Honestly - I went to New York in December (2022) and went to Broadway for the first time (I'm used to London's West End) and I saw this and I was enthralled with Lea's performance from start to finish - Honestly it was a magical performance ; the acting, the comedy, the drama and of course the singing ! - I was literally grinning for the entirety of the first act and then waiting with bated breath for every one of her performances through to the end of the show. I can honestly say it's the single best performance I've ever seen. I also saw The Music Man and Into the Woods but Funny girl was really the shining (greatest!) star - it was the moment when I thought "WOW! - Now THIS is Broadway!!"
Just as a comparison, check her out in the DROMP reprise at the end: ruclips.net/video/hBjefAfh1QU/видео.html. Same song, but a changed and grown Fanny. Lea's acting is top notch. I saw her live and was blown away.
If only you waited one more day, you could've reviewed Lea Michele's live performance of ''Don't Rain on My Parade'' on ''Good Morning America'' (10/7/22), instead of resorting to a bootleg. ... Also, ''Funny Girl'' might not be a masterpiece, but with the right cast, it's a very entertaining show with a terrific Bob Merrill-Jule Styne score that boasts not only ''Parade,'' but ''People,'' ''I'm the Greatest Star,'' ''The Music That Makes Me Dance,'' etc. You shouldn't dismiss Act I and assume everyone in the audience bored to tears, when you haven't seen this revival with Ramin Karimloo, Tovah Feldshuh and Jared Grimes. Finally, that ''someone'' who is doing Thursday nights as Fanny is Julie Benko, who deserves the courtesy to be identified. When a role like Fanny is too vocally demanding to be done 8 times a week, there have been alternates on Broadway before: notably, the title role in ''Evita'' and Christine in ''Phantom.'''
I saw the show the other day and loved it…and so it seems did most of the people at the theater. You can dislike the overall show, obviously, but I think it’s presumptuous (and mean) to say the audience is bored at this point and that’s why they get so excited when the number starts. Other people can honestly like things you don’t.
I just came back from NY and saw FG 7 timed. You are wrong when you say the audience is dull just waiting for this song. No, every single night I was there (all sold out shows with standing room) the audience energy was incredible. I also disagree the show is bad, it’s super entertaining and all the cast is amazing. Lea and Ramin have unbelievable chemistry on stage. It’s hard to review something based on a bootleg, without seeing it live, feeling the energy at the theatre. And also, saying from the beginning that you would want to see only this specific song and leave 🙄
Glad you enjoyed it...all 7 times. I did also mention in the video that the only opinion that matters, is that of the audience in the theatre each and every night. 👍
I LOVE LEA MICHELE. I got an autograph from her after seeing her in SPRING AWAKENING ! She was walking out of the front of the theater. Nobody else was was around. Everyone wanted to see the Jonathans. Groff and Gallagher were also fabulous!!!
Maybe *you've* been bored for the first hour of the show, but speak for yourself. There's so much to like in the show and the score, at least for me. No, it's not Gypsy, but even Gypsy has its off moments, and Funny Girl is more than just a couple of standout showstoppers and is hardly worth dismissing.
sometimes i wonder if she is really that terrible as people make her out to be. she obviously has friends that have stayed with her for years. i think she is just incredibly ambitious and yeah maybe a little annoying but i can’t imagine that she is THAT horrible
I was there Opening Night. I've been to many, many shows, but never experienced an audience like this. Lots of celebrities: Jonathan Groff, Zachary Quinto, Ryan Murphy, Harvey Fierstein, etc. and the moment Lea walked on stage, the audience erupted. A standing ovation and deafening applause and shouts. And this happened after every solo number. There were 6 standing ovations during the show. Why? This was a perfect story arc. In "Glee" Rachel Berry sings the songs, then, in the last season, is cast as Fanny and gets great reviews. And now that was happening for real. Also, many people know the saga of her getting the role. Ryan Murphy got the rights for her, but that fell apart. Then, it was produced, but with the wrong person in the lead. So, there was a sense of, "FINALLY!" In fact, her appearance got more reaction than if she had been cast originally. It's not a great show and it's a mediocre production. But it doesn't matter. Lea is fantastic.
They are standing for Lea. Those Glee kids are all grown up now and want see their teen idol on stage. To her fans and because of Glee, they see the role as hers, somehow deserved or worse, owed. She got the role because the bums she would put on seats. Good for her though. That's how theatre works now. You need a celebrity star. A Broadway star is great but getting someone from TV or film brings in a new audience that wouldn't normally see a show.
@@justinm2697 True, a TV or movie star can sell tickets, but Beanie didn’t. Reviews matter. The NY Times said Lea is “stupendous.” That’s what is really selling tickets now.
@@jlasf Reviews do matter, particularly in theatre. Broadway relies on the tourist dollar and tickets are hundreds of dollars. Few will pay that amount of money to see a show they've not heard about, or haven't seen a review of, or recognise a name of a headliner. When it comes to ticket sales I guess time will tell. Once all the now grown up Gleeks have seen it I wonder what will happen. If someone gets a standing ovation when they first walk on stage, it's not for their performance it's because of who they are. People applauding in the middle of a song aren't theatre people, they are fans of the performer. They all bought tickets though, which is what the producers care about. The NYT gives Lea a good a revue but rates the production as a whole as pretty mediocre. For sure it will run for a year which is generally considered a Broadway success. A future Fanny replacement would probably mark the beginning of the end of the show I reckon. But who knows. Good on Lea though. She's doing the thing she loves, in the role she's always wanted. She is living her dream. One day I want to see playing Mama Rose.
@@justinm2697 Actually, I think it's the convergence of four things: 1: Glee fans 2: Stellar reviews 3: Great backstory - Beanie flops, Lea comes to the rescue 4: Lea revival - people like a comeback. I saw it: not a great show, mediocre production - but it doesn't matter when you have someone who nails the big songs. And, yes, someday Lea will make a great Mama Rose. Both stories revolve around a woman who is relentlessly driven to succeed. Lea conveys that drive, which is some reflection of her own personality, I suspect. Talent + insecurity + need to be loved.
From the clips I’ve seen she sings the songs quite differently to the way she has sung it on Glee which I am really happy about and pleasantly surprised by! She has such a determination and drive in her voice and I love her acting (which I didn’t necessarily expect)! Maybe you can also react to the recording of “I’m the greatest star”? Was truly stunned by it!
I don't know how much of the rumors of her off screen personality is true -- she certainly has a core of devoted friends who care for her. But, the supporting cast of Funny Girl must love her for at least one reason: she's the reason the show didn't close and will likely have a good long run.
@@eldiran2 The high sustained belt gets applause. It's odd really. Almost every performer can do it, granted some better than others, but it's out of the ordinary for a song which why it's often used.
When you work as a dancer, a sound or lighting tech, make up artist, a stagehand, front of the house manager, costume attendant, or actorwhat you want is a gig that lasts long enough that you can get your bills caught up. If Lea does that, she is worth some extra grief. They used to say Ethel was never in a flop. Can you imagine what it must have been like to work in theater, sign up with a show of hers, knowing that your ever- patient spouse, was not going to have to worry about the mortgage for months, and that your kid was getting new clothes and school supplies. Stable jobs are the rarest of rare in theater. yep, its worth some grief!
By the way, she performed this song with the theater company on good morning America just this morning. That might be better video for you to watch, frankly.
I just saw her on Broadway April 15th Saturday night - she was AMAZING!! This is one of the best performances I've seen - the perfect marriage of actor and role. She also has some other terrific numbers in the show - People - The Music That Makes Me Dance - I'm The Greatest Star - and Don't Rain on My Parade all brought down the house!!
Funny Girl has a great first act, with great songs like I’m the greatest start, people, and the first act closing number don’t rain on my parade. In 1964 because of the phenomenon that Barbra Streisand is, Funny Girl, was a Broadway box office smash, the first musical on Broadway that increased its ticket price from $8.80 to an unprecedented $9.90. It thoroughly beat the shit out of Helly Dolly in box office receipts from 3/21/1964 to 12/26/1965. Also Miss Streisand was on the cover of Time magazine for the week of April 12 1964, a rarity for an actress at that time (especially at the age of 21). The first act of Funny Girl is definitely not boring!
I agree. I think the show itself was really diminished here. That's unfortunate. If I enjoyed this performance, but know nothing of Funny Girl, I've now lost interest in discovering the song's context. Why see the show if the soundtrack should suffice? (Or at least "Diana Ross and The Supremes Sing Funny Girl". /s )
Lea is ASTOUNDING on that stage.......just amazing!!! Boy are you WRONG about this being the only moment....wrong sir!!! "Im the Greatest Star" in the beginning got more ovations......you need to see how mistaken you are...
Completely disagree, as someone who has actually seen it live… The show was beautiful! From start to finish I was at the edge of my seat in awe. Nothing was boring about any part of the show.
Everytime I see an American show, I am utterly astounded by how the audience cheers DURING the performance...I always think why?? You're missing it!!!!!
I actually can't believe how much cheering is happening during the number. It seems rude. Just wait until the end. They know they can sing, they don't need encouragement after each big note.
Yes! I take your point altho I do think this show is exceptional in that way....and I dont mean good exceptional. I get that everyone is soo excited and this is THE moment and they are compelled to cheer on and audience engagement is great and all - and also I am sure they paid out the butt to see LM in this show so they feel they can do what they want lol - but I feel its distracting and rude too. Like MDP notes its now an obstacle for the performer to navigate how long to wait for the cheering to subside or try to time the beats perfectly or sing over it. And I am sure they can, but it seems like an extra unnecessary thing and potentially distracting. And I'd want to HEAR ALL THE SINGING I paid so much to see live! But hopefully the performers appreciate the recognition and at least here Lea is a pro abt working around it. But it is annoying when you are in the audience and have to put up with it too.
I’m not referencing any other show but this one in my argument against it being rude. I know glee was fairly popular world wide but it was an absolute hit in America growing up. It aged pretty much in sync with my age group and so many people I knew were huge fans of the show. Now that we’re older and finally get to see it come true and how we’ve been wanting her to play the role for over a decade, we’re gonna cheer and give her all the credit she deserves. It’s nostalgic and such an amazing thing to finally see in person. I can’t wait to go and be a part of that standing ovation. It’s long over due
@@SunnyMorningPancakes In this case it will be the grown up Glee kids cheering for their idol. But it happens in other shows when people simply make their first entrance, so much so a pause for applause is added into the timing of the scene.. It's quite odd to me.
@@SunnyMorningPancakes It IS rude, and worse, they are missing the full performance stop-to-finish. But, alas, we live in times where such rudeness (loud cell phone calls on trains,in shops, etc) are now normalized.
The only time I was actually present for a standing ovation mid song was Ms Cynthia Erivo in The color purple and I was first row. Absolutely unforgettable ❤
Funny Girl is only about the Actor/Singer playing Fanny. And the handsome charisma of Nicky Arnstein . Beanie was a NO . Babs and Lea are giant vocalists. Omar Sharif and Ramin are perfect. Pity about the costumes , perhaps they can redo them.
I honestly think that standing ovations are really a dime a dozen. I saw this show with Julie Benko and she got standing ovations after "I'm the Greatest Star" "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "The Music that Makes Me Dance." So the big question is are all standing ovations deserved?
Now that everyone has a body mic, you don't need to always cheat forward so you can be heard. They can sing to the back of the stage and still be heard perfectly well.
@@MarcDanielPatrick That's true. But there in lies the issue. Broadway shows are now more akin to rock concerts. As in people go to see a show because X is in it not because they want to see the show. And it's a bonus if X has done film and TV because hopefully those fans will see them in a theatre. The sad part is it leaves little room for upcomers or no namers to entire the industry, at least not in a lead role. They could be perfect for the part, if they get a chance to audition, but you know it's going to Sutton Foster for example because people know who she is. The all important dollar needs to be bigger and more easily obtained. Cast a Hollywood star (and add amplification......Ruthless reference......fun show). Don't write new songs..... do a jukebox musical. Don't write a new story.....turn a movie from the 80s into a musical. Don't write interesting characters....use the life story of a pop star. Save more time by using their songs to tell the story. Do a revival of a revival of a revival and you don't have to do anything.
Sorry to disagree with most of these conclusions. If the audience are all that bored for an hour, its star has not done her job well, she's done it poorly. This is a New York crowd full of some fairly jaded critical theater-goers along with its heavy fandom. They have to have been more engaged , more involved than Marc Patrick believes they were, by something about this production during the past hour or a lot of them won't hang around to the end of act one, let alone care enough to do much more than warm the seat and applaud politely. This is payoff for an hours' worth of connection with an audience, not disconnection so its largely Lea's that's the something. There Marc, hits the nail on the head. Lea, she is this generation's Patty Lapone, Ethel Merman and yes Fanny Brice. Confidence guts and charisma takes you far on Broadway, sometimes even further than your pipes, acting and dancing skill warrant. With Lea, you get the whole package. Trust me, this won't be her last success on stage. No casting director with the right part for her sitting in his hand, is so stupid as that.
She has turned FB into a feisty determined talented lady, I have sung DRomP in a concert and it's ironic how LM made the song so well known and has brought this fresh but mature take on the role. I love it.
Why the heck the producers have not offered this role to this girl from the very beginning instead of making the poor other girl's life hell? 😡 I might say so that the other girl is also very talented but not gifted with Lea's pipes. Sadly... Were the producers trying to save on some cash and not offer Lea her dream role and contract? Or it was all just a plot to bring publicity to a timeless musical like Funny Girl that does not actually need publicity? Camon!!! Lea has been putting out there that she always wanted to play Fanny Brice and would not let anyone to stop her from fulfilling her dream. Not even a bunch of pathetic, greedy and shameless bunch of producers or some other girl called Beanie whom nobody knows! 😎 That's it my dear Lea! You are where you always wanted to be. I know that for a fact and thanks to the several Barbra Streisand's song numbers you left recorded in GLEE's history!!! LOL! Congrats! But in saying that, somehow I feel a bit sad for this industry that I love which it seems to be going down to shite. Ego, publicity and social media combined are turning into a big devil beast and it will devour you if you're less known in the "jazz fingers" community, or if your figure is a little bit bigger than the other famous skinny girl, or if you sing a little bit less than the other famous mean girl, or even if you're funnier than the current Funny Girl! LOL!!!
I think its the best show on Broadway right now. Loved the show. I hated it when I saw it with Beanie though. Worth the price of admision from begging to end.
If she ever does Wicked I think she would be better as Glinda, honestly. Yes, she's a fantastic singer, but there's a quality to her that IMO would just not pass for Elphaba, but would work for Glinda. But I generally doubt she could pass for college girl... I mean, if that ever happens we're not talking about now but some time in the future...
Fanny Brice was a real woman. A pioneer for Jewish and female comedians. So being rooted in history, the story is pretty dang fantastic. And the music is excellent imo.
Pity we are all stuck with a post 'American Idol' audience, where they have been brainwashed into getting hyper about every high note, ruining a full appreciation of the complete moment. People--shut up and LISTEN to the performance. You will get much more out of it.
It would be interesting to hear what Barbara Streisand thinks of this performance as she is the Gold Standard for this song... Lea does do the song justice... 👏👏👏👍🥂🇨🇦
Sorry I don't think the original actress is a better actress...everyone says Lea's acting is stellar, funny, moving, heartbreaking, and of course stellar vocals.
I saw Tyne Daly in Gypsy. First of all, she should be mentioned more when that show is discussed because she was FABULOUS. Secondly just wanted to mention that she also received a standing ovation for the first act final number Everything's Coming Up Roses. I remember because at the time I thought how odd it was, but it was great and so was she!
Tyne Daly was a fabulous Mama Rose- I feel like she’s overlooked because “bigger” names have played the part- but I saw her live, and her “Rose’s Turn” was electrifying and received a standing ovation. That was over 30 years ago.
Agreed with all! I got to see her twice pre-Broadway in Boston...I saw her @an 8 pm performance and went back the next day for the matinee! Amazing! Got to meet her after the show...she signed her program "High Heart!" Tyne Daly.
Marc- if you can get to see the show- do it. It is impossible to describe the energy in the theater, and it is worth that $200 price of admission. The first act is actually fabulous- the second act is, I agree meh- but Lea's acting is so good, she singlehandedly saves it. I saw it last Saturday, these videos were posted the next day, and I am thrilled to be able to relive it.
Gosh the people around her stick around for too long and take away from the moment. I also feel like it goes a tiny bit too fast, and we don't get to enjoy some of the lyrics. But she's always the great musical performer.
Yes it's. For all perform that she Sing Live I think the weakest is when She Sang on Tony Awards.. maybe because she is nervous. But I always Love her..
Seriously!!! I Love Lea's performances and all that jazz but... Seriously!!! Is this what it is now when going to the theater these days? 🥵 Watching this video it just felt like watching a scene from American Idol or The Voice on the tv when the audience just can not shut up and wait for the end of the performance!!! Seriously!! Screaming and shouting after every single belting is definitely a NO GO for me! Call me old fashioned but I prefer to soak up into the whole number and really show my appreciation for the performance by clapping as hard as I can and screaming as loud as I can.... But AT THE END OF THE FREAKING NUMBER!!!... 🥸
A couple of things... first the book problems that plague the source material were largely dealt with in the film adaptation which jettisons almost all of the second act's score and adds a dramatically updated and re-arranged version of Fanny Brice's signature song "My Man" as the film's finale. According to legend Streisand cajoled veteran director William Wyler into letting her perform the intro to "My Man" live on camera rather than lip synced to the backing track. With Funny Girl Wyler, who had previously never directed a musical, added Streisand (in her film debut) to the esteemed list of actresses including Greer Garson, Audrey Hepburn, Betta Davis and Olivia De Havilland he directed to the Oscar as Best Actress. Your entitled to your opinion but the response to the film was hardly "meh". It was a huge box-office success that was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It has aged pretty well and was voted #16 on the AFI's list of Great Movie Musicals in 2006. Second, I might be wrong but, I suspect you're a gentile which is just one of a few identity issues that might be interfering with your appreciation of the film. Beanie Feldstein, born in 1993, has images of herself at a childhood birthday party dressed up as Brice from the film to give you an anecdotal example of the enduring impact of the film for some of us. DROMP pretty much summarizes the shows plot of a talented ungainly Jewish girl who despite being told her whole life that Prince Charming would never choose her, believes she has found hers and sets off to claim him. Of course it turns out her Prince Charming was a cad (in the movie he's Omar Sharif and that's some consolation for both Streisand's Fanny and the audience). In the final moments he leaves her but she still loves him "for ever more". Funny Girl's Fanny Brice doesn't get her man but she's no victim either: "I'm gonna live and live now Get what I want--I know how".
I just bindged nearly all your videos! I love your feedback. As a singer myself who was classically trained, I got lots of teaching on technique and musicality with in the text. However, I feel like I am learning so much from you. Thank you! Have you heard of Joshua Henry? I would love to see your reaction to his Solequily from Carousel. It blew me away. Not only is his voice dreamy, but his acting in crazy, and the tape on youtube is just from a recording studio.
@@MarcDanielPatrick your content is great! I can't wait for the next time I get to sing. I'll definitely be thinking of your feedback. Haha, I shouldn't be surprised. I think he's one of my favorite Broadway actors. I am always surprised I never see the big name RUclips voice coach/ theater coaches react to him. I though his interpretation of Bill in carousel brought a real breath of fresh air to the character.
Could the 'golden rule' of never turning your back on the audience have originally started when technology/microphones didn't exist, or at least not at the quality that has continued to improve? While it may seem rude to turn away, perhaps originally you couldn't turn your back because the audience wouldn't have been able to hear you...
I cannot stand people cheering in the middle of a song! It's a theater, not a stadium or the street! You cheer at the end, and maybe also at the beginning like they did, because you're excited, but then you shut up and listen!
The show is not dull and boring. There are plenty of charming songs done by supporting characters. You are way too negative about the show in general, and doing a disservice in turning people off of seeing local productions or regional productions because everyone can't make it to Broadway. I've seen plenty of versions of this show and I have never seen an audience bored or not entertained and not give the whole cast a standing ovation at the end. Trashing Jule Stein's score, really? Let's see you write something like that. Thumbs down from me and I only watched 1/3 of your video because you are so negative on the entire show.
Standing ovations are thrown around way too much on Broadway. I have seen a couple hundred Broadway shows of late, and the audience invariably jumps to its feet, whether deserved or not. (I've had people glare at me because I will not stand unless it is really, truly deserved.) I am not a fan of Leah Michele as a person, but no one can fault her performance of this song. She earns her standing O.
Ticket prices were $500 on average. I showed up for Standing Room Only for $50 three times before I got a ticket. They only had 4 to 6 SRO tickets per show! Most shows have 12 to 14. They waited until 2 minutes before tge show started before we could buy our SRO tickets. I had enough time to clear me throat and find my spot. They are gouging people with astronomically high ticket prices to make for the losses the suffered this spring. The show is sold out until December 5th. SRO tickets are your best bet but be forewarned. You must get to the cancelation line (SRO line) like three hours before the show for a chance at a SRO ticket. The 1st time I tried I got their 90 mins beforehand and did not get a ticket. The second time I got there two hours beforehand and did not get a ticket. The third time I was there 3 hours beforehand and was 4th in line and got a ticket. I was the last person to get one that day.
Great review! I'm so "meh" about Funny Girl. That's a perfect way to describe it. I don't even like the song "Rain on my Parade." But Leah does it flawlessly. On Glee I always thought she did best at showtunes and I wished that show did less auto tune or whatever they did to get that overproduced Glee sound.
She sounds fantastic but I have to ask musical theater fans, what traditional theater etiquette for performances? Particularly, cheering mid song basically interrupting it multiple times? Standing O for the biggest number and final song of an act? As someone who knows nothing about musical theater I would have guessed interrupting the song multiple times even with sounds of praise would be a no no it’s not a concert with speakers so loud you can still hear the music over cheering.
I saw the show first revival in London’s West End ( 2016?). Its really not a very good play to begin with .. it’s the Streisand film that people want to see on stage but its simply cant deliver . People are going to see Lea play the role she was playing for the last decade on Glee . That alone has drawing power ! Funny Girl is no Hamilton
I've been part of a couple of mid show standing ovations. Company in the West End, I saw it twice and both times at the end of Ladies Who Lunch Patti Lupine got a very well deserved ovation. The other was Anything Goes and there were standing ovations after the title number and after Blow Gabriel Blow, both very well deserved but also I think was partly due to the timing of theatre only recently being back open so people were so much more grateful to see anything but especially performances to that standard.
I also watched a newer video of "Who Are you Now? that had an odd moment. About halfway through the song, Karimloo moves to the left side of the stage (from audience viewpoint). Just as he is about to sing, there is a sharp noise from either the orchestra or the audience. I guess it was a momentary distraction and he looked towards the noise. I also noticed Lea glance in the direction, and for a moment you could see she looked like she was about to laugh, but she quickly got back into character. Interesting to see how actors respond to momentary distractions like that. Would love to know what happened/
honestly i would go see it jusst fir lea's performance alone... i loved heron glee one of my fav characters... just based on voices alone... i like how the performsnce is different to how she did it in glee... its to me more serious, more mature performance wise and vocally
![[Limbus Company - Teaser] Season5 - Oblivion](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8anKuEeZLeI/mqdefault.jpg)
She was born to sing this song in this role!
Honestly - I went to New York in December (2022) and went to Broadway for the first time (I'm used to London's West End) and I saw this and I was enthralled with Lea's performance from start to finish - Honestly it was a magical performance ; the acting, the comedy, the drama and of course the singing ! - I was literally grinning for the entirety of the first act and then waiting with bated breath for every one of her performances through to the end of the show. I can honestly say it's the single best performance I've ever seen. I also saw The Music Man and Into the Woods but Funny girl was really the shining (greatest!) star - it was the moment when I thought "WOW! - Now THIS is Broadway!!"
Even Lea's biggest haters can't deny that voice. She really is talented.
Too bad it's overshadowed by her being a total POS
It’s harsh …Julie Benko is so much better.
Marc- Jennifer Holliday also got a standing ovation every night with Dreamgirls "And I'm Telling You"...
Just as a comparison, check her out in the DROMP reprise at the end: ruclips.net/video/hBjefAfh1QU/видео.html. Same song, but a changed and grown Fanny. Lea's acting is top notch. I saw her live and was blown away.
If only you waited one more day, you could've reviewed Lea Michele's live performance of ''Don't Rain on My Parade'' on ''Good Morning America'' (10/7/22), instead of resorting to a bootleg. ... Also, ''Funny Girl'' might not be a masterpiece, but with the right cast, it's a very entertaining show with a terrific Bob Merrill-Jule Styne score that boasts not only ''Parade,'' but ''People,'' ''I'm the Greatest Star,'' ''The Music That Makes Me Dance,'' etc. You shouldn't dismiss Act I and assume everyone in the audience bored to tears, when you haven't seen this revival with Ramin Karimloo, Tovah Feldshuh and Jared Grimes. Finally, that ''someone'' who is doing Thursday nights as Fanny is Julie Benko, who deserves the courtesy to be identified. When a role like Fanny is too vocally demanding to be done 8 times a week, there have been alternates on Broadway before: notably, the title role in ''Evita'' and Christine in ''Phantom.'''
Her gma performance outside in the morning is great
I saw the show the other day and loved it…and so it seems did most of the people at the theater. You can dislike the overall show, obviously, but I think it’s presumptuous (and mean) to say the audience is bored at this point and that’s why they get so excited when the number starts. Other people can honestly like things you don’t.
if you want to watch a higher quality version without all the cheering then watch her gma performance from this morning
Honestly I love this show... Although I will say... People is one of the best songs in the score... And Lea really does something special with it...
I loved FUNNY GIRL. BUT, I was just a kid when I saw the movie! 😂
I just came back from NY and saw FG 7 timed. You are wrong when you say the audience is dull just waiting for this song. No, every single night I was there (all sold out shows with standing room) the audience energy was incredible. I also disagree the show is bad, it’s super entertaining and all the cast is amazing. Lea and Ramin have unbelievable chemistry on stage. It’s hard to review something based on a bootleg, without seeing it live, feeling the energy at the theatre. And also, saying from the beginning that you would want to see only this specific song and leave 🙄
Glad you enjoyed it...all 7 times. I did also mention in the video that the only opinion that matters, is that of the audience in the theatre each and every night. 👍
I LOVE LEA MICHELE. I got an autograph from her after seeing her in SPRING AWAKENING ! She was walking out of the front of the theater. Nobody else was was around. Everyone wanted to see the Jonathans. Groff and Gallagher were also fabulous!!!
The tempo is quite fast
Would love you to listen to Linda Eder do this.
From the clips I’ve heard she’s absolutely amazing, I wish I could go and see her but sadly I can’t.
Mohammed Ali always said I
He was the greatest and rarely did he get criticized for it.
Fanny Brice is an amazing story and show. Lol! Crazy hearing these comments. One of the greatest stories and shows ever created. Super funny too
So glad you enjoy it!
I’m not a hater, however….I grew up listening to Streisand. There’s a reason it was not launched until now. She’s fine…I guess 😂
Maybe *you've* been bored for the first hour of the show, but speak for yourself. There's so much to like in the show and the score, at least for me. No, it's not Gypsy, but even Gypsy has its off moments, and Funny Girl is more than just a couple of standout showstoppers and is hardly worth dismissing.
Rachel has come a long way lol. I wonder if Lea wanted this role because Rachel dif, or if the writers made Rachel want it because Lea already did.
Sounds like the did a key change ……
This might be sacrilegious, but I loved Shoshana Bean's rendition a whole lot more. It had more truth behind it and was just as good vocally.
sometimes i wonder if she is really that terrible as people make her out to be. she obviously has friends that have stayed with her for years. i think she is just incredibly ambitious and yeah maybe a little annoying but i can’t imagine that she is THAT horrible
3 sides to every story, so i'd imagine the truth falls somewhere in the middle of everything we've heard about her.
Everything I’ve read is that Lea is acting the heck out of this as well. Her finale is apparently stunning, as is The Music That Makes Me Dance.
She absolutely was
And the duet with Ramin, Who Are You Now?
@@balesjo I love they made it a duet!
Acting the hell out of something isn't necessarily a good thing.
@@justinm2697 well in this case, i assume he meant it as a compliment. because she is fantastic in every way during the show.
Yup. In Kurt's words, "She might be difficult but boy can she sing!"
🥰
couldnt have said it better myself
I was there Opening Night. I've been to many, many shows, but never experienced an audience like this. Lots of celebrities: Jonathan Groff, Zachary Quinto, Ryan Murphy, Harvey Fierstein, etc. and the moment Lea walked on stage, the audience erupted. A standing ovation and deafening applause and shouts. And this happened after every solo number. There were 6 standing ovations during the show. Why? This was a perfect story arc. In "Glee" Rachel Berry sings the songs, then, in the last season, is cast as Fanny and gets great reviews. And now that was happening for real. Also, many people know the saga of her getting the role. Ryan Murphy got the rights for her, but that fell apart. Then, it was produced, but with the wrong person in the lead. So, there was a sense of, "FINALLY!" In fact, her appearance got more reaction than if she had been cast originally.
It's not a great show and it's a mediocre production. But it doesn't matter. Lea is fantastic.
They are standing for Lea. Those Glee kids are all grown up now and want see their teen idol on stage. To her fans and because of Glee, they see the role as hers, somehow deserved or worse, owed. She got the role because the bums she would put on seats.
Good for her though. That's how theatre works now. You need a celebrity star. A Broadway star is great but getting someone from TV or film brings in a new audience that wouldn't normally see a show.
@@justinm2697 True, a TV or movie star can sell tickets, but Beanie didn’t. Reviews matter. The NY Times said Lea is “stupendous.” That’s what is really selling tickets now.
@@jlasf Reviews do matter, particularly in theatre. Broadway relies on the tourist dollar and tickets are hundreds of dollars. Few will pay that amount of money to see a show they've not heard about, or haven't seen a review of, or recognise a name of a headliner.
When it comes to ticket sales I guess time will tell. Once all the now grown up Gleeks have seen it I wonder what will happen. If someone gets a standing ovation when they first walk on stage, it's not for their performance it's because of who they are. People applauding in the middle of a song aren't theatre people, they are fans of the performer. They all bought tickets though, which is what the producers care about.
The NYT gives Lea a good a revue but rates the production as a whole as pretty mediocre. For sure it will run for a year which is generally considered a Broadway success. A future Fanny replacement would probably mark the beginning of the end of the show I reckon. But who knows.
Good on Lea though. She's doing the thing she loves, in the role she's always wanted. She is living her dream. One day I want to see playing Mama Rose.
@@justinm2697 Actually, I think it's the convergence of four things: 1: Glee fans 2: Stellar reviews 3: Great backstory - Beanie flops, Lea comes to the rescue 4: Lea revival - people like a comeback. I saw it: not a great show, mediocre production - but it doesn't matter when you have someone who nails the big songs. And, yes, someday Lea will make a great Mama Rose. Both stories revolve around a woman who is relentlessly driven to succeed. Lea conveys that drive, which is some reflection of her own personality, I suspect. Talent + insecurity + need to be loved.
@@jlasf I agree with all of your points.
From the clips I’ve seen she sings the songs quite differently to the way she has sung it on Glee which I am really happy about and pleasantly surprised by! She has such a determination and drive in her voice and I love her acting (which I didn’t necessarily expect)! Maybe you can also react to the recording of “I’m the greatest star”? Was truly stunned by it!
Her Glee was very much Barbra inspired. Her Broadway turn is much different. Lea is no fool.
to me it seems serious and mature compared to the glee versions
I don't know how much of the rumors of her off screen personality is true -- she certainly has a core of devoted friends who care for her. But, the supporting cast of Funny Girl must love her for at least one reason: she's the reason the show didn't close and will likely have a good long run.
For sure, very good points.
@@eldiran2 The high sustained belt gets applause. It's odd really. Almost every performer can do it, granted some better than others, but it's out of the ordinary for a song which why it's often used.
When you work as a dancer, a sound or lighting tech, make up artist, a stagehand, front of the house manager, costume attendant, or actorwhat you want is a gig that lasts long enough that you can get your bills caught up. If Lea does that, she is worth some extra grief. They used to say Ethel was never in a flop. Can you imagine what it must have been like to work in theater, sign up with a show of hers, knowing that your ever- patient spouse, was not going to have to worry about the mortgage for months, and that your kid was getting new clothes and school supplies. Stable jobs are the rarest of rare in theater. yep, its worth some grief!
By the way, she performed this song with the theater company on good morning America just this morning. That might be better video for you to watch, frankly.
I was going to comment this
I just saw her on Broadway April 15th Saturday night - she was AMAZING!! This is one of the best performances I've seen - the perfect marriage of actor and role. She also has some other terrific numbers in the show - People - The Music That Makes Me Dance - I'm The Greatest Star - and Don't Rain on My Parade all brought down the house!!
Funny Girl has a great first act, with great songs like I’m the greatest start, people, and the first act closing number don’t rain on my parade.
In 1964 because of the phenomenon that Barbra Streisand is, Funny Girl, was a Broadway box office smash, the first musical on Broadway that increased its ticket price from $8.80 to an unprecedented $9.90. It thoroughly beat the shit out of Helly Dolly in box office receipts from 3/21/1964 to 12/26/1965. Also Miss Streisand was on the cover of Time magazine for the week of April 12 1964, a rarity for an actress at that time (especially at the age of 21).
The first act of Funny Girl is definitely not boring!
I agree. I think the show itself was really diminished here. That's unfortunate. If I enjoyed this performance, but know nothing of Funny Girl, I've now lost interest in discovering the song's context. Why see the show if the soundtrack should suffice? (Or at least "Diana Ross and The Supremes Sing Funny Girl". /s )
He really fucked up this video. I hate it.
Lea is ASTOUNDING on that stage.......just amazing!!! Boy are you WRONG about this being the only moment....wrong sir!!! "Im the Greatest Star" in the beginning got more ovations......you need to see how mistaken you are...
Completely disagree, as someone who has actually seen it live…
The show was beautiful! From start to finish I was at the edge of my seat in awe. Nothing was boring about any part of the show.
Would love a review of the GMA performance they posted today!!
I saw the show live last week and Lea and Ramin were amazing.
Everytime I see an American show, I am utterly astounded by how the audience cheers DURING the performance...I always think why?? You're missing it!!!!!
I actually can't believe how much cheering is happening during the number. It seems rude. Just wait until the end. They know they can sing, they don't need encouragement after each big note.
Yes! I take your point altho I do think this show is exceptional in that way....and I dont mean good exceptional. I get that everyone is soo excited and this is THE moment and they are compelled to cheer on and audience engagement is great and all - and also I am sure they paid out the butt to see LM in this show so they feel they can do what they want lol - but I feel its distracting and rude too. Like MDP notes its now an obstacle for the performer to navigate how long to wait for the cheering to subside or try to time the beats perfectly or sing over it. And I am sure they can, but it seems like an extra unnecessary thing and potentially distracting. And I'd want to HEAR ALL THE SINGING I paid so much to see live! But hopefully the performers appreciate the recognition and at least here Lea is a pro abt working around it. But it is annoying when you are in the audience and have to put up with it too.
I’m not referencing any other show but this one in my argument against it being rude. I know glee was fairly popular world wide but it was an absolute hit in America growing up. It aged pretty much in sync with my age group and so many people I knew were huge fans of the show. Now that we’re older and finally get to see it come true and how we’ve been wanting her to play the role for over a decade, we’re gonna cheer and give her all the credit she deserves. It’s nostalgic and such an amazing thing to finally see in person. I can’t wait to go and be a part of that standing ovation. It’s long over due
@@SunnyMorningPancakes In this case it will be the grown up Glee kids cheering for their idol. But it happens in other shows when people simply make their first entrance, so much so a pause for applause is added into the timing of the scene.. It's quite odd to me.
@@SunnyMorningPancakes It IS rude, and worse, they are missing the full performance stop-to-finish. But, alas, we live in times where such rudeness (loud cell phone calls on trains,in shops, etc) are now normalized.
The only time I was actually present for a standing ovation mid song was Ms Cynthia Erivo in The color purple and I was first row. Absolutely unforgettable ❤
ugh... what I would have given to be sitting / standing right there with you.
"You didnt watch Glee for six seasons too long to see her cry for the 17th time in a season"
THE SHADE 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Her interpretation of People is hers alone with her phrasing and emotion. What a wonderful Thanksgiving the cast of Funny Girl will have 😜
Funny Girl is only about the Actor/Singer playing Fanny. And the handsome charisma of Nicky Arnstein . Beanie was a NO . Babs and Lea are giant vocalists. Omar Sharif and Ramin are perfect. Pity about the costumes , perhaps they can redo them.
I honestly think that standing ovations are really a dime a dozen. I saw this show with Julie Benko and she got standing ovations after "I'm the Greatest Star" "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "The Music that Makes Me Dance." So the big question is are all standing ovations deserved?
Yes, but Lea also got standing ovations in the middle of songs as well! Thr audience couldn't even wait until the end!
@@Bookwasbetter I think your statement only corroborate what I'm saying about the value of standing ovations?
I don't think standing ovations mean much anymore. Now people are jumping up even after the performer opened his mouth to the prerecord.
Now that everyone has a body mic, you don't need to always cheat forward so you can be heard. They can sing to the back of the stage and still be heard perfectly well.
yup get that, but the ensemble members standing behind her didn't pay $200 to be there.
@@MarcDanielPatrick That's true. But there in lies the issue. Broadway shows are now more akin to rock concerts. As in people go to see a show because X is in it not because they want to see the show. And it's a bonus if X has done film and TV because hopefully those fans will see them in a theatre.
The sad part is it leaves little room for upcomers or no namers to entire the industry, at least not in a lead role. They could be perfect for the part, if they get a chance to audition, but you know it's going to Sutton Foster for example because people know who she is.
The all important dollar needs to be bigger and more easily obtained. Cast a Hollywood star (and add amplification......Ruthless reference......fun show). Don't write new songs..... do a jukebox musical. Don't write a new story.....turn a movie from the 80s into a musical. Don't write interesting characters....use the life story of a pop star. Save more time by using their songs to tell the story. Do a revival of a revival of a revival and you don't have to do anything.
Saw her last Sunday and she was mind blowing! So so good.
Sorry to disagree with most of these conclusions. If the audience are all that bored for an hour, its star has not done her job well, she's done it poorly. This is a New York crowd full of some fairly jaded critical theater-goers along with its heavy fandom. They have to have been more engaged , more involved than Marc Patrick believes they were, by something about this production during the past hour or a lot of them won't hang around to the end of act one, let alone care enough to do much more than warm the seat and applaud politely. This is payoff for an hours' worth of connection with an audience, not disconnection so its largely Lea's that's the something. There Marc, hits the nail on the head. Lea, she is this generation's Patty Lapone, Ethel Merman and yes Fanny Brice. Confidence guts and charisma takes you far on Broadway, sometimes even further than your pipes, acting and dancing skill warrant. With Lea, you get the whole package. Trust me, this won't be her last success on stage. No casting director with the right part for her sitting in his hand, is so stupid as that.
She has turned FB into a feisty determined talented lady, I have sung DRomP in a concert and it's ironic how LM made the song so well known and has brought this fresh but mature take on the role. I love it.
Since this video posted, someone did a good bootleg of the finale (Funny Girl/DROMP) that was incredible. She ended the show rattling the rafters.
Yes!
Why the heck the producers have not offered this role to this girl from the very beginning instead of making the poor other girl's life hell? 😡 I might say so that the other girl is also very talented but not gifted with Lea's pipes. Sadly... Were the producers trying to save on some cash and not offer Lea her dream role and contract? Or it was all just a plot to bring publicity to a timeless musical like Funny Girl that does not actually need publicity? Camon!!! Lea has been putting out there that she always wanted to play Fanny Brice and would not let anyone to stop her from fulfilling her dream. Not even a bunch of pathetic, greedy and shameless bunch of producers or some other girl called Beanie whom nobody knows! 😎 That's it my dear Lea! You are where you always wanted to be. I know that for a fact and thanks to the several Barbra Streisand's song numbers you left recorded in GLEE's history!!! LOL! Congrats! But in saying that, somehow I feel a bit sad for this industry that I love which it seems to be going down to shite. Ego, publicity and social media combined are turning into a big devil beast and it will devour you if you're less known in the "jazz fingers" community, or if your figure is a little bit bigger than the other famous skinny girl, or if you sing a little bit less than the other famous mean girl, or even if you're funnier than the current Funny Girl! LOL!!!
She is phenomenal
Phenomenal compared to who?
Let's not get carried away.
“She can be difficult but she can sing.”
OMG to see Lea and Ramin together in this on Broadway...that would be the dream!!!!!
I think its the best show on Broadway right now. Loved the show. I hated it when I saw it with Beanie though. Worth the price of admision from begging to end.
What other roles do you think Lea Michele would be great in (apart from Wicked!)?
Years from now, Rose in "Gypsy" and "Hello, Dolly." Both require an actress that is driven.
If she ever does Wicked I think she would be better as Glinda, honestly. Yes, she's a fantastic singer, but there's a quality to her that IMO would just not pass for Elphaba, but would work for Glinda. But I generally doubt she could pass for college girl... I mean, if that ever happens we're not talking about now but some time in the future...
@@if3359 She would not do Eliphaba. It would be taking on another iconic role that belongs to someone else. As well as she is too old for that part.
It's not a stage role but I think if Disney ever does a live action Hunchback of Notre Dame she is the perfect Esmerelda, is that weird?
I'd like to see her in a revival of Evita.
Lea is only one comes close to Barbra’s performance. Best song!
Fanny Brice was a real woman. A pioneer for Jewish and female comedians. So being rooted in history, the story is pretty dang fantastic. And the music is excellent imo.
Pity we are all stuck with a post 'American Idol' audience, where they have been brainwashed into getting hyper about every high note, ruining a full appreciation of the complete moment. People--shut up and LISTEN to the performance. You will get much more out of it.
I dont know if Idol is only to blame for this, but your point is so well taken.
Yep. I agree.
Can you review the GMA performance? There is no annoying audience claps in the middle of it.
I know this one isn’t recent but I would love your opinion on Sheri Rene Scott in Aida singing My Strongest Suit
It would be interesting to hear what Barbara Streisand thinks of this performance as she is the Gold Standard for this song...
Lea does do the song justice...
👏👏👏👍🥂🇨🇦
What does she think or what will she say. Of course she will say Lea is great. She might think differently but we will never know.
Sorry I don't think the original actress is a better actress...everyone says Lea's acting is stellar, funny, moving, heartbreaking, and of course stellar vocals.
I saw Tyne Daly in Gypsy. First of all, she should be mentioned more when that show is discussed because she was FABULOUS. Secondly just wanted to mention that she also received a standing ovation for the first act final number Everything's Coming Up Roses. I remember because at the time I thought how odd it was, but it was great and so was she!
Tyne Daly was a fabulous Mama Rose- I feel like she’s overlooked because “bigger” names have played the part- but I saw her live, and her “Rose’s Turn” was electrifying and received a standing ovation. That was over 30 years ago.
My favorite Rose!!!
Agreed with all! I got to see her twice pre-Broadway in Boston...I saw her @an 8 pm performance and went back the next day for the matinee! Amazing! Got to meet her after the show...she signed her program "High Heart!" Tyne Daly.
Marc- if you can get to see the show- do it. It is impossible to describe the energy in the theater, and it is worth that $200 price of admission. The first act is actually fabulous- the second act is, I agree meh- but Lea's acting is so good, she singlehandedly saves it. I saw it last Saturday, these videos were posted the next day, and I am thrilled to be able to relive it.
Janet - dont get me wrong, despite anything I say, I would stand in line in freezing rain for hours, if I meant I got to see this show
@@MarcDanielPatrick I hope you can make it happen! I'm grateful that I live in NYC and was able to experience it.
Gosh the people around her stick around for too long and take away from the moment. I also feel like it goes a tiny bit too fast, and we don't get to enjoy some of the lyrics. But she's always the great musical performer.
Her performance of this song only got better with the years
Yes it's. For all perform that she Sing Live I think the weakest is when She Sang on Tony Awards.. maybe because she is nervous. But I always Love her..
Seriously!!! I Love Lea's performances and all that jazz but... Seriously!!! Is this what it is now when going to the theater these days? 🥵 Watching this video it just felt like watching a scene from American Idol or The Voice on the tv when the audience just can not shut up and wait for the end of the performance!!! Seriously!! Screaming and shouting after every single belting is definitely a NO GO for me! Call me old fashioned but I prefer to soak up into the whole number and really show my appreciation for the performance by clapping as hard as I can and screaming as loud as I can.... But AT THE END OF THE FREAKING NUMBER!!!... 🥸
A couple of things... first the book problems that plague the source material were largely dealt with in the film adaptation which jettisons almost all of the second act's score and adds a dramatically updated and re-arranged version of Fanny Brice's signature song "My Man" as the film's finale. According to legend Streisand cajoled veteran director William Wyler into letting her perform the intro to "My Man" live on camera rather than lip synced to the backing track. With Funny Girl Wyler, who had previously never directed a musical, added Streisand (in her film debut) to the esteemed list of actresses including Greer Garson, Audrey Hepburn, Betta Davis and Olivia De Havilland he directed to the Oscar as Best Actress. Your entitled to your opinion but the response to the film was hardly "meh". It was a huge box-office success that was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It has aged pretty well and was voted #16 on the AFI's list of Great Movie Musicals in 2006.
Second, I might be wrong but, I suspect you're a gentile which is just one of a few identity issues that might be interfering with your appreciation of the film. Beanie Feldstein, born in 1993, has images of herself at a childhood birthday party dressed up as Brice from the film to give you an anecdotal example of the enduring impact of the film for some of us.
DROMP pretty much summarizes the shows plot of a talented ungainly Jewish girl who despite being told her whole life that Prince Charming would never choose her, believes she has found hers and sets off to claim him. Of course it turns out her Prince Charming was a cad (in the movie he's Omar Sharif and that's some consolation for both Streisand's Fanny and the audience). In the final moments he leaves her but she still loves him "for ever more". Funny Girl's Fanny Brice doesn't get her man but she's no victim either: "I'm gonna live and live now Get what I want--I know how".
I just bindged nearly all your videos! I love your feedback. As a singer myself who was classically trained, I got lots of teaching on technique and musicality with in the text. However, I feel like I am learning so much from you. Thank you!
Have you heard of Joshua Henry? I would love to see your reaction to his Solequily from Carousel. It blew me away. Not only is his voice dreamy, but his acting in crazy, and the tape on youtube is just from a recording studio.
Of course I am familar with J Henry - a great talent! And thank you so much for the compliments. Means a lot. ❤️
@@MarcDanielPatrick your content is great! I can't wait for the next time I get to sing. I'll definitely be thinking of your feedback.
Haha, I shouldn't be surprised. I think he's one of my favorite Broadway actors. I am always surprised I never see the big name RUclips voice coach/ theater coaches react to him.
I though his interpretation of Bill in carousel brought a real breath of fresh air to the character.
I saw it with Beanie. Want to see it again. I went because of Ramin Karimloo and he will be the reason I go again. I also LOVE the story.
Could the 'golden rule' of never turning your back on the audience have originally started when technology/microphones didn't exist, or at least not at the quality that has continued to improve? While it may seem rude to turn away, perhaps originally you couldn't turn your back because the audience wouldn't have been able to hear you...
Thank you for mentioning the lights! My degree is in lighting design...this is Broadway?!? wtf....
Yes she is quite good but in comparison to Barb S, sry
I cannot stand people cheering in the middle of a song! It's a theater, not a stadium or the street! You cheer at the end, and maybe also at the beginning like they did, because you're excited, but then you shut up and listen!
I think another first act closer that sometimes gets a standing ovation is Defying Gravity from Wicked as much for the flying as the singing.
She is my FAVORITE!! I will always stand by Lea!
Meh
You lose all credibility when you say the movie Funny Girl is "meh". Good grief.
13:03 I feel the same about Lupone. Fantastic talent, but a terrible personality.
I love this performance and i love this enthusiastic audience. I love all of this clip from "Don´t rain on my parade".
The show is not dull and boring. There are plenty of charming songs done by supporting characters. You are way too negative about the show in general, and doing a disservice in turning people off of seeing local productions or regional productions because everyone can't make it to Broadway. I've seen plenty of versions of this show and I have never seen an audience bored or not entertained and not give the whole cast a standing ovation at the end. Trashing Jule Stein's score, really? Let's see you write something like that. Thumbs down from me and I only watched 1/3 of your video because you are so negative on the entire show.
Me, too. I'm outta here. I've seen 12 boots of this show and she's wonderful and she and Ramin are perfect together.
Lea acting on this one was way better than the former actress.
Your shade is epic. 😂❤
haha clearly some dont take to it as well as you do Meghan. 🤷♂️❤️
She is so good 😮
Always enjoy your videos. Especially loved this one. Thanks!
🙏
Standing ovations are thrown around way too much on Broadway. I have seen a couple hundred Broadway shows of late, and the audience invariably jumps to its feet, whether deserved or not. (I've had people glare at me because I will not stand unless it is really, truly deserved.) I am not a fan of Leah Michele as a person, but no one can fault her performance of this song. She earns her standing O.
Broad way. The glee cattle call .
Ticket prices were $500 on average. I showed up for Standing Room Only for $50 three times before I got a ticket. They only had 4 to 6 SRO tickets per show! Most shows have 12 to 14. They waited until 2 minutes before tge show started before we could buy our SRO tickets. I had enough time to clear me throat and find my spot. They are gouging people with astronomically high ticket prices to make for the losses the suffered this spring. The show is sold out until December 5th. SRO tickets are your best bet but be forewarned. You must get to the cancelation line (SRO line) like three hours before the show for a chance at a SRO ticket. The 1st time I tried I got their 90 mins beforehand and did not get a ticket. The second time I got there two hours beforehand and did not get a ticket. The third time I was there 3 hours beforehand and was 4th in line and got a ticket. I was the last person to get one that day.
Great review! I'm so "meh" about Funny Girl. That's a perfect way to describe it. I don't even like the song "Rain on my Parade." But Leah does it flawlessly.
On Glee I always thought she did best at showtunes and I wished that show did less auto tune or whatever they did to get that overproduced Glee sound.
She sounds fantastic but I have to ask musical theater fans, what traditional theater etiquette for performances?
Particularly, cheering mid song basically interrupting it multiple times? Standing O for the biggest number and final song of an act?
As someone who knows nothing about musical theater I would have guessed interrupting the song multiple times even with sounds of praise would be a no no it’s not a concert with speakers so loud you can still hear the music over cheering.
I saw the show first revival in London’s West End ( 2016?). Its really not a very good play to begin with .. it’s the Streisand film that people want to see on stage but its simply cant deliver . People are going to see Lea play the role she was playing for the last decade on Glee . That alone has drawing power ! Funny Girl is no Hamilton
I've been part of a couple of mid show standing ovations. Company in the West End, I saw it twice and both times at the end of Ladies Who Lunch Patti Lupine got a very well deserved ovation.
The other was Anything Goes and there were standing ovations after the title number and after Blow Gabriel Blow, both very well deserved but also I think was partly due to the timing of theatre only recently being back open so people were so much more grateful to see anything but especially performances to that standard.
I also watched a newer video of "Who Are you Now? that had an odd moment. About halfway through the song, Karimloo moves to the left side of the stage (from audience viewpoint). Just as he is about to sing, there is a sharp noise from either the orchestra or the audience. I guess it was a momentary distraction and he looked towards the noise. I also noticed Lea glance in the direction, and for a moment you could see she looked like she was about to laugh, but she quickly got back into character. Interesting to see how actors respond to momentary distractions like that. Would love to know what happened/
honestly i would go see it jusst fir lea's performance alone... i loved heron glee one of my fav characters... just based on voices alone... i like how the performsnce is different to how she did it in glee... its to me more serious, more mature performance wise and vocally
Not turning your back to the audience most likely began before, and because of lack of amplification.
I watch on youtube the Final perfrm its so emotional.. wish I can Watch live..
Hey, would you look to review any of the 'Newsies' songs on your youtube channel?
Defying Gravity is also 1 of those moments!!
when done well , 100%
A better example is "And i'm telling you" from the original Dreamgirls. That one was legendary , they had to stop the show every night
She is definitely a much better Barbra Streisand than poor Beanie!
Why wasn’t she cast originally…for the revival?
Can we talk about Nia Rivera's version from Glee?
I thought it strange she turned her back to the audience as well.