how is Lea Michele in FUNNY GIRL? | Broadway review roundup + word of mouth analysis

[@thomasmurphy83]

I was stunned at how much I enjoyed her. The comedic moments were sweet and sincere, silly and got hysterical laughter. She was playing with the conductor and ad libbing so naturally, it was honestly shocking! I also noted her engagement with the ensemble- she connected clearly with them all. She was in excellent voice (saw her the 7th of Sept). Enjoyed seeing more poc representation from the ensemble and really was taken by her whole presence. It was shockingly good. Truly shocking (in the best way). The night I went she got 4 standing o’s through the show. Two for DROMP. Believed every word she said and performed. I hope to everything that she’s evolved as a human. I assume such a honest and vulnerable performance had to be because of her personal growth and openness. Her energy seemed to completely take over the theatre and stage. This is not a reflection of how I feel about her personally- I don’t know her and I honor that she’s had big issues with performers and people. Let’s hope these things have been addressed and worked through.

[@thomasmurphy83]

I keep using shocking, but that’s how it all felt. 😂

[@thomasmurphy83]

@@blessedANDunimpressed such is the beast of live theatre! One night to the next can really be something different (I used to perform for 20 years- audience response is never the same).

[@ToySoldiers]

@@blessedANDunimpressed LOL, you're the only person I've heard with that opinion. Then again, who even knows if you actually went or you just dislike her to the point of leaving comments like these?

[@joegotham27]

Same, I was unprepared for what an amazing performance it was all around, absolutely brilliant

[@thomasmurphy83]

@@joegotham27 glad you enjoyed!

[@Hunter-cd5wj]

From someone who saw both Beanie and Lea, Lea completely blows Beanie out of the water. I knew she could sing but was pliantly surprised at how well she acted. I've also never been to a show (let alone a Tuesday night) where there are 6 standing ovations during the show. Financial genius by producers

[@kgal1298]

I bet they’re thrilled she got ticket sales up, but it was always funny to me people thought she’d fail and I think that’s people who literally never saw her so any of the Spring Awakening performances.

[@ToySoldiers]

@@kgal1298 Confirmation bias mostly. People wanted to bad to think she was a terrible singer and actress.

[@Leamichellefan2244]

I can even tell the vast vast difference between lea and feldstine in the youtube clips, its like night and day.

[@Leamichellefan2244]

@@ToySoldiers thank heaven that didn’t wok all tho I’m sad to say that there are still people trying as hard as they can to push that rubbish.

[@balesjo]

@@ToySoldiers Personally, I admit my opinion of her had been colored by her character in Glee who came across as a Diva before she was a star. That was my mistake. Since she was named as Beanie's replacement, I've gone back and watched some of her concert performances and later the videos from Funny Girl. Both concert and Broadway stages, she looks like she really enjoys what she does. She appears to have great rapport with other actors and with the public. As Fanny, she excels. Her voice soars, she's funny, she conveys a wide range of emotions which are incredible to watch, particularly in the finale. Funny Girl is one of my favorite musicals and I now find myself rooting for her success.

[@jeffreywaldgeir9230]

So I also was lucky enough to see both Lea and Bernie in this role. I am also not really a Glee fan either so no particular bias there. But when Jamie Lee Curtis said she is a REVELATION in this role - she isnt' lying...I have seen almost every major broadway and west end performances over past 25 years. Her performance in this role is easily in top 5 of performances I have seen. The acting is phenomenal as well and the Lea version along with Tovah Feldhuh makes everybody else seem to up their game. I mean Jane Lynch is nice but a character designed to be a old Jewish yenta she isnt. Just such a difference between the 2 versions - after the Lea version I felt like I had never even seen Funny Girl before (even though had seen Bernie version a few months earlier - the difference in quality was that large)

[@chocolatesouljah]

I believe it's possible if this show had the luxury of old-school out-of-town tryouts the reviews and social media might have led to Beanie's replacement before coming to Broadway. Sorta like how this unknown named Sutton Foster stepped in for Erin Dilly in "Modern Milly" for its Broadway opening.

[@christophersmith3341]

I doubt it. Look at the London edition. Michael Mayer didn't want a booming Streisand voice, and he clearly didn't want Michele (whom he knew and could easily have contacted/recruited). He had an entirely different vision. I wonder how much input he had into the recasting, or if the producers simply put their foot down and said, "We tried it your way long enough. We want a profit. We're doing this."

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@christophersmith3341 yes of course anything is possible. But what I suggest is that sometimes that confidence such as the director’s is reshaped by audience reaction and reviews and out-of-town trial might’ve provided. For example, I saw the out-of-town San Francisco tryout of wicked. Fiero‘s number had become the gossip of all this local theater kids. It was called which “way is the party.” By the time I got to New York it was replaced with a much better dancing through life. There were also a couple of reprises of the “wizards and I“ disappeared by New York opening. Yes I hear what you’re saying about the Director and it makes sense and everything I’m suggesting is all fantasy, but for years it’s been known that the out of town tryouts which had become so unaffordable for so many shows can be a missing link to making that show work better. As I suggested with Sutton Foster and Millie.

[@christophersmith3341]

@@chocolatesouljah Part of what makes me think this is that the show was, in many ways, simply a London transfer (not that revisions never happen when shows cross the pond!). But I do agree that a more traditional out-of-town tryout might have changed some things, and who knows, maybe in fact would have changed the casting of the lead.

[@mylifeontheElist]

@@christophersmith3341 but even if they didn’t want a big booming Barbra voice, they could have still gotten a better singer. I’ve heard recording of beanie singing the music that makes me dance and its very tamped down, but she still sounds like a mediocre high school performer. There’s definitely a middle ground between not Barbara and not ready for Broadway

[@christophersmith3341]

@@mylifeontheElist Agreed, but, again, considering the London production, I think Mayer was clearly taking the appraach that a revival should not be about the voice but about the comedy. One can argue the disastrousness of this choice, of course. Funny Girl was never really funny, and is literally ALL about the score, which needs a strong voice to do it justice. But Mayer seems to have wanted something very specific, and I don't get any sense he was ever disappointed with what Beanie gave him. I think the producers were disappointed (to put it mildly) with the reviews and in panic mode over horrible word-of-mouth, but that's a different thing.

[@RachelMay1989]

The theme of this week is "Mickey Jo's most popular video topics come back with a vengeance".

[@kallen868]

😂 I just watched Bad Cinderella!

[@deiamartiny1]

I saw Beanie, Julie Benko and now Lea Michele and I can tell you she is fantastic. I’ve never watched Glee, I wasn’t familiar with Lea before everything that happened to Funny Girl. I wasn’t expecting to like her. But I do. Not only her singing is brilliant but her acting is spot on. She also has amazing chemistry with Ramin and their duets are the most beautiful thing you will ever hear. And I don’t think the cast resents her at all, they have their jobs and the show is finally getting what it deserves. By the way, no video/bootleg makes justice to seeing/hearing her live.

[@Filayevna]

I could not agree with this comment more if I had written it myself! I only had the pleasure of seeing one Fanny Brice, though I heard from several friends that Julie was excellent. I'm sure she was, after all, she's also a Spring Awakening alum. I saw Lea's 8PM show on Saturday, October 8th, and I can say without any hyperbole that she was magnificent! She was born for the stage and meant to play this role. I don't say that just because she has phenomenal technique and can belt with the very best of them. I adored her in the vulnerable moments, in her quiet introspection, and yes, even in her campy comedy bits! She isn't Barbra. She doesn't try to be Barbra. She is Lea. I was seated next to a long time goer and lover of the theater who told me she actually had seen the original production with Babs and that she was very excited to witness for herself if the young lady who would soon take the stage, and I do mean "take the stage" would be this generation's Fanny. She was impressed with "Who are you now?" at the top of the show, but by intermission, she was a fully-fledged, card-carrying convert and member of the Lea Fanclub. Also in the audience that evening, Lea's best friend and probably her number one fan, The Jonathan Groff! It was a fabulous production and show all around! The cast were all excellent and I don't see the acting as over done so much as I see it in the style of a musical from the 20's would have been at the time of the famous Ziegfeld Follies and reviews. Tovah Feldshuh was exactly what you would imagine Fanny's Mama, a delightfully witty saloon owner would be. Jared Grimes is a star! Plain and simple. Ramin Karimloo, I mean, you can't conceive of a more debonair, charming, velvety voiced Nicky Arnstein, and yes, their chemistry is explosive. Even my husband, who is not a big musical theater fan (he liked Hamilton, Into the Woods, and Book of Mormon, but little else) truly enjoyed it and felt along with me that we were seeing an incredible star turn and if felt significant. Just for reference, I am not a Gleek. I am a Guilty One. If you can make it to NY and get tickets, go! It's worth every penny!

[@michaela3910]

I have an unpopular opinion on bootlegs - I get it's wrong and I don't necessarily condone it. HOWEVER - theatre, especially Broadway, is extremely inaccessible for the masses because of the price of tickets. If broadway shows would lower their prices so that more people could see their shows, perhaps less people would bootleg lol

[@callalily3994]

I'd assume that the vast majority of people watching bootlegs don't live near NYC -- ticket prices wouldn't have much effect on whether or not they could see the show.

[@Makeji]

It would cost me $1500 to travel to NYC and stay for 2 nights - that doesn't include tickets. I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income, so I love the boots. So long as the show is making money and everyone is getting paid, I'm fine with boots. What I don't like to see are boots of concerts where the artists depend on the fees to earn a living.

[@jlasf]

Somehow there are bootlegs for old shows, as well. Bits of the original "Funny Girl" with Streisand, "Mama" with Angela Lansbury, and many others. Just dig through KZbin.

[@Makeji]

@@jlasf KZbin really is a treasure trove, isn't it? I suppose a lot of it has to do with how concerned the producers are about the loss of revenue. I've seen some of the boots from the original FG. I think what happened with Julie Benko's audio boots was they were still trying to promote Beanie and Julie made her look bad. I saw one video boot of Julie here - the finale DROMP. This is likely considered good promo because Julie is doing the Thursday show.

[@AK-ms2qc]

i dont think this is unpopular at all! inaccessibility in theatre is a GIGANTIC issue and bootlegs totally neutralize that. i think so many people view theatre as this really transformative art form and agent of change but there's no way for it to truly be those things if the demographic who is able to interact with it is so limited (and so privileged, usually)

[@billy852]

I saw Beanie on her 3rd night. I never spoke of it because I just did not like the show. The scenery was not great. The music seemed to overpower Beanie. It was not the revival I hoped for. I saw Lea last weekend. Lea is breathtaking. She is funny . She provides the power to make us all love Fanny. The show is still awkward....but Lea transcends it. I loved her.

[@sheilakuehl871]

My adult daughter Dr.Kuehl & I just saw Lea Michelle in Funny Girl Sat.matinee yesterday.let me1st state I’ve seen many theatrical musical productions. This was a special gift to me from my daughter as I’m now in my Stage 5 Renal Kidney failure, so making the trip from New Hampshire was challenging and exhausting w all my equipment & the cost involved. Well,l state emphatically, wholeheartedly is was well worth the journey to see Lea Michelle as Fanny Brice, she was truly phenomenal. We could not take our eyes nor ears off of Lea, she completely commanded the stage,this role! I feel guilty saying this as I was a true believer Barbra Streisand is simply the best. But both my daughter and I agree Lea was much better! Funny Girl a truly an amazing experience. Love to Lea, best wishes! 👏🥰🙋🏼

[@Charles-nj2ef]

Accountability? In the court of public opinion, in what form exactly should Lea be held accountable for her past bad behavior? She was called out on her bad behavior, and rightly so. She has apologized, but it seems it is not groveling enough for people. She lost her Hello Fresh sponsorship. There is no doubt in my mind that she would have been casted as Fanny Brice originally had it not been for the controversy. She has been ridiculed incessantly on social media for supposedly not being able to read. People took glee in her not being casted in Funny Girl originally and gloated all over social media. She has now saved Funny Girl from closing. You can see in her interviews that she makes a point to always acknowledge the company. I choose to believe that she has learned and has changed. Everyone deserves another chance. However, the self-righteous people online are not as forgiving.

[@angelapatino9582]

Don't you think it's funny that the people who constantly call her out for past bullying/bad behavior are bullying her now? It makes no sense to me that we refuse to let people grow after a decade

[@Charles-nj2ef]

@@angelapatino9582 , very true. There is so much bullying going on online. People make judgment of others based on limited information, and are willing to call them names and insult them. I am not a Gleek, but I really felt bad for Lea due to the amount of harassment she was getting online.

[@joelevitt7731]

They always said Babs was kind of a diva behind the scenes, too.

[@MosterBecca]

I’m just back from seeing Lea tonight and she was spectacular. I saw Beanie back May and I didn’t think she did that bad but I remember thinking the whole play was so so long, but coming out of tonight’s performance I could’ve easily sat through a third act, it was that enjoyable, and that was all down to Lea. She had the comedy, the sincerity, and the musicality down to a tea. I agree with you that for her being the replacement was probably the best option for her career wise, and we all know that she can sing this really well but I wasn’t sure she’d be able to bring the comedy of Fanny Brice, but she really did. Bitch really brought it all, and I’m here for it, difficult as she may be.

[@ezequielavila]

I’ve seen the show with both, and Lea does an amazing job, transforming the show 100%… with Bennie I was always anxious thinking she was going to miss one of the big notes… but with Lea that feeling goes away and you can actually sit and relax. You can also notice that the cast doesn’t have to hold back to support Bennie, they actually seem to also let go, and give their very best. The star power from Lea elevates the whole production by matching the vocal talent of her co-stars. I knew she was going to be able to sing the part, but I wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to bring the comedy into it… but she delivers the the jokes successful.

[@jeffreywillstewart]

I suspect that her brilliance and determination raised the status quo on Glee as well. Look at how Santana and Britney evolved to be strong performers.

[@phantasma616]

the thing that gets me about the 'lea cant read' jokes is...okay what if she cant? what if she is dyslexic? why are we making fun of disabilities? there are lots of people who have issues reading. its really basic bullying .

[@carriew5106]

This is a point so many people over look, because "it's a joke". And it probably is about Lea. But it's not to a huge number of people. And a whole social media trend trashing someone for not being able to read will mean that the insecure kid who really can't feels worse than they did before. A bit of empathy wouldn't be hard!

[@Jaxbeth]

@@carriew5106, "And a whole social media trend trashing someone for not being able to read will mean that the insecure kid who really can't feels worse than they did before" - solid point.

[@erinmcneillie72]

Imagine if she was going around making fun of people because they can’t sing. Come on people this is ridiculous. How is not being able to read something to be made fun of? Wow this is a new low. Doesn’t matter if it is true or not. How do you think people that actually can’t read feel about these comments and don’t say they can’t read them anyway so it doesn’t matter. Are we going to make fun of blind people now because they can’t see the comments? Ridiculous.

[@tiactus]

it stemmed from learning that lea was an absolute nightmare to work with, and her racist behaviour on the set of Glee and etc. I think this was made in good faith , but literally nobody is making fun of disabilities or dyselxia when they said Lea can't read. They're calling her uneducated, because she is. She's not a good person.

[@RosieG9012]

@@tiactus saying that someone can’t read as an insult is still making fun of people with learning disabilities and dyslexia. It implies that not being able to read makes you stupid or a worse person somehow. Plus, using the insult “can’t read” to mean “uneducated” is also insulting to dyslexic/learning disabled people, so that’s a very poor defense. If people want to make fun of Lea for being racist and bad to work with, then they should make fun of her for that, not use insults that a actually just hurt dyslexic people and then say they “didn’t mean it that way.”

[@Ohimnotjoking]

I was giving a free ticket to go see funny girl with Lea and I wasn’t a fan or here’s or the show/movie and I have to say it was one of the best shows I’ve seen and it’s because of Lea. Her voice is angelic and her acting is amazing. I did think the set was hard to look at. A lot of space was wasted and they relied on things coming from the sky too much. I weirdly do understand what the one reviewer was talking about the cannon, that the point when the cannons went off I thought to myself this is taking a while to finish up and the scene didn’t really add anything to the show. I thought Lea did a good job acting out the young Fanny and emotional Fanny very well. Even in the funny parts I thought she was good (when she goes to nicks hotel and when she has to act silly in front of him). Over all a good show I would give it a 8.5 out of 10

[@spookyseasonsarah]

I had a few of the (very many) recordings of Lea's opening week come across my FYP. She sounds incredible, but not perfect... which is exactly what I was hoping for. It seems like she's able to balance singing through emotional moments very well. Coming in as a praised replacement (and not having Tonys controversy follow her around forever) was probably the best case scenario for her in this situation.

[@goatpie882]

Would you please share a recording? :)

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@goatpie882 I am not sure if I should chime in but here's a link to the finale with Lea Michele. The original ending of the show, not "My Man" which was added for the film version. It's a reprise of "Don't Rain on My Parade." kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5fRnH93at5krq8

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

There's no such thing as a "Perfect" voice. ( Unless it's auto-tuned)

[@mmf0317]

I saw Lea a few weeks ago and I got the impression (mostly from all the shrieks of pleasure when she so much as breathed) that a lot of the audience were Glee fans there to see her live her dream. I think ppl would’ve given her ovations even if the performance wasn’t good, simply bc of how meta the whole Lea, Rachel, Fanny situation has become. With that said, I loved the show and I loved her as Fanny. Music is always the most important to me for shows, so it was nice going in with the confidence that Barbara’s songs would be done justice. I can’t say that I had that same confidence when I saw Beanie.

[@12harrypotterfan34]

I saw Lea a couple of weekends ago and I got the same impression. The audience was very young compared to other Broadway shows I’ve been to, and it seemed like a lot of people were there to see Lea versus the show itself. I also thought Lea was terrific, and I enjoyed the show overall a lot. (I didn’t agree at all with the NYTimes review that ripped the show apart.) Lea did a great job making the role her own and capturing the emotional depth. I thought she gave a much stronger performance than when she played the role on Glee and essentially just imitated Streisand.

[@haris8853]

@@12harrypotterfan34 That was sort of the point in hiring Lea. They could have hired anyone else, there's rumours of them considering Lady Gaga, but they knew Lea would save the production and that people will definitely buy tickets just to see Lea live

[@veronicacpage922]

@@haris8853 Gaga would kill it. She’s brilliant from the core IMO and even without direction I’m SURE would just naturally come up with an effortless and funny performance. And now is reeeeeaally like to see LG’s take on Cornet Man!! Oh and this is totally moot but I’d hope if Gaga does get to take on the role that she uses her real name, Stefani Germanotta. There’s a quote by LG/SG I just read that fits her so well “I’m great under pressure,” she says. “I’m a warrior. I’m Rocky, round 12.” And I feel Fanny Brice, the real woman and not the caricature of her would agree with that quote too. She sings how she is “better on stage than at intermission” and I feel most true actors/performers/vocalists/artists know and feel this in their core.

[@BerryStraw15]

Lea's not lucky, Lea Michele is TALENTED. Get over it already smh

[@jacquelinecallejas1390]

The producers must be in heaven. They get ticket sales way up by casting Lea and the people who hate her can get tickets on Thursday so they win either way. I keep picturing swimming in a vault full of money like Scrooge McDuck.

[@jenm9099]

Lol at that mental image

[@greatcallisto7771]

okay I saw Funny Girl twice. once in late August with Julie Benko and then again just a week ago after Lea returned from her Covid absence. (I totally caved and bought tickets the second time around because I wanted to experience her performance for this legendary role and be able to tell people I saw Lea as Fanny Brice lmao) I'm a very uhhhh casual person so it would take a lot for me to hate a broadway show so my word is just my word, I would never be able to be a critic because I can be easily pleased but when it comes to my favorite musicals, I'm able to pinpoint details I'm happy with or wish could've been different, not necessarily better ANYWAY I'm rambling, but I saw this twice, only a month a part from each other with both Julie and Lea, so I remembered a lot of aspects from the first performance with Julie that I could compare to my performance with Lea. I definitely think Julie was a little more into the slapstick/comedy aspect of the role, because I definitely noticed more out loud laughing moments from the audience for Julie than with Lea. Granted, Lea did surprise me because, just like you, I had no idea how she would embrace a comedienne role, but she wasn't as awkward or as stiff as I was anticipating. She has a sense of humor and she was able to get a good amount of laughs. I noticed more moments and jokes received more boisterous laughter with clapping included when Julie did it, compared to Lea delivering the same exact line, which was more of a collective laugh that died down more quickly. Could've have been the differences in audiences, which were both matinee performances, but that's what I noticed. And, of course, each lady has their own way of interpreting Fanny which is the beauty of acting, so while Julie was a lot more over the top and sorta goofy with her deliveries, Lea didn't linger too long on a reaction or joke. I'm specifically thinking of the scene where Nick Arnstein first appears backstage after Fanny's first number at Keeney's--Julie reacted over the top, where she literally sank to the floor, mouth wide open, absolutely gobsmacked with how gorgeous he is and hamming up her reaction that made the audience laugh for a solid 10 seconds while Lea's Fanny only kinda fumbles a little bit and remains frozen for a couple seconds with a shocked expression, the audience only having laughed for maybe 3 to 4 seconds before the next line was said Julie is more Fanny like in that way, but it's not like Lea saps the comedy out of it so it was fine either way for me. For me, I think it's the stigma of knowing who Lea is and knowing the characters she known to play, while I went in having no prior exposure to Julie or any of her past roles. Julie was a fresh face and I was able to easily picture her as just "Fanny!" rather than Lea, who to me is "Lea Michele playing Fanny Brice" lol It's like how people say when they recognize a celebrity voicing an animated character, and they can't get invested in the story or the character because they know that it's THAT celebrity voicing them yknow? But that's just how I see things. Other people can get past stuff like that. Both ladies were fantastic and Im thrilled I had the ability to watch them both perform is such close proximity to each other that I was able to make this comparison. I feel like a loser but that's okay, who knows when Funny Girl will be back on broadway after this

[@brightshining]

👏 Amazing notes, thank you

[@valeriewimberly4568]

Is it POSSIBLE that the rumors of how AWFUL she was were taken to the nth level in some respects. There were quite a few people who were saying how nice she was on sets, bringing cookies, inviting people over for watch parties, etc. I'm not saying she wasn't a pain in the ass, but she most likely wasn't the MONSTER that people (some of the same who are jumping on her bandwagon now) made her out to be.

[@karlamoralesbarreto]

I have to agree some people may have exaggerated in some things cause how is it Jamie Lee Curtis who is so kind is supporting Lea if she was how ppl say she is so I think you’re right and it was most likely exaggerated even Becca Tobin who was her co star from seasons 4-6 of glee went so I think she’s kind and sometimes they forget she lost Corey in 2013 and grief affects people differently

[@tbam73]

@@karlamoralesbarreto so her comments to a Black actress was because she was in mourning? Sure.

[@tbam73]

I find it interesting that because she is doing well in the show all of a sudden her costars account if her behavior towards THEM was suddenly exaggerated. Two things can be true. She can be great in a roll and still have been awful to people. Geez, people amaze me

[@marthasullivan1966]

TOTALLY AGREE.Thanks for noting that. There was a lot of jealousy on the Glee set.

[@Leamichellefan2244]

It’s more than possible it’s more than likely what happened and I can say that’s a really big possibility for two reasons one they didn’t start complaining until after glee stopped, which is after the money stopped coming in into they’re just jealous.

[@m.w.6374]

Saw Lea Michele after she returned from covid and loved it! She was amazing! The audience applauded so much that it was sometimes hard to hear the best parts of the song.

[@samf9593]

i saw lea’s opening night (and posted one of the mega-viral b00tlegs on tik tok🤭), she was genuinely incredible, it was like being at a rock concert i’ve never experienced energy like that in my life

[@stevenwilson4324]

Got to see this show 2 weeks ago. As you say, it has always been a star vehicle and I believe Lea filled those shoes admirably with not only her amazing vocal chops, but great comedic timing and more than passable dancing. The supporting cast deserves props too, especially with the addition of the brilliant Tovah Feldshuh. Yes, the sets are a bit clunky and unappealing, but that's not really why we are here. As a middle-aged male GLEEK, I was beyond thrilled. And please don't mess with The Music That Makes Me Dance. It's one of the greatest torch songs ever.

[@elizabeth5985]

I repeat: you are SO WELL SPOKEN I love listening to you talk. We disagree here on one point, but it's a through-line point so it's important: I don't think the only successful actress had to sound like or act like Streisand. I think Fanny Brice herself would've been UNABLE to sing this score. So, step one, one needs an actress who can sing this score. Were the jokes in the script written for Streisand's brand of humor, or did she help form the lines during the rehearsal process? Maybe. I don't think the Fanny Brice in Funny Girl resembles the actual Fanny Brice, other than the shared stage presence, the ability to walk into a room and light it up....the character, as written, happens to resemble Streisand or actresses like her: big presence, comedic, "ethnic", and with a high belt. I saw Beanie, and she did NOT have the comedic timing, I'm sorry, nor did she have the stage presence, nor did she have the belt. And the producers knew that when they hired her and they set her up to fail and it was cruel, IMHO. I don't care for Lea Michele as a person (and it's only from what I've heard and people change so I discount my own opinion of her). The bootlegs I've heard? SHE HAS THE COMEDIC TIMING PERFECTLY. She belts like the best of them. The audience is eating out of her hand which tells me she has the stage presence. So it is NOT about Streisand; it is about stage presence, comedic timing, and being able to sing the score. All of which Lea can do. Please let's meet for tea so we can discuss.

[@juliusmaloney]

To be fair, Funny Girl historically was always elevated beyond its book by the performer in the role of Fanny. It’s never been (then or now) seen as an ensemble piece. The Streisand effect (star turn, not the other Streisand Effect) is that it was always her showcase matching some fantastic songs, it was never a “great” Broadway production. 🎩

[@kgal1298]

The thing is it’s not a great musical. It’s an okay story that as you said relies on its performers to elevate. Which is why Beanie was such an odd choice because you can’t just take the idea of Barbara out of your head.

[@marcuspd7502]

I don’t think the ensemble of Funny Girl has any animosity toward Lea. I think the opposite is true, because I think they’re just happy that they still have jobs.

[@ToySoldiers]

Could be - but those receiving the negative comments might feel resentful. Not that it's fair to her, but sometimes people can't help what they feel lol.

[@accountforwastingtime]

@@ToySoldiers ya, you can be thankful to have a job and secretly hate your coworker lol

[@tinnywitch]

I’ve not seen Lea or Beanie in Funny Girl unfortunately, but I did see Julie Benko and she was absolutely spectacular, I can confirm that

[@katburgess5926]

That opening had me rolling 🤣

[@tracygriffith4038]

I saw the show a week ago with Lea Michele and she is fantastic! I have never seen any glee episodes however and didn't know her past work. She clearly had matured into a great performer and has a great voice. Go see her if you can.

[@marthasullivan1966]

Great review, thank you.

[@erinhelen007]

I absolutely want them to add My Man to the Broadway show

[@thomasmurphy83]

Same. I wanted it, but it ran for almost 3 hours so I don’t think we could have sat for another number hehe

[@kallen868]

@@thomasmurphy83 I directed Funny Girl in the 90's the last performance my Fanny did a post curtain call "My Man" a Capella. Amazing moment. Just once!😉

[@haris8853]

I want them to but I agree with the video that the broadway show should stay the broadway show. But I might be biased because I absolutely love The Music That Makes Me Dance

[@David-le2kr]

Completely agree that Michelle does not deserve to have her career held hostage due to a few (not countless) episodes of being a demanding and humorless colleague. She has been an asshole with the unreasonable expectation that everyone must be almost as skilled and talented she is herself. Fine. I'd rather have a cocktail with Beanie Feldstein than Michelle, but I'd absolutely rather have Michelle onstage if I'm paying $300 to sit in the audience.

[@Max-my6rk]

1. Beanie is said her dad is one of investors of this FG revival.. that is why she got the role.. if this is true.. disgusting.. 2. If the first one is not correct.. how could she be cast? her understudy is way better than her... 3. I have listened to Beanie's recording on KZbin.. she sounds horrible.. she sang it way slower and barely any belting.. 4. sorry for the production.. but finally the show is alive again... Thanks Lea! I saw the show 3 days ago... mind blowing... 5. I need OST from current cast...

[@sophiegeek1]

I don't get to see many shows anymore, but I love theatre and I'm so glad I can live vicariously through you! Thanks for all you do. Love your content

[@jareddavidhirsh4948]

I have seen this production of Funny Girl now three time: once with Beanie in preview and on opening night, and Lea a few weeks ago. I was not a fan of Beanie’s performance to say the least. If anything I was crucified for my opinion of her performance(at the time). Most of these people were stating that I was “fat shaming” Beanie, which I was not. She just wasn’t right for the role of Fanny Brice. Now Lea Michelle is so right for the part and is great in it! I don’t believe that Lea Michell is a racist, but I’m sure she is a diva. Being a diva doesn’t make one a racist! I really wish that they would have kicked the set to the curb when then kicked Beanie to the curb! The costumes are not up to par in my opinion too. I know that originally they wanted to create a Funny Girl that differed from the Streisand spectacular,but that could never happen. Funny Girl will always be Streisand, no performer can change the fact that the original stage production was built on her personality and voice. They could have called the main character Fanny or Barbra, it wouldn’t made any difference. I think Jules Styne wrote 81 songs(most of which hit the cutting room floor). Barbra has stated that there were 41 endings to Funny Girl and on opening night it was fixed on number 41. To your point about the cast feeling upstaged by the great reviews Lea just received: perhaps for a day or two they will sting, but they want to be employed for as long as possible in a “hit” Broadway show. It always looks good on a resume to be in a hit and to have a paycheck.

[@jamesracioppi2574]

I'm not interested in Lea Michele's behavior. I'm interested in what she does as an artist. She belongs where she is.

[@ToySoldiers]

Lea and Ramin performing You Are Woman - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iorbaniLbs-GidE Delightful pairing. Doesn't surprise me that people are loving their chemistry.

[@CP-mb3sn]

This uploader's playlist has so many more songs added than last I looked. Even the tap number with the cannons that's getting the poor reviews, out of context it seems particularly questionable and was the moustache supposed to fall off?

[@Makeji]

@@CP-mb3sn I love every one of the videos and no, the moustache was not supposed to fall off. I think it may have been one of those weird things they kept in because it was funny.

[@Kristine_202]

I haven't seen her yet, but ask me in a couple hours. :) UPDATE: She was phenomenal!!! I've seen a lot of Broadway shows in my life and a lot of iconic performers (Idina Menzel, Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald) and Lea is up there with the best of the best. It's not just great singing, her acting was fantastic. I will admit that the show itself is "meh," but Lea saves it. If anyone has the chance to see it...Go! You will not regret it.

[@DianaSanchez-oi5kb]

I saw her yesterday on Broadway and she was amazing! Unparalleled voice

[@nebulacoffee]

With that comment about 50000 musical theatre girls trying to replicate her performance, a long-repressed memory of teenage me recording myself singing Don't Rain on My Parade using my laptop webcam and posting it to Facebook in 2010 floated back into my conscious mind. Thank you for that moment of cringe. 🙈 I still can hardly believe that she has this role in real life. She'll be quitting and heading to California for a TV show soon. 😆 Glee was the worst but some of the arrangements they did are still so fun. 🎶

[@jacquelinecallejas1390]

Remember when they did Rebecca Black's Friday as a sort of Regae thing? It was awesome.

[@seattlesusieq6945]

I saw Beanie and will be seeing Lea Michele in early December. Will look for this video and compare here.

[@dw5492]

I saw Lea on September 30th and she was wonderful. I was only willing to pay for a standing room ticket for $42.50 but I could see them all great. She was signing playbills before the show. The front of house staff were thankful for the buzz of Lea’s first month. I thought she delivered the comedic non-singing parts well. The Glee fans roared in applause mid song multiple times for multiple songs and it was hard to hear her sing.

[@maryellenmurraytozier3521]

I have seen both Beanie and Lea. I have to say I enjoyed both but Lea is truly amazing. Lea is by far the better singer, which we know, but I was amazed by her vulnerability and choices. I was second row for both and Lea’s performance was real and raw. Only Bernadette Peters in Gypsy was a more perfect performance of a revival.

[@AKMorehouse]

Saw FG back in June with Julie Benko and Jane Lynch . Julie was great…. Jane on the other hand was 😬. While there are shows I have plans to see before seeing Funny Girl again, I’m curious how the change of Tovah and Lea may improve the show (especially since I found Jane Lynch distractingly bad). As for the Tony’s Lea’s performance may have gotten her a nomination… but as someone who saw Joaquina Kalukango in Paradise Square back in May… Lea wouldn’t have won.

[@swatchdog9094]

What was wrong with Jane?

[@kallen868]

I love Jane! But she wouldn't be my first choice for Rosie Brice.

[@AKMorehouse]

@@swatchdog9094 in some parts it felt like she was over acting, and when she was singing it was monotone... and just not good.

[@selmajabr3514]

When did Lea get a Tony nomination?

[@mshalo1822]

I didn't see Jane, but she seems so miscast as a Jewish mother. Tovah was wonderful (it's a small role) and she and Lea had great chemistry, and were believable as mother and daughter.

[@JoseAntonioSanchezr]

I saw the show on Oct. 5. She was incredible. Amazing vocals, strong acting, good comedy skills. I laughed, got goosebumps, and even teared up a couple of times. She got at least three standing ovations, which is very rare for a broadway show, having attended around 10 in the last year.

[@aldpt40]

She's normally had many standing ovations in EVERY SHOW. She received 6 standing ovations on her 1st day of playing Funny Girl! :)

Commenting as an outsider who only saw bootleg clips... I think blows it out of the water both in comedic as in dramatic parts... Mostly because the funny parts she more authentic and the comedy comes from that, rather than paying up a shtick... Also, I've heard several people say that she's doing a Barbra impression... I would have to respectfully disagree... I think their voices and performing styles are simillar, but ultimately lea goes her own path (isaw someone point out that there's also a bit of Judy in her performance, which I kind of see)... Ultimately I'd have to say that I love her in this role...and ultimately, I'd say that I'm all up for giving her a second chance especially since there have been people who've done much much worse and got their redemption arc... Let's give her a chance and see how she goes...

[@vicg2652]

I agree with you that the show should be the show and the movie should be the movie. But she slays My Man so thoroughly that I don’t blame people for wanting to hear it.

[@ikexbankai]

You can tell she was BORN to play this role. Glee was basically one big Funny Girl audition

[@funnygirl3351]

People need to stop comparing Leah to Barbra. There is no comparison, Barbra Streisand is the GREATEST STAR.

[@balesjo]

Loved your definition of "The luckiest people in the world." BTW, I'd noticed the elephant in the background on another video. Really cute! Regarding Lea Michelle and 'Funny Girl'. I have to admit, her character in "Glee' had colored my perception as an actress. She was the driven student who wanted to be a Broadway actress and came across as a Diva before she was out of high school. But whether or not she was actually like that as a person, I don't know, but she's older and to me comes across much more mature. Watching the videos of her performances in "Funny Girl", I've become a fan of her as Fanny Brice. I'm sorry to say, Beanie really got a raw deal, being chosen to play Fannie when she didn't have the vocal chops for the role. She's a good actress, but she just wasn't the right one for the role of Fanny. And the reception by the public and reviewers in the early months suggests that producers had miscalculated with their changes to the musical that made Barbra Streisand a star. Enter Lea Michelle. She has the voice, she is funny, has great chemistry with Ramin Karimloo and the other actors, and has the star power to fill the seats while her voice rattles the rafters. And she is helping fill very expensive seats. I'm probably the rare gay man that admits that I like Lea Michelle as Fanny as much as I liked Barbra Streisand as Fanny. They're both actors that were meant for the role!

[@carriew5106]

I read the New York Times review and was really surprised at how positive it was about Lea whilst still casually trashing the show, and occasionally the audience. The few clips I've seen show the audience has no clue about when the musical number finishes so they are applauding mid song which I find as annoying as clapping mid-point in the tennis. They also said you could see Lea calculating when to pause and when to carry on, which I thought was particularly accurate from the videos I have seen. Maybe audiences in the theatre don't notice (as they are the cause) but pretty clear to those watching online. I kinda think that the cast and crew need a Fanny that keeps the show open. And it looks like Lea is that Fanny. Also I find it so weird how little coverage Ramin Karimloo gets. I have no clue if he is good, or just limited by the Arnstein role.

[@ToySoldiers]

I've seen a lot of Ramin mentions in various reviews! But ultimately this show focuses on Fanny, so it makes sense 90% of the review body will focus on her and just mention the other characters in passing.

[@louyou5667]

This video came at such a perfect time tonight. I really enjoyed it and listening to your comments. I hope you'll have a nice evening 🖤

[@kkay3784]

When are we going to stop judging artists on their personalities? People are complex and that is that! It has little to do with their god-given talents. I have no clue what it takes to achieve stardom. I don't imagine many people with passive personalities make it. As long as people don't behave like criminals, I am willing to accept that stars are as flawed as any of the rest of us.

[@paultoseland9524]

I've always found it interesting that it would seem that most of the comments came from her "co stars" in the last few seasons who no one remembers

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Sounds like typical Fandom Brain whining about why "We can't just consume media uncritically and separate the art from the artist" bullshit from fundamentally incurious people like y'all because you don't want to be reminded that not all artists are good people, and that their "god given talent" is not a shield to deflect criticism or people holding them accountable for their actions. Cowards have always used this brain dead way of thinking in order to shut out anyone that disagrees with them in the same way they treat critique as inherently "bad" solely because they've built their entire personality on liking a thing or person that when someone comes along and points out that it's not perfect, you have an embarrassing meltdown and cry over it because you've decided it's a reflection of yourself - and if someone finds the thing you like a big waste of time, then what does that say about the time _you_ wasted-- I mean, "spent", consuming it?

[@williamneely8662]

Why should Lea Michele prove that she can read? It is offensive to those who struggle with reading or do not have the ability. I actually don't think people need to address every inane insult and bullshit critique of them, because then you are just giving it credence and airtime.

[@sadlystuckinreality]

Lea singing My Man is one of my top Glee performances. I would love to see her perform it in the show.

[@johnrobcrosthwait]

“My Man” isn’t in the original stage production, only film.

[@CP-mb3sn]

Thanks for the summary. While it does seem that she behaved badly around some of her co-workers, the level of vitriol she received when the allegations came out seemed disproportionate to me. A former child actress growing up aware of their talent acting like kind of an asshole to their co-stars is unpleasant, but not wholey unexpected. I can't see it meriting the death threats and pile on she received. Seems she's treating her current co-stars well, Tovah Feldshuh is today coming for Jamie Lee's biggest supporter crown by describing herself as 'riding the wings of an angel called Lea Michele' 😆

[@AK-ms2qc]

it wasnt just behaving badly though she was racist to them lol

[@ToySoldiers]

@@AK-ms2qc Nah, she wasn't. Pasting my comment in another thread below... I would argue against the allegations pointing to her being racist. Several reasons why.. 1. Samantha did not hear the comment directly. She heard it from someone else during a period of time where they were snippy at each other. Who knows if it's even true or if it was accurate? And in any case, I don't think the comment is enough to label someone racist. 2. Samantha also said she wouldn't call Lea racist. Just someone who benefitted from a system that favors white people. 3. Amber also didn't say Lea was racist - she even said people just assumed that was the narrative because the person who came out to call her out was black and it was during the height of BLM. I think she was a bitch. But I also think that isn't enough reason to blacklist someone from the industry. She has the right to work in the field she is good at and people have the right NOT to pay money to support her, but that choice should be left entirely to the audience. Not people shaming other people who enjoy her talent, especially for something which in my view isn't as grave as other issues. By all accounts, she is lovely to the cast and crew she's with now. It's been years and she's been through a humbling experience. Tovah has nothing but nice things to say about her. "It's a complete team effort led by Lea Michele," says Feldshuh. "She is not only not a diva, she is so polite, so careful, so respectful and loving and not fancy. She doesn't walk the dog, if you know what I mean."

[@David-le2kr]

@@AK-ms2qc Allegations of racism are exaggerated. She was an abrupt, impatient asshole to a number of co-workers, including a black person. That doesn't make it racism, and in fact, calling it racism devalues real racism.

[@goatpie882]

@@David-le2kr THANK YOU!

[@jlasf]

@@ToySoldiers See my comments. I echo everything you said. I summarized, "She was an equal opportunity jerk." That's not being a racist. And she was much younger and the star of the hottest show in the country. It would go anyone's head.

[@GraceFay]

I think the problem with allowing people who have treated other actors badly back into the work space is, where do we draw the line? Do we keep allowing people who are disrespectful to their coworkers into a theater environment until they do something so severe that it has to be addressed legally? Or do we bench them for a time and give them the tools to change their attitude before they come back into an entertainment work environment. Hollywood and the entertainment industry allow a lot of people to do whatever they want, often at the expense of those working with them. We’ve gotten better about calling people out when they do things wrong, but when do we say “you’ve messed up too many times, you’re done”? Interesting to think about!

[@contentedspirit9022]

Lea didn't start out on tv or film. Lea Michele was on Broadway at age nine and had a great reputation in the theatre.

[@cherryblossom1501]

Loving the King and I “elephant in the room” 😄🐘

[@AntiSocialExtrovert323]

Have you seen Scream Queens? She's 1000% a character actress in that. The whole character is a ridiculous shtick from the get go. I was surprised but she was actually legit hilarious.

[@cyberlouis]

It's not people who need people--it's people who are excellent singers that are the luckiest people in the world. It was Streisand's voice that landed her the part (she was not an early favorite) and propelled her career. Barbra was never considered "likable." In fact, she was the victim of never ending negative press, as well as cheap pot shots taken by coworkers. Does all of this sound familiar? Almost 60 years later, Lea Michele lands the part, but was not the first choice, and she has former coworkers taking pot shots at her. The one thing pulling her through is that she is an excellent singer and to her favor, Streisand's legendary performance makes it necessary for Broadway's new Funny Girl to also have a powerful voice. No one expects another Streisand, but Broadway fans expects an accomplished singer. Beanie did not meet that expectation. Lea does. That the producers had to go after Lea after the negative reviews, dwindling grosses, rumors of nepotism and a major Tony snub, is no surprise. Producers are quick to swallow their pride when they are losing money. Ultimately, Broadway is about profits.

[@amycasey6443]

Mickey Love your passion and wide ranging knowledge of theatre. You should work in dramaturgy as your observations are so thoughtful and you have such a wonderful love of the stage. Thank you MickyJo, wish I lived in NYC just so I could give you a place to crash.❤

[@repboy1]

I think career wise , it definitely has worked more in her favor to come Into the role now., when the pressure of opening a show is gone.

[@claragoodwin5200]

I was thinking just this morning, “I hope Mickey Jo makes a video talking about Lea Michelle’s reception in Funny Girl.” You read my mind! 🤗👏🏻💕

[@jonathanseidel4459]

I did nor see Beanie Feldstein but my adult daughter and I saw Lea last night. She was phenomenal and made a somewhat average show into something quite special. Numerous standing ovations throughout the performance for her, a rare end of 1st act standing ovations, and everyone was discussing how special her performance was. Her acting was terrific and felt real as did her comedy. And at the final curtain she seemed to be very grateful to be there and received the love the audience offered her with grace. Her voice was perfect and powerful and probably one of the top two individual performances I have seen on Broadway (the other being Patti Lupone in Evita).

[@skidakid1228]

flew to nyc for 12 hours just to see this show 37/10 would do it again she was fantastic

[@kgal1298]

Hahaha I have less of a fly time and I’m seriously considering it 😂 but every time I go to NYC I spend so much money.

[@shawlarry]

Lea Michelle should open the London production which will give her the opportunity to win an award there. Lea Michele is wonderful in the role. She is funny and totally inhabits the role. The show is not a great production. Setting and lighting and the rest feel cheap and community theaterish most especially the staging of Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat in silver costumes instead of having them dressed as soldiers.

[@maurinet2291]

FYI NYC trip: My friend and I went to NYC in early February during Superbowl weekend and it was incredible. It was freezing, but hotels were less expensive, we got tickets to shows with no problem, and didn't have to wait in line for anything. We were a walk-in to Central Park's Boathouse for brunch and maybe waited five minutes! I'd look at less popular times of year to go.

[@rquick89]

I've now seen Beanie, Julie & Lea in the role on broadway (I know, too much...). I saw Lea on her second night during the Wednesday evening performance and the crowd went insane for her, although it did make it a bit more difficult to really assess how she was doing from a performance stand point. Overall, she was great! I honestly feel like she probably is a little bit better now that she has settled. She broke a glass during the show on accident, her and Ramin broke character and the audience was in stitches. I feel like from then on she was really loosened up and nailed the role in that particular performance. Julie to me has been the best Fanny that I've seen so far though. Don't get me wrong, Lea's voice is INSANELY good. But maybe its because Julie is the only one that I had no pre-conceived notion on prior to seeing the show so that allowed me to just see her as Fanny (instead of seeing Beanie Feldestein AS Fanny Brice or Lea Michele AS Fanny Brice). Julie WAS Fanny Brice in my eyes cause that's all I knew her to be in any form.

[@loveismylanguage9162]

Julies seemed to have the comedic part down. She is able to balance the vocals and comedy. Lea to me has the vocals the fanbase soo people will rant and rave. I think she has a beautiful voice I do feel like people have over exaggerated it though. Love her talent. I can’t get over Barbras version though, she embodied the role and it’s hard for me to even think of another doing it justice.

[@SecondlookNZ]

The white cotton on your tee-shirt is most distracting lol but liked the vlog thanks ;)

[@tabikatel]

JULIE WINS. SHE IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST AND ALWAYS PUTS HER HEART AND SOUL INTO EVERY SINGLE PERFORMANCE

[@filmmekker]

Barbra was known for acting her songs!

[@ashleyj97]

I would love to see your thoughts on the fact Netflix dropped the lawsuit against the creators of the Bridgerton musical

[@leebridges1674]

LOL at your opening comment. Did you know your verbose assessment was the actual first draft of the lyrics, nixed in workshops and replaced with "people who need people..."? ;-)

[@YankeeCountess]

Beanie may not have been the strongest singer for the role, but I was disgusted by the hate she received, so much of it directed at her weight and looks. And it didn't seem that the producers/creators had her back when all that was going on. For that alone, I honestly have no desire to see the show and put any money in their pockets

[@broadwaygeek8975]

Inaccurate. A lot of the hate Beanie received was for her performance. In fact, the goodwill for her was because she was not a skinny white girl and they wanted to support inclusivity on Broadway. Sadly, she was not the right person for it.

[@laurenkelly5557]

Just watched Lea today (Oct. 30) and she was amazing. Such a gorgeous voice and her acting was on point. I almost never cry at anything, but a few tears slipped from me during the finale. I was pleasantly surprised that her takes on the songs were not carbon copies of her solos on Glee. If you do come to NYC, definitely make sure to go to this show. I also saw Beanie during her last performance which was emotional, but it just wasn’t the right fit. The reviews are right about her vocal chops. One area I thought she did better was the comedy songs. I think Lea was fine during “Cornet Man” and “His Love Makes Me Beautiful”, but I was kind of bored during “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat” - Beanie during these numbers was much more memorable in my opinion. Still, Lea is definitely the right choice for Fanny Brice and she made the experience rewatching this musical so enjoyable.

[@sowhat3729]

Your research is lacking in 2018 when Lea first heard about the rumor she can't read and her first response was to joke about it. She then joked about it again on a talk show. She has also read things on film many times. - Next she was Lea playing Rachel so she sang as Rachel.

[@happyexpat3744]

Hi, I do appreciate your enthusiasm but I do think you might be overthinking things a little bit Firstly, I have seen the show....2 times! Once with Feldstein and once with Michele and there is no comparison. Beanie did not have the voice for a role that is in every scene and pretty much sings every song...at an incredible range. Was she funny? Yes. Is Michele funny? Yes, but in a more understated and satirical way. I want to comment on the rumors that some...SOME...of her cast mates from glee said about her...but the odd thing is, none of those cast mates have careers today. Indeed, all her critics from the show were kids whose careers began...and ended with GLEE. Amber Reilly did say some stuff and does have a career but besides her? No adult on that show threw shade onto Michele and, just saying, if she was the nightmare some say she was, do you really think Ryan Murphy would have kept her on? No. He also used her again, for the "Scream Queen" show. Let me point out that one of the heavy hitting producers of "Funny Girl" is Beanie's daddy and that might hav helped Beanie get that part, for which, I can swear, she was thoroughly unprepared for vocally. It is true that in Glee it was the show that the character, Rachel was doing on Broadway until she screwed it up. The character, not Michele. That does not make her any less worthy, today, in doing the show in that role....as Lea Michele, not Rachel Berry. Lynch left because she stated that it would simply be uncomfortable to do it with Michele given their 6 year backstory. No..."I will never work with that hag again"...kind of thing. This brings me back to the gossip about Michele. The criticism she did get from some of her former colleagues pretty much all happened post show and the comments directed at her were from events post Cory Monteith...her fiancé who committed suicide after season 4, by an overdose. Michele continued, however...and I can testify, personally, that I would not have been able to do so and I know this because after my partner and I were shot, in a hate crime, in LA, and I survived but my partner did not, dying in my arms 8 minutes later...has affected my life adversely since the second it happened. It took me months just to start to move on, which I did, only to breakdown 3 years later which leads me to today...where I am better, yes, but the PTSD brought on by that night''s events have gifted me an anxiety disorder, a depressive disorder, again, PTSD (nightmares and generally little sleeping unless I take my meds)....etc. So I see her move on and recover at the same time which impresses me, on a personal note and for her past, which none of us really knows to be true, or not, should not influence us on how we see her in this role. Feldstein simply does not, right now, have the singing chops. Michele does and that show depends entirely on singing chops with some comedy and lots of drama attached. I am going to watch more of your videos such as the Amy Lennox/Cabaret one which I see here....but as far as this dissection of this video goes, it was more "scandal sheet" than actual hard fact. I do appreciate your opinions, I just don't share them, 100%! Cheers!

[@vocalproductionsct7026]

More more more musical theater in depth critiquing love your delivery and you are quite charming. I only saw Barbra in the role and no one in my opinion can touch Lea Michelle in a sorts yells a lot that’s why the critic loves her vulnerability in the dance song. She is to hard not beanie nor Lea could capture the comedic performance given by Babs. I enjoy you Mickey …. I was devastated concerning Phantom. Seen it 6 times in New York and that is the best musical ever written. I like a lot of the music from bad Cinderella I hate to see Webber take another hit. Hopefully he will be ok Thank you for the comments and the sweet way you handled everything in this video❤

[@seamuscillianmccracken9787]

Absolutely AMAZING!!! There are no other words to describe Lea in the role of Fanny. If there is a touring production (seriously doubt) who could possibly play Fanny. Streisand owns it. Lea leases it, the Penthouse !

[@cookieaddictions]

I saw Beanie’s second preview and she was fine, I didn’t think she was terrible or anything but i just saw Lea a couple weeks ago and I can’t even explain how phenomenal she was. The singing, the acting, the comedy. I finally understand how this is a star vehicle. You can’t take your eyes off her.

[@gregorywhall846]

For an excellent review of Lea Michele in Funny Girl, read the New York Times review!

[@MinaMimosa]

“The only viable marketable option” You say it all within the first few seconds.

[@Auntieshark1111]

I am going in December and can’t wait to see Lea as Fanny Brice. That voice!!! Feel the torch has been passed?

[@chocolatesouljah]

In case anyone missed this, I believe the first "official" clip of Lea Michele in "Funny Girl" on USA television. Personally, there's a rawness that meets warmth that comes from the intimacy of being indoors in character, telling a story in the theatre, I prefer in the bootlegs. But she still rocks it IMO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnvcgqSol5aEd80

[@aldpt40]

Lea was 10 years younger, & single when she was on Glee. She's changed a lot since then, because she's married & she has a 2year old son. She even said that she's so happy that She got it this year & not years ago. She said that she is at the right place now. (Especially being in glee & singing some of the songs, as well as being in awakeningly.) I don't think that you should be giving your critique just by the songs listed on KZbin. You need to go see it to see what parts you're missing.

[@Chibbykins]

I don't think he's doing so well that he can just hop over to New York for Lea lol

[@markjlabella8869]

I’m not going to go see a horrendous human being no matter how good their singing is.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I've never met her personally

[@markjlabella8869]

@@MickeyJoTheatre filmed in Hawaii and when one of the crew mentions the worst human being they’ve ever worked with was you know who… I can’t do it. I can’t support anything she’s in. Can’t support people who treat others as “less than.”

[@Alsjfjfkrkfkc]

I saw Lea last week if u had any questions about the show! Overall 10/10 I would watch it again if I had an opportunity… also! I understand why Jared Grimes got that Tony nomination! He was amazing

[@jnewmark41]

Ugh....the whole Cancel Culture discussion is so boring and old. It was SO MANY Years ago. We need to focus on her role and she is knocking out of the park. People grow and change.....it is a boring topic. Please keep to the topic-is she kicking ass? YES.....is she even better than people imagined? YES. This young generation is so fragile and thin skinned......really. Lea is a dream in this role.

[@carlieallred1428]

This is off-topic, but has anyone else noticed a difference in the availability of slime tutorials? I looked around, but couldn't find ANY bootlegs for Bennie. But now, all of a sudden, there are several blatant recordings of Lea Michele easily available online. (In addition to the Tonight Show and Good Morning America performances.)

[@JohnDisneyDorkCardona]

I saw Beanie in the 2nd preview of the show in March...I'm seeing Lea Michelle in three weeks...I'll report back with my review....

[@myytchanneldinakoha8498]

Why do you insist on beanie going for authenticity? Even if they diid a straight biography on the life of Fanny she would still be miscast. She didn't sound the part (Fanny Brice was a phenomenal singer), she didn't look the part. The show is very loosely based on actual events so authenticity is not it's about. It's about the music. Even if you remove Streisand out of the equation (and yes you can) the role still needs a strong vocalist. Otherwise you do a disservice to the composers.

[@kat.ily111]

Have y'all heard Julie Benko's DROMP. it's incredible.

[@broadwaygeek8975]

I have, kinda lacks oomph.

[@mrchrisliddell]

Child, I had to pause... What do you mean, "a comedian not just Barbra Streisand"? ☠️☠️ Barbra is THEE comedian! Always hilarious when needed. Ok back to the video 😂

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

Thanks for the video. Since the reviews you quote, lots more have been published all giving superlative praise to LM. I just want to come to the allegations you mention that LM was responsible for racist micro-aggressions in the past, as someone has inevitably made the allegation again already in the btl here.... I've spent far too much time looking at all the allegations from anyone who has worked with LM, because as an anti-racist it would be difficult for me to like LM if it seemed she wasn't one too. Aside from the fact that she was posting in support of BLM when this blew up (and some btl commenters honestly think she was posting AGAINST BLM), NO work colleagues have said she is racist, even Samantha Ware, who famously made the micro-aggression allegation, does NOT attach the word racist to it. LM has worked with PoC in I think every job she's gone for, and chose to appear in 'the Mayor' with a very largely black cast and a film with an interracial romance, strange behaviour for a person who has problems with PoC. But all the people who hate LM have just jumped on the Samantha Ware insinuation, exaggerated it beyond anything she actually said, and then treated it as proven fact... (one btl commenter even compared LM to Hitler - particularly offensive as she's half-Jewish). So I think it's fair to say she's no more racist than pretty much any white person growing up with white privilege. As for the other 'bad behaviour', I hope people would agree that in most offices there's someone who's difficult to work with... and that even the worst behaviour LM has been accused of wouldn't merit any more than a warning from her manager, not the sack and ban on ever working again, even people who commit major crimes don't get that ! Sorry, rather a long comment... thanks again for the video.

[@SINIESTRA]

I wish we gave her the opportunity t show she has reflected upon herself and if we hear of further bad behaviors then we can actually be like she hasn't learned anything but right now we can be her the benefit of doubt that she may be a better co worker

[@belkyhernandez8281]

I wonder how all of this would be received if without the Streisand factor.

[@juliusmaloney]

What on earth has a review got to do with whether Michelle is liked or not. If a critic still doesn’t rate the production or it’s supporting cast then that’s on the director & performers not on a replacement actress? Why would anyone take this out on Michelle? 🤔

[@ColtonMyers1]

I know I’ve said this before, but I enjoy your reviews and analysis so much, Mickey. It reignites my interest and love for theater when I hear your passion discussing it.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Thank you so much, that's lovely to hear!