Lea Michele as Fanny - Funny Girl - Page 49

[Phillyguy]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 4:50am

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "someone said Lea is giving a masterclass...no Julie Benko is

Julie is actually playing the character

Lea is playing Lea playing Barbra playing Fanny and her performance is borderline annoying, when she was physically waving on applause during Don't Rain On My Parade at my performance it just was obnoxious

Glad she is keeping people employed but yeesh what an overhyped situation

Also Tovah can not sing this score and her understudy is infinitely better

Honestly, going on a Thursday is the way to go with this one"

I don’t know where this hate is coming from.  Clearly one of the two is selling seats and keeping the show alive. Judging from the discounts for Thursday, the masterclass isn’t getting much love.

[mshalo18]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 12:37pm

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "someone said Lea is giving a masterclass...no Julie Benko is

Julie is actually playing the character

Lea is playing Lea playing Barbra playing Fanny and her performance is borderline annoying, when she was physically waving on applause during Don't Rain On My Parade at my performance it just was obnoxious

Glad she is keeping people employed but yeesh what an overhyped situation

Also Tovah can not sing this score and her understudy is infinitely better

Honestly, going on a Thursday is the way to go with this one"

Julie Benko is undoubtedly talented, but she is missing the "it" factor that is necessary to carry a show night after night -especially a show that focuses almost entirely on one character. She is not a big enough name to sell tickets- if she were, they would have cast her when Beanie left and saved a ton of money. Go back to the grosses last August, and the week of 2/26/23 when Lea was on vacation if you don't believe it.

As for Tovah, she is perfectly cast, and the role doesn't require a vocal powerhouse. Not understanding all the hate towards a cast that saved the show from being a gigantic flop.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 2:30pm

Phillyguy said: "BoringBoredBoard40 said: "someone said Lea is giving a masterclass...no Julie Benko is

Julie is actually playing the character

Lea is playing Lea playing Barbra playing Fanny and her performance is borderline annoying, when she was physically waving on applause during Don't Rain On My Parade at my performance it just was obnoxious

Glad she is keeping people employed but yeesh what an overhyped situation

Also Tovah can not sing this score and her understudy is infinitely better

Honestly, going on a Thursday is the way to go with this one"

I don’t know where this hate is coming from. Clearly one of the two is selling seats and keeping the show alive. Judging from the discounts for Thursday, the masterclass isn’t getting much love."

I am not understanding the hate either. The casting of both Michele and Feldshuh gave this dying show a very much needed jolt. Theatrical CPR if you will. They should be celebrated for saving it not vilified. 

[bryan2]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 4:19pm

I saw this with Lea and can honestly say I did not for one second think of Barbra as I was watching it. I am not a Glee fan so I do not have the history of Lea/Rachel thing going in. She was fantastic and blew the roof off the theater. A truly great performance. I have seen Julie. on line and she is good but she seems to talk a lot during some of the songs using a ny accent that sounds strained to my ear. I like her but she is the Stand by for a reason, she seems to be lacking the "star" thing that Lea has, why some have it and some don't is anyones guess. Tovah was wonderful as well...she sang it as well as anyone I have heard sing it and considering it doesn't require a great voice all is good.....Run to see Lea she is giving a performance that Broadway needed and she save a show that was dying due to the lack of talent on the original lead and a standby who ...sorry could not keep the seats filled...maybe someday she will but not now

[Penna2]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 4:34pm

bryan2 said: "I saw this with Lea and can honestly say I did not for one second think of Barbra as I was watching it. I am not a Glee fan so I do not have the history of Lea/Rachel thing going in. She was fantastic and blew the roof off the theater. A truly great performance. I have seen Julie. on line and she is good but she seems to talk a lot during some of the songs using a ny accent that sounds strained to my ear. I like her but she is the Stand by for a reason, she seems to be lacking the "star" thing that Lea has, why some have it and some don't is anyones guess. Tovah was wonderful as well...she sang it as well as anyone I have heard sing it and considering it doesn't require a great voice all is good.....Run to see Lea she is giving a performance that Broadway needed and she save a show that was dying due to the lack of talent on the original lead and a standby who ...sorry could not keep the seats filled...maybe someday she will but not now"

I think we have someone here visiting from the hate Lea/love Julie group from Instagram. As I have commented there to those who say it's Lea doing Barbra haven't seen the show. Lea is completely enveloped in the Fanny and takes you along her life's journey. Julie is good, but as has been said here a number of times, does not have the "it" factor. As someone else mentioned, just check the weekly grosses. Lea has been a "star" from the time she was a child actor, Julie has been a standby. Maybe next time for her, but not with this show. Maybe Lea's emotional connection to the material is the difference- who knows - but there is a difference and it's palpable.

As for Tovah, she won my heart during If A Girl Isn't Pretty when telling "Fanny" how great she was. I started crying then and I just adored her throughout. This show is nothing like it was a year ago when it opened in previews and no one thought it had a chance of succeeding. Definitely see Lea if you want the entire package.

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 4:44pm

Agreed about Tovah. She's stupendous in this. Grounded, hilarious, adorable, heart-breaking. Every moment she makes a meal out of.

[Penna2]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 5:15pm

Jimmyb1969 said: "I wondered why it was on TKTS tonight? Lea is giving a masterclass performance. It’s not the same show when she’s out."

I believe this was a scheduled absence, so Julie is on, so TKTS.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 3/18/23 at 5:52pm

mshalo18 said: "BoringBoredBoard40 said: "someone said Lea is giving a masterclass...no Julie Benko is

Julie is actually playing the character

Lea is playing Lea playing Barbra playing Fanny and her performance is borderline annoying, when she was physically waving on applause during Don't Rain On My Parade at my performance it just was obnoxious

Glad she is keeping people employed but yeesh what an overhyped situation

Also Tovah can not sing this score and her understudy is infinitely better

Honestly, going on a Thursday is the way to go with this one"

Julie Benko is undoubtedly talented, but she is missing the "it" factor that is necessary to carry a show night after night -especially a show that focuses almost entirely on one character. She is not a big enough name to sell tickets- if she were, they would have cast her when Beanie left and saved a ton of money. Go back to the grosses last August, and the week of 2/26/23 when Lea was on vacation if you don't believe it.

As for Tovah, she is perfectly cast, and the role doesn't require a vocal powerhouse. Not understanding all the hate towards a cast that saved the show from being a gigantic flop."

Julie is good a very capable Fanny for Thursday nights or when Lea is out. This show is all about Lea along with Tova's amazing support and yes, she's a gem! They are perfect together. Julie does lack that ''IT - STAR'' factor! The show is so special seeing it w/ Lea Michele don't miss her in it - She's a STAR and saved FG!

Updated On: 3/18/23 at 05:52 PM

[TheatreMonkey]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 12:08am

Penna2 said: "bryan2 said: "I saw this with Lea and can honestly say I did not for one second think of Barbra as I was watching it. I am not a Glee fan so I do not have the history of Lea/Rachel thing going in. She was fantastic and blew the roof off the theater. A truly great performance. I have seen Julie. on line and she is good but she seems to talk a lot during some of the songs using a ny accent that sounds strained to my ear. I like her but she is the Stand by for a reason, she seems to be lacking the "star" thing that Lea has, why some have it and some don't is anyones guess. Tovah was wonderful as well...she sang it as well as anyone I have heard sing it and considering it doesn't require a great voice all is good.....Run to see Lea she is giving a performance that Broadway needed and she save a show that was dying due to the lack of talent on the original lead and a standby who ...sorry could not keep the seats filled...maybe someday she will but not now"

I think we have someone here visiting from the hate Lea/love Julie group from Instagram. As I have commented there to those who say it's Lea doing Barbra haven't seen the show. Lea is completely enveloped in the Fanny and takes you along her life's journey. Julie is good, but as has been said here a number of times, does not have the "it" factor. As someone else mentioned, just check the weekly grosses. Lea has been a "star" from the time she was a child actor, Julie has been a standby. Maybe next time for her, but not with this show. Maybe Lea's emotional connection to the material is the difference- who knows - but there is a difference and it's palpable.

As for Tovah, she won my heart during If A Girl Isn't Pretty when telling "Fanny" how great she was. I started crying then and I just adored her throughout. This show is nothing like it was a year ago when it opened in previews and no one thought it had a chance of succeeding. Definitely see Lea if you want the entire package."

With all due respect...did you *actually* read the post you're commenting on?! The first few sentences seem like they're leading to a "Hate Lea/love Julie" post but that's not the case at all. You both are arguing the exact. same. point. -- the poster you're responded to said this, referring to Julie,

"I like her but she is the Stand by for a reason, she seems to be lacking the "star" thing that Lea has..."

It happens to lots of us -- read the first two sentences, become sure we know what they're saying, and launch into typing our response at once. But you gotta read the whole post.

[Penna2]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 1:10am

It happens to lots of us -- read the first two sentences, become sure we know what they're saying, and launch into typing our response at once. But you gotta read the whole post."

Theater Monkey - you need to go back to the original post we were referring to from: BoringBoredBoard

"someone said Lea is giving a masterclass...no Julie Benko is

Julie is actually playing the character

Lea is playing Lea playing Barbra playing Fanny and her performance is borderline annoying, when she was physically waving on applause during Don't Rain On My Parade at my performance it just was obnoxious 

Glad she is keeping people employed but yeesh what an overhyped situation 

Also Tovah can not sing this score and her understudy is infinitely better

Honestly, going on a Thursday is the way to go with this one"
 

Updated On: 3/19/23 at 01:10 AM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 11:49am

I've seen the show once with Beanie and once with Lea. While I would love to see Julie, I honestly just don't know if I can sit through this particular production (especially that second act) again...

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 12:21pm

Julie’s performance makes a return visit very much worth it. 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 1:23pm

Agreed, and the Lea vs. Julie thing is soooo tired. Without fail, one Lea criticism unleashes a swarm of Julie criticism, some from people who haven't even seen her live. Both of them are fantastic, and both of them have served the production incredibly well. I've seen the show four times, and my overall favorite was with Julie, Jeremiah James, and Liz McCartney. All of them had "it," and it was the tightest I've seen the production.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 3:05pm

Phillyguy said: "BoringBoredBoard40 said: "someone said Lea is giving a masterclass...no Julie Benko is

Julie is actually playing the character

Lea is playing Lea playing Barbra playing Fanny and her performance is borderline annoying, when she was physically waving on applause during Don't Rain On My Parade at my performance it just was obnoxious

Glad she is keeping people employed but yeesh what an overhyped situation

Also Tovah can not sing this score and her understudy is infinitely better

Honestly, going on a Thursday is the way to go with this one"

I don’t know where this hate is coming from. Clearly one of the two is selling seats and keeping the show alive. Judging from the discounts for Thursday, the masterclass isn’t getting much love."

It’s coming from someone who didn’t see the show and therefore doesn’t matter. Lea saved this show from closing, not anyone else. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just delusional and ridiculous. She earned them money and it’s closing on her terms. Engaging with hateful people who have never see either of these women is a giant waste of time. Lea is the greatest star as far as audiences and critics are concerned. Can’t handle that reality? Stay mad because nobody cares.  

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 3:17pm

"It’s coming from someone who didn’t see the show and therefore doesn’t matter. Lea saved this show from closing, not anyone else. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just delusional and ridiculous. She earned them money and it’s closing on her terms. Engaging with hateful people who have never see either of these women is a giant waste of time. Lea is the greatest star as far as audiences and critics are concerned. Can’t handle that reality? Stay mad because nobody cares."

Exactly!! The show went from possibly closing to being the hottest ticket on Broadway because of Lea.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 3:30pm

Correct

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/19/23 at 7:58pm

The show is closing because they have no one to replace Lea.....it's finally making money, hand over fist. I'm not even a fan of LM, but you are waaay off base as to why its closing....months from now. You don't have to like her performance,of course, but get your fact right..

Updated On: 3/19/23 at 07:58 PM

[Piparoo]

Posted: 3/20/23 at 1:00pm

I asked this question elsewhere, but we have tickets for the matinee this Sunday. Any guess how likely is it that Lea might not be in? I saw that she’s doing the Ragtime benefit the next evening.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 3/20/23 at 1:09pm

Piparoo said: "I asked this question elsewhere, but we have tickets for the matinee this Sunday. Any guess how likely is it that Lea might not be in? I saw that she’s doing the Ragtime benefit the next evening."

I'm guessing she will be in. I hope she will be for you!! 

[shocktheatre]

Posted: 3/21/23 at 1:14am

i saw it for free, so all I lost was three hours.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/21/23 at 1:09pm

Paolo Montalban and Anne L. Nathan will join the cast beginning March 28 as Florenz Ziegfeld and Mrs. Strakosh, respectively, replacing Peter Francis James and Toni DiBuono, who depart on March 26:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Paolo-Montalban-and-Anne-L-Nathan-Will-Join-Cast-of-FUNNY-GIRL-on-Broadway-20230321

 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/21/23 at 1:11pm

TaffyDavenport said: "Paolo Montalban and Anne L. Nathan will join the cast beginning March 28 as Florenz Ziegfeld and Mrs. Strakosh, respectively, replacing Peter Francis James and Toni DiBuono, who depart on March 26:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Paolo-Montalban-and-Anne-L-Nathan-Will-Join-Cast-of-FUNNY-GIRL-on-Broadway-20230321

"

I saw understudies for both of them, so I can’t judge their performances, but happy trails!

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/21/23 at 1:16pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Paolo Montalban and Anne L. Nathan will join the cast beginning March 28 as Florenz Ziegfeld and Mrs. Strakosh, respectively, replacing Peter Francis James and Toni DiBuono, who depart on March 26:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Paolo-Montalban-and-Anne-L-Nathan-Will-Join-Cast-of-FUNNY-GIRL-on-Broadway-20230321

"

I saw understudies for both of them, so I can’t judge their performances, but happy trails!"

They will be missed, particularly Toni DiBuono, who is absolutely pitch-perfect as Mrs. Strakosh. I saw her understudy once, as well, and there's no comparison.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/21/23 at 1:18pm

Nice! I assumed (wrongly) from the headline that they’d be playing Nick A and Mrs. B.

[shocktheatre]

Posted: 3/21/23 at 2:10pm

Sometimes one can see a show or a performance and not care for it.

It happens, dear. Seek help.