? It sounds like everyone would love to see that happen, but are hesitant to that someone COULD make that happen. What all do you think has to be done without actually taking away from the focal point of Brice?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 9/5/14 at 6:02pm

The show began in its original form out-of-town and with disastrous results. Almost daily scenes were taken out and songs cut and added, etc. Barbra has been quoted countless times saying she LOVED this period of her experience in the stage version of FUNNY GIRL. The chance to try new things and how each performance was always different. They were trying to remain faithful to the standard book show format and showcase other characters aside from Fanny. It was just not working.

Upon the show's arrival into New York to begin preview performances, the creative team knew they needed new eyes to assessed the musical, where is how Jerome Robbins was brought in to look over/doctor the show. Immediately he said the show IS Barbra Streisand's and anything that does not include her needs to be cut. He firmly acknowledged the book was a mess but saw that by having her be the main showcase the show could succeed. So, actors' scenes were removed and the show was reconstructed for Barbra's talents. Even in numbers she didn't sing in, she was in them ("Henry Street", most notably). Jean Stapleton stated in an interview that the entire cast was made aware of what was going to take place and they all unanimously agreed with what Jerome Robbins suggested so they all just stood back and watched their scenes cut or shortened but they all knew it was all to make the show better and that yes, its success rode on Barbra Streisand, who at the time was rising in popularity on television and on recordings. Even if FUNNY GIRL flopped on Broadway, the Streisand icon we know today would still have happened.

Opening Night of FUNNY GIRL was postponed at least 3 times as they continued to make adjustments to the show. So much so that the final version of Fanny and Nick's last scene was being rehearsed by Barbra and Sydney Chaplin on stage as the Opening Night audience was being seated at the Winter Garden Theatre. It was the 41st version of that scene written during previews. The show opened and became a huge success, all thanks to Barbra carrying the show. Critics still made note about the weak book but all praised Barbra. Barbra also has stated numerous times that once the show opened and it was frozen, she didn't enjoy doing the show anymore and felt that she was doing prison time. She kept a huge calendar in her dressing room and marked off the days left until she left the show.

Barbra never performed again on stage after FUNNY GIRL.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/5/14 at 6:03pm

Great storytelling, Brody.