explaining the FUNNY GIRL news + drama | Lea Michele takes over and Beanie Feldstein was fired?!

[@joeevans5770]

I applaud the effort it took to get this out so fast

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I haven't stopped in 7 hours 😂 enjoy!

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@MickeyJoTheatre Yes! Agreed! This is quite the scoop! All along since the New York Times dropped that Ms. Feldstein was leaving even earlier than expected yesterday, Sunday I wondered "what will Mickey Jo do?" So I am so happy to see this and only wish I had popcorn to eat while watching this video. Thanks and much love from California. Which is the home state of Beanie Feldstein but I am from "up North" and she is "S-Cal," 2 different states IMO.

[@maryk3458]

@@chocolatesouljah Cali keeps threatening to break into 6 different states which sounds like a good idea. AlsoTexas should Tegxit!

[@mactodd36]

It's wonderful!!

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@maryk3458 it is a state of many regional “moods.”

[@NsStf5]

Thank you for pointing out the issues around fatphobia. And it’s not just Broadway. I remember hearing Carrie Hope Fletcher saying that many people reacted badly to her being cast as Veronica because she wasn’t « hot enough »… As theatre fan we like to think we are open-minded but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, it baffles me that so many are quick to dismiss the importance of comedy skills for the lead role of FUNNY girl…

[@chrisn7259]

Since Beanie was playing a woman who actually existed, and who was always slim, it was appropriate to comment on her weight. It was just one element that made her miscasting so obvious.

[@carr0760]

@@chrisn7259 exactly this. They literally had to rewrite parts of the script and lyrics to some of the songs to fit the fact that she's not skinny. There are multiple references in the show to how skinny and flat-chested Fanny is. What I don't know is if they changed back to the original text every time Julie covered because Julie is a completely different body type... If they did, that's super confusing for the cast! I am fat and I'm also a performer so I absolutely want to see more fat people on stage. I want to see more representation of all bodies on stage. However, when the show specifically references how a person looks, they need to be cast accordingly.

[@richardbocanegra5945]

Sheridan Smith in the London production is plus sized and everyone loved it! When Beanie Feldstein sings "I'm the greatest star".. no one believed it.

[@Ninafan68]

Oh, come on, enough with the fat phobia! I would have been the first one to welcome Beanie with open arms if she would have had a good voice. At first, when I first heard that she was cast, my initial thoughts were : "Wow, she must be a POWERHOUSE singer is she was able to overcome the obvious physical miscasting!" (Fanny Brice was NOT fat!) I was sure that she was a great singer. Then, I hear this voice which was almost a joke, like an SNL parody of a bad amateur. I just couldn't believe it! And, to top it all off, I read excuses after excuses for her, as if people were afraid of being accused of fat shaming if they criticised her. No, Feldstein deserves all the criticism and she should have been much more criticised. When you obviously don't have the voice for such an iconic role but you choose to do a show that your father bought for you just to satisfy yourself and disregard the legacy of "Funny Girl" and the public, you deserve criticisms, not excuses.

[@Ninafan68]

@@carr0760 Exactly! Would you see a skinny white girl playing Effie White?

[@RachelMay1989]

Mickey wanted to move away from the drama post-Cinderella but the Universe said NO.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I feel seen 👀

[@RachelMay1989]

@@MickeyJoTheatre As the greatest philosopher of our times once said "I swear I don't love the drama, it loves me".

[@kgal1298]

The shame about the Cinderella drama is it's not trending as hard as the Lea drama because ooooph are people mad about Lea being cast.

[@RLucas3000]

@@MickeyJoTheatre so what is your dream roll? You can choose any hit or flop stagged just for you.

[@jacobmccain8794]

@@kgal1298 I don’t get it anymore honestly! People need to understand that people aren’t perfect and deserve second chances. For al the people that are mad, it would really suck if they did something wrong and were automatically written off and not given a chance to grow. She didn’t murder someone. I get being a diva and having racial micro aggressions is not okay, but c’mon. Give people a chance to grow and show you that growth through their actions once they take time to really reevaluate!

[@dmnemaine]

To be brutally honest, "Funny Girl" doesn't really have that strong a book or score. It's not bad, but it's more adequate than great. What made it a smash hit in 1964 was Barbra Streisand. She was able to make the material seem a whole lot better than it actually is. Without Streisand, the show's flaws become more apparent.

[@BroadwayGuy]

After Barbra left the show at the end of 1965, the show continued playing just fine, Thank You, for a year and a half, until July, 1967 Starring Mimi Hines.

[@mikeruckles5871]

It has one of the best scores ever written for the musical theatre. What ARE you talking about? No one argues that the book is weak.

[@bigred8432]

It certainly is not one of the best scores ever written. It has some of the best songs for a lead ever written but the score beyond that is standard stuff. And the show was a hit because of Streisand. They started cutting everything around her in try outs because they knew how troubled the overall show was and how brilliant she was. Yes, the show survived without her for time but it’s simply untrue to try to deny that Streisand was what the show work in the first instance. She took a mediocre overall show and wowed the critics, it was her performance that people talked about on both sides of the Atlantic, it was she that people hailed as the second coming. Her perform elevated the production to smash hit level and that’s why it survived after. Yes like saying that one of the take over casts in The Producer could have had the same impact without Nathan Lane prior

[@mikeruckles5871]

@@bigred8432 Soooo it has the best songs for a lead ever written but it’s a weak score?? Every score has 1-2 weaker songs, even the best of them. With the exception of “Henry Street”, what’s a weak song in FG??

[@jlasf]

It has three great songs: "Parade," "People" and "My Man" - if the stick to the movie ending. If there is a great singer, that's enough.

[@poppyameiIa]

my heart really does go out to the technical team who’ll have to deal with lea backstage. i really hope she’s matured, worked on herself and treats them far better than she has her co-workers in the past.

[@jamessheridan4306]

There's always the off chance that she's been made to see the extent to which her reputation precedes her.

[@kgal1298]

@@jamessheridan4306 There's also a chance she's learned her lesson because it's quite obvious based on the news and feedback today people will be watching for her diva behavior much more closely than they ever did on Glee.

[@jnewmark41]

LEA is the BEST choice possible.

[@jlasf]

It's been 10 years since Glee! And her boyfriend, Corey Monteith, died during season five of "Glee." So, I would cut her some slack.

[@jacobmccain8794]

Why does your heart go out to them when you don’t know how she’s is going to even be yet? I totally get her reputation being what it is in the past, but we have to allow room for people to really grow, mature, and learn from their past behaviors. I feel getting the time she didn’t to reflect and being a mom, I’ve seen in her recent videos a more down to earth person and I love it! She always had the whole package with looks, acting and insanely incredible instrument to match. I also hope she keeps the momentum going and shows the growth that she’s made and gave an absolute knock out performance as Fanny as truly believe she will!

[@sarebear7777]

I kinda feel bad for Beanie. This is her dream role and for her to not only get bad reviews from critics as well as theatre fans, not a get a Tony nom and pretty much got fired from the show before deciding to leave early, has gotta sting. I understand she isn't right for the role but this has gotta be devastating for her. I'd go into a deep depression if performing my dream role went this terribly.

[@punkwrestle]

The problem seems to be she was a great Fanny Brice, but people and the critics were expecting Barbara Streisand.

[@EkseteraEksetera]

No one deserves this kind of heartbreak

[@bigred8432]

She wasn’t great at all. She literally couldn’t sing the score

[@punkwrestle]

@@bigred8432 she basically performed the way Fanny Brice did, so if you actually compare her to the real Fanny Brice, then she nailed it. If you compare her to Barbara Streisand then no she didn’t, so the question is, do you want Fanny Brice or Barbara Streisand?

[@EkseteraEksetera]

@@punkwrestle no matter how you slice it (and I agree from an acting standpoint) you have to be able to sing the score. If you can’t then you shouldn’t be cast as Fanny. Her vocal problem isn’t that she doesn’t sound like Barbra. Beanie is a wonderful actress, but Funny Girl lives and dies by the strength of Fanny’s voice.

[@Charles-nj2ef]

I saw Beanie in Funny Girl last May. After the bad reviews, you can feel the audience egging her on and giving her a lot of love. She gave a charming performance and her delivery of the songs were good. After the performance, I analyzed my feelings about the show and her performance. Was I content with good? Guiltily, I would have liked to be impressed and have my socks blown off. The show relies heavily on the female lead giving her all these beautiful and bombastic songs to sing. Sadly, there is nowhere to hide. Good luck to Beanie and Lea and the production team. I wish them all well. I would like the show to succeed as it impacts on a lot of people’s livelihood.

[@lavieenroseglitter7364]

Also saw the show in April and totally agree

[@alexandrabrill4060]

Also saw it in April and actually really enjoyed it! Beanie was set up for failure right away because of the critics just wouldn’t let up on her. She was playing Brice not Streisand and people couldn’t get past it!

[@Ninafan68]

Very good news that Beanie, who didn't deserve that role, is being replaced. I still don't understand why people keep making excuses for her. She has a horrible voice and if she had just a little bit of self-awareness, she would have realised it herself. I wish people were more demanding and had higher standards. This would have never happened 50 years ago.

[@vincentbell3775]

@@Ninafan68 I agree with you 100%. There is a reason they have never tried to reproduce this show - at least not with these songs having being sung by Streisand. I knew this was going to be trouble the minute I saw that Beanie was cast - and if they wanted to cast her as Fanny Brice, then they have reimagined the show as a play and not a musical. Now why they went this far is beyond me. Someone must have had a lot of money to burn.

[@Ninafan68]

@@vincentbell3775 No, no need to re-imagine a show for someone who can't sing! Just hire someone with a great voice! So simple! I love Streisand, she's one of a kind. But Lea Michele is great too and totally perfect for the part. By wanting to think too much outside of the box, you can make terrible mistakes and ignore what's right in front of your eyes.

[@anniebananni]

“dont @ me it was self care” had me laughing out loud bc i was not that strong and actually did finish the show. regrettably. (it’s in season 5 btw)

[@au_barb]

Oof. Same same.

[@TheVietnameseCatGoblin]

Thinking back I was probably ACTIVELY torture myself to finish the series…

[@au_barb]

@@TheVietnameseCatGoblin season 6 was actual torture

[@anniebananni]

@@au_barb truly I have no idea what they were fucking thinking jfjdjd

[@Nikijulyth]

I watched, too. Yuck.

[@jenicat55]

I wonder if production saw the Tony snub, bad press and ticket sales and decided to change the whole show to the more “traditional” thus firing BF and hiring the obvious LM. This means more press, more reviews, more ticket sales…..

[@kgal1298]

Bingo. It'll reset the reviews, but if she doesn't deliver it's going to look so bad and if her diva behavior comes out it'll get worse so this is quite the gamble.

[@mxmox]

That's what I’m thinking too. They saw the people calling for Lea on the web and were desperate enough to try it. The question is if the people online will actually go out and buy tickets after the first hype dies down. Very interested to see this turn out.

[@ashmews5489]

@@kgal1298 if Lea Michele knows what’s good for her she’ll leave her diva days behind her, we shall see

[@elphbwckd212]

They obviously took this all into account. Beanie was a box office dud from the moment the reviews started coming out. They sold more tickets when Julie Belko was on than when Beanie was there. Julie got great reviews and people really wanted to see her. It's a bad sign when people are disappointed the understudy isn't on. After the Tony snub they knew that they had to change course if they wanted any chance of being profitable and staying open for any amount of time.

[@jenicat55]

@Aurora i feel if they wanted LM's "buzz" and hype they would have cast her originally...

[@jenniferh3587]

I've heard some conflicting reporting on the producer being Beanie's father. Waiting in the wings, for example, chose not to cover it because they couldn't find anything confirming that it's the case.

[@paultoseland9524]

Would his name not be stated in the credits in the program?

[@mattieboseley9726]

Now I’m no fan of Lea Michelle, but I’m not completely sure where the idea that she can’t do comedy comes from. If you re watch the first few seasons of Glee (ESPECIALLY the pilot) she is kind hilarious and honestly it’s her comedic character portrayal that really help carry the show. That being said #justiceforbeanie

[@darielzahidpalacios1605]

She was also hilarious in Scream Queens as well

[@kaycosette]

She’s funny but she is unlikeable

[@feelingReckless13]

yeah I had no idea until this video that anyone thought Lea can't do comedy. She might not be the most likable celebrity but she's definitely a good comedic actor.

[@kuklakid]

Beanie was never right, and no worry about "justice". Her father is part of the investing syndicate so it was kind of a setup. If you have ever watched Beanie onstage, you know she's basically "okay."

[@schmauften]

Yes I thought this was strange too. She has done plenty of comedy.

[@danbuckleyactor]

Thank you for being an advocate for body positive casting. As a person who has been turned down, refused auditions etc due to my size, for roles I could do with ease - I appreciate a true theatre fan and excellently eloquent human advocating bigger actors playing romantic leads etc. xx

[@bigred8432]

Types exist because they reflect reality. Sometime your top short, sometimes too tall, sometimes too thin, sometimes too fat. Whilst I absolutely agree that there are tracks in shows that could be given to people who aren’t stick thin, and that don’t look like a typical dancer Broadway type, there is also the reality of fitness and being able to do eight shows a week. I agree that Beanie’s weight is no issue to the role however but sometimes it does matter

[@danbuckleyactor]

@@bigred8432 my point is I exist in this world- I fall in love, i’m complicated, I am funny, I am smart, I am kind, I am attractive. I just happen to be overweight. The narrative that we are fed, and the one you’re perpetuating by this response, is that most commonly- thin people are the romantic leads and fat people are the funny sidekicks. Also your point about the “reality” of fitness to do 8+ shows a week doesn’t fit the narrative of being a character in a show who, for the purposes of plot- is usually just existing in a ‘real world’ scenario. Plus I’ve been doing 8+ shows a week since 2011 so you can be fit for the job and be fat.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I love that you got this out so quickly. Also, it hadn't dawned on me when I first saw the announcement that Jane Lynch now wouldn't be overlapping with Lea Michele. I think there's probably a lot of past drama in that move...

[@JayJay-17]

I thought so too. Jane has worked with her in the past on the glee set where we know Lea was having “behavioral issues” to say the least. She probably doesn’t want to possible deal with that again or even if Lea has changed/matured the bridge has already been burned.

[@au_barb]

@@JayJay-17 Lea seems to have really burned many bridges with most of the Glee cast. She never seems to have any contact with most of them anymore other than Darren Criss and maybe Becca Tobin. It's super obvious to anyone paying any attention at all.

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

This didn't age well.... Jane has just said she adores Lea !

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

@@JayJay-17 This aged badly

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

@@au_barb this aged badly

[@TX1961]

Julie Benko, the Fanny Brice "standby", will get an extended opportunity to show people that she is a phenomenal talent!

[@MrNorcal81]

The problem with Beanie is that she should have never been cast as Fanny Brice. She is a wonderful film actress but even, in the videos of rehearsals and others of her singing it was obvious that she just didn't have the vocal chops to handle one of the toughest scores in Broadway history. When the original production of Funny Girl was ramping up a lot of big name actresses auditioned for the role. Julie Styne, the shows composer had seen Streisand in I Can Get It For You Wholesale on Broadway and wanted her and only her to be Fanny Brice. He deliberately wrote some very difficult songs that he knew only Streisand could deliver, insuring that she got the role. As for Lea, she has the vocal chops and if you saw her perform, on Glee, "You Are Woman, I Am Man" she sure as hell displayed her comic chops. Oh and by the way, Jane Lynch was leaving in September regardless of who was playing Fanny Brice and Tovah Feldshuh is a four time Tony nominee, not exactly chopped liver. The business reality is that the shows box office numbers have plummeted but as soon as Lea Michele steps on that stage, that theater will be full or very close to it and that will likely continue. So there's that.

[@maryk3458]

I thought she and Jane Lynch were an odd pairing for these roles.

[@loopdiditydoop1926]

I don’t understand people who don’t think Lea has the comedy chops. Rachel’s character was hilarious, especially in the first season. I feel like I didn’t even watch the same show as these people, haha

[@cooperfitch4256]

The whole thing with Jane lynch leaving early as well could also just be a logistical thing. Having two leading ladies come into the performance just 2 weeks apart is a whole lot more work than having them come in at the same time. Double the rehearsal time, double the put ins, double the strain on swings who are commonly used in the rehearsal periods for new company members. It’s honestly easier and probably cheaper to just buy Jane out of those weeks and save the awkward adjustment period

[@adamschuler9423]

Agreed- this makes for a unified "reopening". I honestly would have been surprised if there were overlap. I don't think it necessarily speaks to bad blood.

[@jlasf]

Absolutely agree. Imagine having to work with Jane and get some rhythm going with her. Then, having to switch off to a new actress. That would be super hard.

[@bluewilliams4911]

@@jlasf Oh there is *historical* bad blood between Lea Micheal and the non-white cast members who she frequently forced out of larger roles and was known for being shitty to. Lea Micheal isn’t that great of a actor-singer imo, like she’s good? But she’s mezzo-ish, tends to copy other people’s styles rather than develop her own, and really cannot act.

[@jlasf]

@@bluewilliams4911 Disagree. She’s a fantastic singer, one of the best around. But you are entitled to your opinion, of course.

[@sangesings]

Truth be told there aren’t too many scenes between Fanny and her mother, Rose. It wouldn’t have been all that difficult.

[@gabbygrace100]

Oh 100% agree with you that Jane’s timing speaks volumes!!!

[@overcommunikate]

This is the real tea too, it makes me believe the diva (and other allegations) about Lea a lot more that Jane is like "i'm out"

[@carr0760]

Right? I want to know who made it happen. Did Jane say she wasn't staying if Lea was coming or did Lea say she wasn't coming unless Jane was gone?

[@jlasf]

Disagree. See comment above. This is more about bringing in a totally fresh cast and getting them to bond. It will feel more like "her" show with a fresh start, rather than coming into an existing show. I see it as gracious of Jane Lynch to leave early to make way for a new pairing.

[@iapsr]

@@overcommunikate "We have been in touch about it," Lynch shared with Deadline July 12. "You know, it was just a really strong idea to have Feldshuh and Lea premiere together. That's the only reason [we won't appear together.]" She added, "I adore her. She's just going to take this show and make it her own. I'm so glad she's getting the opportunity in real life to do the show and not just on Glee."

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

@@overcommunikate this has aged very badly in 2 days

[@grodriguez7225]

Well I wish Beanie the very best in life personally and professionally‼️ Ps: As for Lea Michelle I hope she’s changed and becomes a better team-player

[@lyndsey-annemurphy9093]

Best comment. Yes. I feel for Beanie and let's hope Lea Michele now treats others with respect.

[@pushkin1969]

I'd have loved to hear the negotiations for this role: You cannot be a monster to your co-stars!

[@JL0ndon]

@@pushkin1969 the money id pay for a behind the scenes documentary

[@kgal1298]

As I said this is her chance to get rid of those rumors.

[@12harrypotterfan34]

I feel like she’d be on her best behavior if for no other reason than PR. It’s going to be much harder for her to get away with any diva antics now that the whole world knows what a nightmare she was to work with on Glee.

[@mrchrisliddell]

I literally ran straight here after the news then thought, "give the man a chance to edit!" and you did so furiously, thank you 😜😘

[@mrchrisliddell]

Also, thanks for the "sand" pronunciation 😅 and you may be right about what you didn't say about some of Barbra's behavior, so oop! (though racism and abuse have never been alleged)

[@mikemapu]

It's just so wild how this all went down. The logo's even a caricature of Beanie's face! They're going to have to change all of their merch/marketing material now.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

That's not the first time that's happened, too be fair. Waitress immediately comes to mind but there are many others that feature a recognizable person on ads/playbills

[@julian2grande]

@@ThexImperfectionist mean girls changed their poster everytime there was new casting 😭

[@kdee15]

@@ThexImperfectionist Jenna's image wasn't the logo of the show, though, that was just promotional photos for the program. They changed up the program cover a lot during that first run. The fact that Beanie's likeness was used in the actual show art makes it different, I think.

[@NairAthul]

@@ThexImperfectionist How to Succeed in Business 2011 revival, Mean Girls

[@jaqenhghar2446]

Happens all the time. Hedwig and the Angry Inch with Neil Patrick Harris is an example. Dear Evan Hansen with Ben Platt is another. Waitress is another example as well.

[@mxmox]

I don’t think Beanie should’ve been cast in this role in the first place, but now she really is getting the short end of the stick. Tbh if I lived in NYC I wouldn’t want to support Michele after the allegations that have been brought up against her. This leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth.

[@coppertopolo]

Exactly - when did it become the standard in this country to reward BAD behavior. Just as Lea seems to be doing.

[@luisabiadola4963]

good thing you don't live in NYC then

[@kgal1298]

I don't even understand how she was cast with out them testing out her ability to actually sing the role. The reviews were the end of it for Beanie and the Tonys definitely closed it out.

[@12harrypotterfan34]

That’s how I feel too. Lea is talented, but there are plenty of other talented Broadway performers out there who don’t have a horrible reputation and would be just as good (if not even better) as Fanny. This casting decision sends the wrong message that bad behavior is excusable.

[@andyvanm1]

Lea was accused mi·cro aggression ,not murder ... Micro .......ADJECTIVE extremely small: " synonyms: tiny · very small · minute · infinitesimal · minuscule · nanoscopic · nanosized · microscale · invisible to the naked eye · little · diminutive · wee

[@MissEricaFlowers]

I wanted Julie to get the role. I'm happy she's getting that month to shine. Hope it leads to big things in the future. Thanks for the quick video. I can always trust in you for an awesome theater news video.

[@oc5939]

Julie is wonderful.

[@haileykrainski9198]

She’ll be going on every Thursday apparently. So atleast more people will be able to see her

[@letstrythis...3513]

I saw Julie Benko in the role and the minute I heard Beanie was leaving, I too, wished that the producers would give the role to Julie on a silver platter. She slayed the role and the songs in my humble opinion! And she had great chemistry with her leading man. [I was unaware of the nepotism involved in this production.] Back when I heard this musical was even being revived, the first person I thought who should have been cast as Fanny Brice was Annaleigh Ashford! She would have been brilliant in this role right from the start because she has the capability and the talent for such a demanding character. And the sex appeal, which is just as important as the ability to deliver comedy in this role. And she has the singing chops! Ashford is the perfect choice for this role and I don't know how the producers didn't see this. [Or maybe they did and they couldn't get her?] There would have been no nepotism, because gosh, let's face it, rarely does a nepotism situation end up positive.

[@bigred8432]

Ashford would indeed be wonderful but she doesn’t have marquee value. The show was never, ever going to be produced without someone who can sell tickets in the lead

[@LoraK31]

I never thought about Rachel Bloom playing Fanny, but I would actually watch the crap out of that! However, I stand by my belief that Shoshona Bean would have been the best pick for the next Fanny

[@stephaniemccullough7725]

Rachel would be PERFECT and with Tovah playing her mom? I would have gone into credit card debt for tickets

[@carr0760]

Shoshana would be absolutely brilliant, but I think at this point she's too old for the part. She's 44, and Fanny is in her 20s.

[@LoraK31]

@@carr0760 If people in their late 20s and 30s can play high schoolers on stage, I would let Shoshona playing a 20-something slide lol

[@12harrypotterfan34]

Lora K. Agreed. Plus it’s easier to get away with large age differences on stage than on screen; it’s much harder to tell how old someone looks from far away in the audience of a theatre.

[@ethannielson942]

Or even Eden Espinoza.

[@canadianbeautygeek]

Here is Jane's comments about the date change. Sorry it's not all drama filled as some people would like to think: “We have been in touch about it,” Lynch tells Deadline of Michele. “You know, it was just a really strong idea to have Feldshuh and Lea premiere together. That’s the only reason [we won’t appear together.] I adore her. She’s just going to take this show and make it her own. I’m so glad she’s getting the opportunity in real life to do the show and not just on Glee.”

[@daneekaplan4284]

I’ve seen Lea live twice - at Elsie Fest and her tour with Darren. Criss. She sang Barbara songs at both and she sounds incredible. The glee tour was 10 years ago. She’s no longer a young 20 something. I say the same about her behavior onset. Glee ended 7 years ago. Let’s hope she’s matured and gained some empathy, manners, and awareness of her micro aggressions. If she hasn’t then I hope the stories get out.

[@Ayanamy-vl2pl]

Her voice might have changed due to giving birth to her son...It is proved that the hormonal journey a woman is getting through pregnacy affect vocal chords (also Labor I suppose). It would be interesting so to see her growth not only on the human and job-ethical sides but also on the practical singing style

[@marszenka]

I really have no sympathy for her. Everyone does dumb stuff in their 20s, but decent people don't treat other people like crap no matter how immature they are. I feel like people who lack empathy very rarely learn it because they rarely think that they need to.

[@jlasf]

@@marszenka Are you the same person you were 10 years ago? I know I have changed in 10 years. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt.

[@bartsmith1304]

I seriously doubt her behavior was that bad. Unless you were on the set yourself, how could you know?

[@melissamcdonald297]

@@marszenka also she joined Glee at already 23 (ish), right? She was not *that* young. Once your college years (or college-age years if you didn't actually go to college) are over a bit of maturity is in order.

[@songcrafterliz]

Mickey Jo, I’ve watched many of your videos. Your fans often mention your thoroughness, punctuality, and candor, all of which are true. But on top of that, what keeps me coming back is your KINDNESS. Rather than declare that actors ARE or ARE NOT talented, you focus on what their specific talents are, celebrating and hoping for successes rather than smirking over failures. How refreshing, and (pardon my repetition) how deeply KIND.

[@JaviAlonso]

I know Lea will sing the shit out of the score and I love the Rachel parallelism, I just think it's a slap in the face to the rest of the cast and crew to have to work with someone this terrible.

[@BerryStraw15]

Fuck them! Lmao! LEA FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

[@HaussOfSharon]

I look forward to the All About Eve reboot focussing on Funny Girl, Beanie Feldstein and Lea Michele. I really am.

[@pushkin1969]

A film about this production could well be more interesting than the show itself! 😀

[@maxchodos7256]

A revival of "Applause" is called for.

[@kgal1298]

LMAO we can only hope.

[@maryluke8611]

We could have the same problem. Applause without Lauren Bacall? I will wait for names.

[@jlasf]

@@maryluke8611 Glenn Close. Patti LuPone. Christine Baranski. Etc. etc.

[@alliewankenobi]

As soon as the news broke I thought to myself "I cannot WAIT to see Mickey's video on this"

[@aidas.9625]

I'm so happy that this drama made me found your channel! I love Beanie Feldstein for her Hollywood career, and I'm sad that this didn't work for her, but I would lie if I say that I am not curious about how Lea would fill those shoes

[@pfloydsux]

Love her or hate her, Lea will absolutely destroy this role. She has surprisingly good comedic timing and she probably knows the songs back to front.

[@citywoof]

Your take on this is really smart and great to listen to. I have been obsessing about this backstage drama all day. I saw Benko in the role, and yes, she's outstanding. And her chemistry with Ramin is great as well. I feel very bad for Beanie, who I met at the stage door two nights later and who is so adorable (and tiny!) and sweet. I really love her. And I'm rooting for a career resurgence for Lea, too! She is a big talent and maybe she had some growing up and learning to do. She's a human. I hope the drama elevates all THREE of the ladies.

[@chocolatesouljah]

Fun Fact: Tovah Feldshuh was "Yentl" on Broadway before the Streisand film version. And now she's in a show known for its' Streisand vibes.

[@ethannielson942]

Isaac Bashevis Singer who wrote the original novella of YENTL, THE YESHIVA BOY, openly disliked the film version of YENTL, and especially disliked Barbra Streisand’s performance in it. He stated in The New York Times that Tovah Feldshuh had played the role on stage infinitely better than Streisand ever could have, and implied she should have been cast in the film. But it should be pointed out that the only reason that the film was made was because of Streisand’s clout and even that wasn’t always enough. She did loose her original financier because the Studio in question stated that no one would go see this film, even with Streisand starring in it. She went elsewhere to get financing (from MGM/UA) and proved them all wrong.

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@ethannielson942 Excellent information and commentary. I am a huge Streisand fan but not a fan of the Yentl movie. As for Ms. Felshuh, she was in her early 20s when she carried "Yentl" on Broadway and that alone says a lot to me about her chutzpah, just like when 22-year-old Streisand carried "Funny Girl." I agree that the film version of Yentl wouldn't have been made without La Streisand, so it is what it is.

[@ethannielson942]

@@chocolatesouljah I’ve downplayed how hard it was for Streisand to get financing for YENTL. ORION PICTURES was the original financier, but after having lost over 35 million producing HEAVEN’S GATE, put a cap on all films with a budget that exceeded 10 million and YENTL’s budget was in the neighborhood of 13.5 million. Originally it wasn’t going to be a musical, but in making it one, it assured that at least the soundtrack album would make money, due to Streisand’s immense fan base. Studios didn’t want her initially directing, even though she’d been virtually directing most of her films for years. She apparently was terrified of the prospect of directing, starring, producing and co-writing the script. But she confronted her fears and created a huge success. Yes, there are some questionable plot points, such as the parents of Hadass (Amy Irving) allowing their daughter to marry someone who really came off as a very immature boy, instead of the more virile and appropriate Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin). And that ending was appropriated from the ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ sequence from FUNNY GIRL, especially in the way it was shot using a helicopter. She actually used quite a few of William Wyler’s film techniques, but then again who wouldn’t have? She learned from the very best directors Hollywood had to offer. As an example, William Wyler (FUNNY GIRL), Gene Kelly (HELLO, DOLLY!) and Vincent Minnelli (ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER) right off the bat.

[@lawrencehandal3745]

@@ethannielson942 pop

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@ethannielson942 Hello, another illuminating response, thank you. Your response reminds me of the track from La La Streisand's "Broadway Album, "Putting it Together," the opening dialogue, in particular, seems to encapsulate some of the "Putting it Together" involved with "Yentl" I appreciate the background information you provided. I also nice to be reminded of her connection with Wyler and Minelli.

[@JoseBraghiroli]

I hope I get to live long enough to watch the FX series that will inevitably get made to chronicle the Lea v Beanie drama.

[@au_barb]

Ryan Murphy is probably already writing the script.

[@iconoclastic-fantastic]

as a classically trained vocalist who has been seeing live musical theatre actively since the 4th grade (i'm 26) + music has always been the main focus for me ... here is the distinction; MUSICAL THEATRE vs THEATRE that performs straight plays. if you have an acting performance within you that will move audiences, do theatre. if you can do that + possess the NECESSARY vocals stamina required to do the job, that's when you do musical theatre. if you are not musically/vocally strong on a reliable basis, you are in the wrong performance/theatre scene.

[@57andstillkicking]

👍

[@LilySayyy]

Oh god, imagine having Rachel Bloom as Fanny, Tovah as her mother and Santino Fontana as Arnstein!!!!!! I would die!!!!

[@PolinFan22]

Yes, this would have been such a good casting choice!

[@cal6137]

you are on to sometbing here...

[@KelseyHontz]

Now this is the only thing I can imagine!

[@bigred8432]

Rachel Bloom also wouldn’t be able to sing this score

[@bkd112973]

I saw the production in April with Beanie Feldstein and was a big supporter after seeing her in Hello Dolly. Unfortunately for Beanie she was not that funny and when she sang "People" it was painful. I didn't want to hear Beanie doing Barbra I was not comparing them in the least. She was just miscast.

[@carr0760]

The speculation that I'm hearing is that she was fired because she's in breach of contract for missing so many shows. In that case, she wouldn't have to be paid out. In fact she would face a financial penalty. She has missed something like 35 shows in around 3 months time only 11 of which were from COVID. So that's around 24 absences in 3 months.

[@maryluke8611]

That's an interesting issue. If she missed shows because of some ailment other than Covid would the contract require a payout? Or would a certain percentage of missed shows be considered an involuntary breach due to incapacity which would release the producers from obligation to her?

[@darielzahidpalacios1605]

Her dad is producing, she will face no s__t

[@EkseteraEksetera]

The reason, if not legitimate illness, may well have been anxiety about how her performance is being reviewed. Not that that excuses her from missing shows, but it paints a picture of her emotional state.

[@carr0760]

@@maryluke8611 if she's in breach of contract the producers have no obligation whatsoever. She does. She could be held liable for lost profits due to her absences and/or the entire value of the contract. If the producers ended her contract early (without cause), they would have to pay out the remainder. Of course, none of us know the specifics of her contract, and we'll never know, so it's all speculation. However, with the number of absences she's had, it's a highly valid one.

[@carr0760]

@@EkseteraEksetera unfortunately, even the best singer/actor in the world gets bad reviews. You have to be able to handle it. Yes, it sucks, but it's the reality of being a performer.

[@pennycurtis4474]

"Like a fun, shady jigsaw" is my favorite line!! And now I have some googling to do! I love your channel and your passion for musical theater.

[@mumplaysthesims8396]

Saw the news this morning and was wondering when I'd get your take on it. Love your commitment to all things theatre ☺️

[@twelvebooksaday8640]

I love how articulate and purposeful you are with all of your videos!

[@ericnyquist9755]

I agree with your commentary that Julie Benko possibly should have been offered the full-time role, but Lea Michele is going to sell tickets. I will tell you that I see a lot of B'way shows and Benko gave an all-around amazing performance. She was vocally flawless, her character had a journey, and she was really funny to boot. I'm glad she is getting a weekly performance. I was rooting for the "star is born" angle, but understand the producers know that Michele will extend the run with her presence. AND they give Benko a performance each week. I hope some of the right people get to see Benko's performance and that her career really takes off. Plus, knowing Michele's rep, Julie might get a LOT of shows after the transition happens.

[@susieb8661]

I'm hoping they give it to Julie after Lea Michele leaves. This could be a transition for the show.

[@bigred8432]

It amazes me that people keep saying this. The show needs to recoup millions of dollars, they need a name who the general public know to ignite ticket sales. It was never going to be Benko.

[@jakecannon7610]

I think even more than the fatphobic issue (which is real and valid), most people were upset that Beanie just couldn’t sing it in the way it’s commonly sung.

[@pfloydsux]

Jane Lynch retweeted the announcement of Lea's promotion so I'm not so sure her leaving has anything to do with Lea. Wouldn't it make more sense to have two departing main actors leave at the same time rather than staggering their departures and having the remaining cast have to deal with multiple major changes over time? Legitimately asking because I don't know but it seems reasonable to me.

[@Nikijulyth]

I personally think she's worked with Lea in the past and doesn't want to ever again.

[@pfloydsux]

@@Nikijulyth just because you think it doesn't make it factual. She released a statement saying she adores Lea and thinks she will be amazing in the role.

[@JaneThayer-g4h]

It all comes down to money. Box office was poor with Beanie. Fabulous with Lea.

[@rosies9994]

Jane lynch had a very nice comment about this and I appreciate hearing her support for Lea Michele. And getting fired doesn’t mean nepotism didn’t play a part initially. I am excited to see what Lea Michele brings to the roll.

[@katburgess5926]

I was joking with friends that if they're so stuborn about not having Julie take over, they could pull a Singing in the Rain and just combine Lea's vocals and Beanie's comedy.

[@dianaaljadeff2983]

Funny Girl is a one woman musical.It wast composed first for Barbra Streisand. In fact Mary Martin Carol Burnett and Ann Bancroft were first called and rejected the role.And is also a fact that Jule Styne and Bob Merrill composed the songs for Streisand so you need a great singer comedianne and actress for the role. Great singers played the role Mimi Hinnes who replaced Streisand Carol Lawrence Barbara Cook and others .Now Julie Benko.is having success in the role and she will play all the performances after Bennie Feinstein leave the cast on July 31 and will.play the thurdays performances when Lea Michelle will take the part.Can Lea Michelle play the role? Yes she can but lets wait.

[@annacalstone610]

Well done for getting a reaction out so quickly. It does sound like something is going on and Jane lynch going early and not overlapping with LM adds more substance to the tales of her bad behaviour. Leaves a bad taste that someone who behaves so badly gets rewarded by getting a plum role. I really feel for BF, I hope she now gets lots of fabulous projects cause she clearly is very talented and by all reports a lovely person

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

This aged very badly now Jane Lynch has said she adores Leah and is very much supporting her !

[@ethannielson942]

Thank you again for this beautiful commentary. By the way, this revival of FUNNY GIRL was not completely shut out at the TONY Awards, due to Jared Grimes receiving a nomination as Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Beanie Feltstein had to be the bravest woman in show biz this year for taking on this role, however the casting seemed a bit off. Jane Lynch playing her mother seemed a rather odd choice, considering they look nothing alike, and there did appear to be a complete lack of chemistry between Beanie and Ramin Karimloo, who frankly looked like he wandered into the wrong stage door in error. No matter what one may personally feel about Lea Michele, her casting will keep the show running to capacity for as long as she stays with it. And as for the casting of Tovah Feldshuh, she’s who should have been cast in the first place. It will now indubitably be an infinitely better show for these changes and up to Broadway standards, instead of something resembling ‘Community Theater.’

[@TheMrGothics]

should be mentioned as well how Beanie has been missing shows, and thus making Julie Benko getting all the buZZ and acclaims lately, fatphobia definitely is one of the contributing factor, but missing shows a lot is unprofessional and it is okay to admit she was miscast for this role, she was amazing in Hello, Dolly and if she decided to return on Broadway i hope it's for productions like Once Upon A Matress or A Baker's Wife

[@vinnm4516]

oh she would be GREAT in Once Upon A Mattress, that would be so good

[@akirahatson2593]

Wasn't she sick during her performances?

[@TheMarapasa]

thanks for this concise explanation... you are so fascinating...I stayed for the entire vid

[@mimig7553]

Beanie’s dad is not a producer. Idk why people keep saying that when there’s no evidence he is

[@corinnewelter1144]

Thanks for the video!! Learned some new things about the business conventions around deals like this. You must’ve worked so hard to get this out this quickly! The video came together well! Thanks again!

[@jayhudley4099]

I saw the show on the night before officially opening. LOVED IT and every aspect. She was amazing and performed to all the audience's delight. We gave her a standing ovation.

[@meghanwaddell9228]

so so grateful for the overt acknowledgement of fatphobia here; an absolutely necessary dimension to this whole debacle, and very refreshing to see it called out (especially by a straight-size person!) What a detailed, fair, and interesting video, tysm for your insight!!

[@issakelly8071]

I feel the fatphobia aspect is overblown. Is it a thing? Yes. But as a person who also faces criticism because of a group with certain characteristics, I think people tend to project themselves on a person if that person has that characteristic in common. So that person becomes less an individual and more a symbol or representative of that group. Beanie was never adequate to the task to carry Funny Girl. That has nothing to do with her size at the end of the day. Funny Girl is known for having a weak book and that its saving grace is the songs given to its lead. The whole show rests on the acting and singing chops of its lead actress. Beanie just didn't have the proper mix. I think there needs to be more representation of people's from different walks of life but you can't convince me of all the plus sized women out there that Beanie was the best of the best.

[@meghanwaddell9228]

@@issakelly8071 I get where you're coming from, but to be clear, I don’t think anyone was arguing that Beanie was the best possible actress for the role. There are plenty of incredible fat powerhouses of comedy and vocal talent that could’ve played Fanny-but would a fat person have been considered for this role if she didn’t have Beanie’s reputation? I don’t know. If I was playing a numbers game, based on the incredibly limited pool of fat women I’m seeing on stage and screen, my money’s on no. But even more than that, fatphobia comes in when we consider Beanie’s track record of being lauded for comedic roles, cameos, and sidekicks (acceptable territory for goofy, bumbling fat people, right?), and being subject to intense scrutiny when she steps up into a leading romantic or dramatic role. This is a pattern in Hollywood; think Melissa McCarthy. Regardless of her suitability for this particular part, the tendency to pigeonhole plus size women, and the online backlash when they dare to encroach on “thin territory”, is what I’m talking about here. And frankly, the urge to undercut the pervasiveness of fatphobia is in itself a mechanism OF fatphobia. We tell plus size women that they ‘just weren’t right for the part’ and then use that perceived inadequacy as a justification to never cast fat women in leading roles again. I know Beanie isn’t a powerhouse vocalist. But every time one of the very very few famous fat women on my radar is subject to a scandal like this, ridiculed for ineptitude, flooded with disapproving comments (often overtly referencing size), and bullied from the stage, it’s only reasonable to analyze how fatphobia may have contributed to that process. I wish Beanie wasn’t the representative of my entire demographic, but until more fat, queer women like me are hired, I have no choice but to be invested in the public response-a public I know from personal experience to be uncomfortable with (and often hostile towards) fatness.

[@chocolatesouljah]

18:06 - sports metaphor makes sense because one is referenced in "Don't Rain on My Parade."

[@LPM12]

I've seen Julie in the role (stunning), I've seen Beanie in the role (fine), but I have been waiting to see Lea as Fanny for years, and I do not think she will disappoint.

[@jnewmark41]

LEA will save the show!!!!

[@juliefolke2028]

You are right about Julie. Saw her last month and I was enchanted. She was amazing.

[@abbyrockchick]

exactly!

[@CWazBroadwayBandGeek]

We could’ve had a Crazy Ex-Girlfriend reunion with Rachel Bloom as Fanny, and I feel robbed of that joy.

[@bigred8432]

She couldn’t sing it either

[@cindiverbelun1802]

Congratulations! Mickey you're smart! And I saw this - all I can say is - WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG???

[@riverebec1]

I'll say it again: I'm more intrigued and entertained by this kid's insights and analysis of the shows rather than the shows themselves.

[@heatherhunter4806]

I live in NYC (fellow theater fan!) And was very patiently waiting for your video which I expected today, I can't believe you got it out last night!! 💀

[@Mirror1973]

Funny Girl is seared on everyone’s cerebrum! Any revival regardless of who gets cast, will suffer from comparison, and to one that is just impossible to avoid. Barbra is a once in millennia phenomenon

[@halldon664]

Exactly. A moment in time that cannot be repeated.

[@kdee15]

It's just a shame that the original creative team didn't cast someone who more closely mirrored Fanny, then we wouldn't have this problem. At the same time, though, would Funny Girl have become as well known without Barbara essentially playing herself 🤷🏻‍♀

[@dmnemaine]

@@kdee15 If they had, "Funny Girl" very likely wouldn't have been more than a minor hit at best. Barbra was the reason the show was the smash hit that it was in 1964.

[@marcevan1141]

Absolutely. They should just leave it alone. Anyone who wants to see "Funny Girl " should watch the movie.

[@kaitlynrobb9457]

"Don't at me it was self care" I'm howling 😂

[@seopark7467]

as a chubbier girl and big theatre fan, beanie feldstein's casting gave me so much hope about broadway's future. I delighted in being able to see myself as a romantic lead, something I couldn't even dream of growing up. The conditions seem complicated and beanie leaving the role may have been a justifiable choice, but all I know is that I am disappointed by the turn of events.

[@paulamusik2509]

Same! I was very happy when she was cast also because she has such strong comedy skills and it is FUNNY girl. But to see how this all turns out is just sad. I was hoping this would be a good step in the right direction for Broadway.

[@overlydramaticpanda]

@@paulamusik2509 I think it honestly could have marked a step in the right direction were it not for the End Times that were the last two years. If the revival had opened a few years ago pre-pandemic or even a few years from now when Broadway is fully back on its feet, I don't think all this drama would have necessarily happened - or at least it wouldn't have happened in the iffy manner that it has. I can't help feeling that Broadway closing for as long as it did has made people, both audiences and creatives, a *lot* less willing to take risks on things because they basically need to get audience numbers back up and start making back the money that was lost while everything was shut. Everyone wants to play it safe because with "safe" people know what they're getting and they will be more willing to spend money on it. Money has always been behind a vast majority of decisions in the theatre but now it really is *the* deciding factor. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the less-than-nice reviews coupled with the lack of Tony nominations and acknowledgement during the awards gave the production team very cold feet about going the "non-traditional" route with the casting so that they only option they could see open to them were to fire Beanie Feldstein and look to a kind of completely rebranded reopening of the show with Lea Michele. All this is pure unabashed speculation on my part, but as I said I honestly wouldn't be at all surprised if it comes out this is what happened.

[@therealameliabedelia7821]

As a chubbier actress, I’d like to have seen a fuller figured performer who could sing the role like Streisand and hold her own comedically. That performer is most definitely out there. I have a big problem with the either or-ness of this whole debacle. You can have incredible acting chops and sing like Streisand and be plus size. It seems to me, what should have been dropped and what Broadway needs to get away from is the obsessive need of a star name above the marquee.

[@benrom916]

Although not theater actresses but Queen Latifah and Monique starred as the lead in rom coms like ten or more years ago.

[@eleanorcusick9381]

Beanie's weight was far from the main problem for Funny Girl. It was her singing voice which is far from adequate for the score.

[@atdomb]

I love your videos. You're so articulate and insightful. Keep up the great work! I have just returned from a NYC trip where I saw 4 shows (including Paradise Square

[@steph_stargirl]

The pessimist in me makes me think that this was in the plans anyway that she was always going to be on the back burner in case it went down. Wonder if Beanie is angry as this was all planned behind her back once the reviews said she was no Barbara. There will never be a funny girl revival that succeeds if people can’t move away from pigeon holing the role. I can’t think of another role that this is done to x

[@elizabeth5985]

I SAW BEANIE IN FUNNY GIRL. I am an experienced comedic actress and ALWAYS give actors a generous benefit of the doubt and I want to tell you some important things: 1. She sang off-key 2. She wasn't that funny, so no, we can't say "well at least she's funny." 3. She doesn't have the stage presence to carry a show....YET. Give her ten years. Right now, no. 3A. She's not that charming. You're not really rooting for her. She doesn't pull you in. See no stage presence. 4. Ramin, my boyfriend (that part might be a lie) had nearly every scene with her and he was stilted and awkward. WHAT? Phantom? Jean Valjean? The most charming, handsomest sings like an angel leading man on Broadway, playing a role he was born to play? Draw your own conclusions. I've drawn mine: he doesn't like her. There's been no mention of his leaving, has there? Final point: I don't care for Lea Michele particularly, but if a musical has a score, the actors should be able to SING IT. Not sing it "like" the prior actors who've played the role, just SING IT. At least she can sing it, on key. But you're right, I have no idea if she can do schtick. I have my doubts. You know who should've done this part from the beginning? Guess! I'll comment when I remember her name 😳 Edited to add: I am a "big girl", for sure, so I do not have fat phobia. Beanie is tiny to me, since I'm 5'11" tall. I could fit Beanie in my pocket. She does not have STAGE PRESENCE to be a leading lady and carry a show, and all the other things I listed above. The sad part is this was NOT A SURPRISE to the people who hired her, so they set her up to fail in my opinion, and that is not fair to her. Edited AGAIN to say: Bonnie Milligan! She has the stage presence, the voice, the comedy chops, the schtick, the charm, she would be AMAZING in this part. She was on a live interview show and I got a question in as to whether she'd auditioned, and she said "No, because I'm not Jewish," to which the host replied, "Is Jane Lynch Jewish??" I want to start a movement to get Bonnie Milligan to at least be the stand by. Because she is all those things AND a big girl! Edit again again to say: I just saw the bootleg of her last curtain call, and I take back what I said about maybe Ramin not liking her. He was so kind and gracious to her (but isn't he always? [swoon] ok ok anyway), was kissing her forehead, making her take encore bows, and several women in the cast were crying at her departure. So....I'm sticking with she was not ready to lead a massive show: she didn't have the stage presence or the vocal chops, but I am still very sorry that she was dragged so hard through the press and social media. NOBODY deserves that (and I never said she did). I STILL feel the producers KNEW she wasn't ready to lead a show, and so they set her up to fail and shame on them (see above where I said that weeks ago). She was really crying at curtain call and they did not appear to be happy tears at what a lovely run she had...they appear to be sad tears at what a terrible experience this was. You'll show them Beanie!!! You will get a Tony within the next five years I GUARANTEE IT! You can hold me to it I've put it in writing!

[@danielqcallahan]

Great analysis and summary of the entire situation. I have a feeling there was a lot of drama going on behind these changes, but it may be awhile before any of that comes out. I’d love to hear your take on the less hyped, but maybe crazier situation going on at “Paradise Square.” For those that thought the ALW “Cinderella” closing was a mess, “Paradise Square” just said, “hold our beers.”

[@ZamTx1]

Who ever would have thought that a Drabinsky show would have run into the troubles it has? Saw PS at the end of April. Many excellent performances of material that doesn't deserve it. PS wanted to do and be about too much at the same time. Apart from the Drabinsky factor, I'm surprised it's run as long as it has.

[@lexiewall2073]

What’s going on at Paradise Square?

[@debbierich4508]

I saw Julie Benko last month. She was fantastic! She can belt out the songs and do the comedy. The main reason I went was to see Ramin Karimloo. He is such a fantastic singer and was great in the show.

[@nekusakura6748]

Hopefully she gets to be a Leading Lady outside of Understudy Duties one day. If another production of The Little Mermaid was ever done on Broadway again, she'd be a Terrific Ariel in my opinion.

[@kchrules775]

People don’t want Funny Girl “The Musical,” they want Funny Girl in concert with someone who can sing like or be a carbon copy of Barbra. No one will ever sing the role as good as her. Barbra HERSELF only sang half of Don’t Rain on my Parade on matinee performances to preserve her voice (cutting straight to the end after Mr Arnstein here I come). The score is unreasonably demanding. If belting/screaming the notes is all that matters to the general public, people either don’t get it, or the show isn’t good to begin with and shouldn’t have been revived. It’s called “Funny” Girl after all, not “Belt This Unreal Note 6+ Times” Girl.

[@brmnyc]

The problem is that Lea Michele actually believes she can sing like Barbra. Delusion is a sad thing.

[@jonsouth4987]

I think the bad reception to Beanie's starring role in "Funny Girl" might have been buffered a little if her parents were not financial investors in the production. Beanie did not win the role, it was given to her, and she was ridiculously miscast. Both the roles of Fanny & her Brooklyn mammeleh were the only two parts in the show that did not have open auditions. Jane Lynch was an even more outrageous casting error. Pride goeth before a fall.

[@DylanRomanov]

I don’t care what anyone says she was terrible in the role I think she’s talented but Lea will be so much better

[@JnTmarie]

I tried to like it…. Just couldn’t Like the quote. So true. Excited to go back and love the vocals. Leah will deliver vocally and Jane was miscast

[@DylanRomanov]

I think she’s talented she did amazing as Monica Lewinsky but this role wasn’t it plus nepotism is so annoying to me

[@JnTmarie]

@Molly Pop it was mentioned in mainstream sources a long time ago. Funny Girl’ Producers Not “Blindsided” By Beanie Feldstein Early Departure Announcement By Greg Evans Greg Evans Associate Editor/Broadway Critic @GregEvans5 More Stories By Greg Paul Coker Jr. Dies: Designer Of Rankin/Bass Classic Holiday Characters & Longtime Mad Magazine Illustrator Was 93 ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Won’t Return To Broadway: Aaron Sorkin Blames Scott Rudin - Report Mary Alice Dies: ‘A Different World’ & ‘Matrix Revolutions’ Actor Won Tony Award For ‘Fences’ VIEW ALL July 14, 2022 6:48am

[@jonsouth4987]

@Molly Pop Amoung the financial backers of the 'Funny Girl

[@zackevans1103]

Tbh, I think Lea is an amazing singer. But even better comedic actress. Underrated. I don't worry about her not being able to pull off the comedic part of the performance.

[@musikeradaw]

She’s funny? 😂

[@zackevans1103]

@@musikeradaw I said she is a great comedic actress. Look at her work on Scream Queens. Her physical comedy acting in Glee was also great.

[@musikeradaw]

@@zackevans1103hmm she wasn’t really funny on scream queens 🤷🏻‍♀️ as performer, Emma Robert’s, Abigail Breslin and Billie Lourde and even Arianna grande and Keke Palmer were the funny characters, Michelle was her old overacting glee-like self

[@seaskiguy]

See - here is the problem with Broadway; Lea is an obvious commercial choice, but not necessarily the best woman for the role. Broadway can be amazing, but I care less about it now and keep my eyes on regional theatre and off Broadway where casting the right people and creating the best art is a little more important than this game.

[@michaeljanelle1780]

The "problem" with Broadway is that Broadway is a business. Big Business! While a casting choice may not be the "best" for the role, it's likely seen as "best for the show" and the bottom line. Thus you have more "commercial" choices. Which augments the need for regional theater and touring companies to nurture new talent to hopefully become that elusive unicorn of best for the role AND show. This differs from our brothers and sisters across the pond where theater is at least partially subsidized by the government. This is why we tend to get more innovative and new talent from there.

[@alicetulllyhall1]

The Great White Way should be called The Great Walt Disney Way"! Times Square is just Disney World North as far as I'm concerned. I am a "New Yawker" and stand by my comments!

[@nasinevanrensburg9823]

You realize that regional theatre and off Broadway also do need to make money to survive? Especially after a pandemic.. yhea they may be more experimental but don't kid yourself in thinking that they don't also make choices based on the bank 😊

[@jlasf]

@@michaeljanelle1780 Show business is aptly named. It's a "business" and having a name in the lead is nothing new - most obviously right now with Hugh Jackman in "Music Man." He's the draw that commands $800 a ticket. At the end of the day, the actors/crew don't have jobs if the audience isn't there.

[@seaskiguy]

@@nasinevanrensburg9823 As a producer who has self-produced two shows and lost everything over, I am very well aware (more than most I would say) of the choices you have to make between art and commercial viability. That has nothing to do with my personal frustration.

[@rabbitxx4uk]

Thanks!

[@maryk3458]

Your earlier review that Beanie didn't really "command" the stage was a great insight. Lea will own it. Tovah is the perfect actress for the mom rather than a 6 foot tall Irish Catholic blonde.

[@jacquelinecallejas1390]

I still get a chuckle out of the beginning where he says there is "writing on the wall" and by wall he meant "the McKinley High School lockers."

[@davidpowell1789]

I’d love to see Rachel Bloom split the role with Julie Benko and the standby. This way, one actress doesn’t have to carry the responsibility. Great job getting this out so quickly!

[@PepsiMaxiPad]

Wooow when I heard the news yesterday I was hoping to get a video from you explaining this soon but I never expected to get it as soon as the next day. Thank you, great work! ❤

[@LisaMantchev]

I saw this news hit the line and you were the first person I thought of!

[@leticiapassos393]

Lea Michelle getting this role is just proof that in the business you can be a horrible person, have a history of racism be a jerk to your costars and STILL get the job if it means some people can make a buck. THAT'S what pisses me off. I'm sure Broadway is filled with just as talented actresses who are not a nightmare.

[@melissamcdonald297]

I agree, also her voice is good but there are a lot of women in the industry who are just as competent if not better

[@ambriaashley3383]

Seriously. Some people (esp rich famous white people) just always, always get a pass. I’m sick of it.

[@deserttrekkie]

This is the comment I was looking for

[@ilovemickyandhelove1]

Chris brown beat up Rihanna and got a pass, if he can get a pass so can lea Michelle.

[@ilovemickyandhelove1]

@@ambriaashley3383 if Chris brown can get a pass so can lea Michelle.

[@shanepetyko8004]

You know Lea Michelle was very funny in scream queens and worked with tons of a listers on that show with no complaints so it could be great

[@accountforwastingtime]

As soon as I saw the announcement I was excited about your reaction! Talk about delivering! Thank you!

[@nancydecristofano7127]

The minute I found out Beanie was cast I knew it wasn’t going to make it. Such poor casting. I do think Beanie overestimated her ability. I look forward to seeing Lea in December. I’m going to be kind and hope she will be easy to work with now that she’s more mature. Also her Spring Awakening performance was and still is phenomenal.

[@mooveeluver]

I remember when the Tonys had all the awards and speeches, had scenes from all the nominated musicals and plays, everything was live, and they finished on time.

[@phillgreenland2390]

It’s been interesting to be here in New York watching this all happen. Word from the theater community has been less than favorable. And really, she’s not gonna be performing the role of Fanny Brice. She is going to be performing the role of Barbra Streisand.

[@funnygirl3351]

And that my friend is the problem.

[@maryluke8611]

Unfortunately that is what a significant percentage of Americans who would see this show want. Although the composition by Jule Styne is intricate and sophisticated the book is squarely middle brow. Frankly people here in the States mostly don't get the British subtle and wacky comedy style. They want the belting and the romance. The critics would like a more sophisticated approach and I am surprised they were so hard on the show.

[@melissamcdonald297]

It wasn't the smartest decision for a failing show IMO.

[@phillgreenland2390]

@@melissamcdonald297 I can see the tone of the show and obviously the lead performance being adjusted easily enough, but I don’t see any way they are going to be able to save it from seeming cheap. The scene design bothered me and the smaller orchestra sounded really thin. Only fourteen - just a few instruments in each section and two keyboards.

[@missvanjie4097]

That Merrily We Roll Along movie is the only filmed piece of media as cursed as Glee is.

[@blackbennybouvierdesmond1042]

Whenever someone brings up "creative differences" I always think of "He saw himself as alive, and I saw him dead"...

[@alyxandralin6964]

I think Julie Benko taking the performances for August is because Lea has six concert performance from July 20 to August 17. You can google the information for concert tickets. That means that after she finishes her concert tour she got three weeks to rehearsal for Funny Girl.

[@mollycarlson6012]

Thank you for your timely response for your fans waiting with bated breath!

[@Frx0289]

Now I want a merrily we roll along video!!! Also I was thinking 100% the exact same thing Jane lynch heard about lea michelle and said hell no

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

this comment aged badly

[@ikexbankai]

My problem was her voice. You need to be able to SING to star in FUNNY GIRL. It’s a singing role.

[@jenniferlapidus2229]

Also liked your shout out to “Joseph…” at the beginning! Another solid, entertaining job, thx!

[@thanksglizzy2.050]

Lea doesn't deserve the role even after the stuff she has been exposed,there are more talented people to choose from. Praying for the cast on how she is going to behave,I honestly can't wait to hear about how she behaves backstage and how she will treat them.

[@kgal1298]

Deserve it? No, but let's be honest if they want to fix the press around it and get a sold out show this was the easiest way to do it. What other name would attract people quite like someone who just had controversy and still does? Hell she was trending on social media and based on the Broadway base her controversy is not going to stop people who like Broadway from seeing it because they'll want to see how she does.

[@iapsr]

You speak as if you were the closest person to her 😂 Also, in terms of the role, yes she deserves it, and we all know it, you just don't want to admit it because you speak through the wound 💀

[@kierstenanderson7324]

I was refreshing KZbin every hour to see if you posted about this yet. Thank you for pushing out this video!

[@jennaluff5368]

Julie is not just better vocally, she’s a tremendous actress and delivers a fabulous funny, and heartfelt performance.

[@susieb8661]

I have not seen Julie in the role but heard about it and glad that it's given her some notice - perhaps when Lea Michele leaves she'll take over at that point if Julie is still being given certain days to play the part. Sutton Foster started as the under study in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and when the star left (or was fired) she took over and off went her career.

[@nicolettejackson2708]

Thanks

[@lilybee809]

This is first and foremost a musical, not a play, so vocal performance is crucial, especially for the way this musical’s songs were intended to be sung. I am totally biased toward Lea bc I adore Glee in spite of all its faults. It’s a full circle moment for me to see her perform this role in real life.

[@michaelaltamirano2046]

I love that you already have a video about this up. I STAN!

[@robwilliamson5082]

Tova will be phenomenal! I wish Julie got the role, but business is business. I’m interested to see how Lea does, but I don’t care for her getting the role.

[@rebellest]

Yes Mickey Jo! 👏🏻👏🏻 we love to see the non stop work, you are an icon. I would love to see Tovah, I don’t particularly care or like Lea, but it will probably sell well with her attached, and honestly I just hope Julie Benko gets more opportunity through this, because she deserves it.

[@Janey581]

I am so here for Lea as Fanny!! As far as the performance side of things go she for sure has the vocal abilities to move an audience each night and as far as the comedy aspect goes, she is so funny in glee and really nails her comedic timing and delivery!

[@heresqueenie]

I really hope she has matured and is no longer a bully. She's had toxic behavior even as a child well until her late 20s. Can a person change yes perhaps but overnight no. She needs to be a Saint at this point otherwise what message are they sending with this casting.