Julie Benko - Don't Rain On My Parade

[@chrisfrenchnyc]

This is not only well acted and pitch-perfect (truly, she’s got EXCELLENT pitch), but it’s *original,* which is super rare to find in a song this well-known. I see a real personality underneath all those money notes, and that makes this Fanny feel like a living, breathing individual, not just a vehicle for a great voice. Very, very impressed.

[@avidepano5937]

Yessss! I love that she took the time to research and pay homage to the real Ms. Brice in her preparation for the role.

[@ryanb4940]

Ehhhh not impressed. I’d be wildly disappointed seeing anyone but Lea

[@MisterMagikarp]

@@ryanb4940 It's okay to be on the Lea bandwagon but Julie is a star.

[@Jprotus]

@@MisterMagikarp I agree with this comment, very well said.

[@Janomee2]

If this was a brand new show and she was the lead she would have been catapulted to the high test of Broadway. What a star she is.

[@AmeliaBell28]

Julie's breath control is absolutely incredible. I'd love to know if they let her get rid of the weird spoken bits now that Beanie isn't the lead. She's more than capable of singing them as written!

[@LollieVox]

Barbara did the singing parts too right?

[@singerdreamer0991]

Her little smile between "bam" and "hey Mr Arnstein" lives rent free in my head 🤩

[@dexterwatson5745]

I can't stop watching this.... "Hey Mister Arnstein Here I AMMMMMMMMMM I'll March my band out!!!" All in one breath. Practically superhuman!!!

[@joce1414]

She was born to be on stage, she truly has a talent. 🎉

[@BroadwayGuy]

I saw Julie in "Funny Girl" in May. She is fabulous!

[@erin5930]

I love this. The personality of her Fanny shines through in her choices - joyful, charismatic uncompromising - and the power of her voice just seems like a natural fit to the swell of her conviction. This is NOT an easy song to sing, but her character work is so smart that her vocal talent is overshadowed by your focus on Fanny’s story. (And then you can let how awesome her voice is hit you during intermission.) This is such a masterclass in making a character your own. She decided who Fanny was a long time ago, and I think that her version is so well-performed and her decisions so distinct that it doesn’t invite comparison. She’s just a really good Fanny.

[@katwil89]

Yes, I completely agree. If you have seen old films of Fanny Brice, Julie really portrays her without making it a caricature. She is just the perfect casting for this role.

[@jellyrollnorton]

Wow. And I could hear every word. Well deserved reaction by the audience.

[@patrickboyd5607]

And that's how it's done folks. When you see talent like this you realize that it takes more than just a great voice to do the job. Her acting in this piece sets her apart from the others.

[@spirit_sis]

She’s such a grounded Fanny. Obsessed with her and this performance.

[@Sluggergirl]

I’m a big Lea fan, but I am very impressed with Julie! She’s got an amazing voice and a certain charm :-)

[@melaniegonzalez8316]

i saw her on broadway this past thursday since lea was sick and talented is an understatement. she is an absolute powerhouse

[@spn1007]

Wow! Just wow! Vocal perfection! And as others have said, she clearly makes the song hers! No imitations here!

[@spn1007]

Her facial and vocal expressions at "Hey Mr Arnstein" are fabulous!

[@lonchaifetz]

Outside of Barbra, this is the best. Julie has the face, attitude, and above all, the voice to nail this in an exciting way. The odds are against her considering how tacky the sets, costumes, direction and musical staging are. Even when Julie goes loud and big she always has control of her breath and sustained notes. She doesn't scream it all out without any consideration to how to make a pleasing sound for the audience. She's far above anyone else doing the part mainly due to TV name recognition (yes, there is a youthful Broadway background, but mainly known to a wide audience due to TV).

[@Iloveflower2024]

She’s my favorite too! And she makes it look all so easy! AND she is a great actress. ❤

[@toomuchtv5768]

Saying Lea's got the part mainly due to TV name recognition is kinda hilarious. Hadn't been on TV for like 3 years other than to do like one interview and be called out for being a bitch.

[@Leamichellefan2244]

@@toomuchtv5768 these got the part because she’s got the talent and let’s be real. Julie is good but when she was covering for Benny, she didn’t make what they needed her to make. All she did was take a little bit above what they needed.

[@m.j.c.6969]

No, it is not "best"! That is simply not true! This doesn't even come close to Lea Michele's rendition.

[@m.j.c.6969]

She is NOT ANYWHERE as good as Lea Michele! Stop with the make-believe!

[@melanieolmsted6740]

I hope she headlines her own new musical one day!

[@ChelCM03]

Absolutely effortless! She is the star we were waiting for! I'm so excited to see where she'll go after this!

[@kevinhynes2971]

It's nice to see people having fun onstage, like the two actors behind Fanny moving in for an almost "intimate moment" and a giggle at around 30 seconds in ... if they only knew they were on camera! ;)

[@KsnsiskKsndis]

2:22 when she starts singing parade it light me up

[@chiara.i]

every performance i’ve seen her do is just so effortless. she IS fanny!

[@JimATLANTA1]

She’s fricking amazing.

[@KeKe4Christ]

Okay wait that “I gotta have my bite sir” was just SO GOOD 😩

[@whitneylivingston5706]

Great pipes, awesome voice, slow tempo that made it less that what I believe she is truly capable of. She seemed a little reserved on the acting front so that her vocals would not be hindered during the performance.

[@FLOWERSANDSLOTS]

AMAZING! This girl CAN SING!

[@TheEyeSeesAll]

The real star of this show.

[@corneliusbates460]

love her choices! she is amazing! her support is amazing

[@heidikatzer9363]

I got chills!!!!!!!!!

[@palesgensler3099]

She is amazing. That’s all I have to say.

[@MichaelCH2007]

I hope she plays the role in the National tour. She's earned the right to be the full lead.

[@susan3037]

She’s magnificent! Really make it her own!

[@ChristineHaas94]

OMG that was impressive. I definitely prefer this performance/voice over Beanie, but I think I like it better than Lea Michelle version as well! I saw this live on Broadway a year ago and i'm going back to see Lea Michelle perform in Funny Girl... but now I kinda wish I could be going to see Julie Benko

[@psychedelicyeti6053]

So glad i found this 💕💗

[@KL-sw5xi]

This song is difficult to perform. However, this actress make it look simple. I wish her continued success.

[@surfer_playss124]

I honestly wish Julie Benko took over full time as Fanny Brice, instead of Lea Michele taking over, Julie is wonderful

[@osnapitzcristal]

saw her last thursday and she’s literally insane 😭😭

[@SawinahRoctus]

she is the talent we need in life ✨

[@ersimn]

It looks effortless, amazing

[@xxobrittanyg]

SHE IS SO GOOD!! I can’t wait to see her in other roles!

[@susanalopez5052]

Nothing but respect for MY Fanny

[@dfbsbv]

She's the real deal!

[@codymiller3709]

She is a phenom!

[@jonahl.p.8227]

I need to hear her Music That Makes Me Dance

[@jackiesmith-induni]

It’s brilliant. There might be something on KZbin

[@alexanderzamora5930]

Absolutely exciting to to hear!

[@MisterMagikarp]

Shout out the girl in the light green outfit who was laughing while facing upstage then gathered herself! xD LOVE HER.

[@whereyoubean]

Timestamp?

[@gavi3]

@@whereyoubean 0:28

[@pepperminttree]

something seems odd with the orchestrations but shes amazing!

[@phillgreenland2390]

Itty bitty orchestra. Only 14, and two are keyboards.

[@kaitlynrowena5463]

Really? How you find that out?

[@phillgreenland2390]

@@kaitlynrowena5463 It’s on the production website and in the Playbill.

[@Singlori68]

The song is being sung full alto. The arrangement is off from what we are used to hearing from Streisand! However...this woman did amazing!

[@cosmicthing1]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 BRAVO!

[@petal1622]

she's great 😍

[@krr74]

Wow! 💕

[@yourneighbornhoodbard]

The peoples Fanny

[@Ohimnotjoking]

She’s a really good singer this tempo is just really slow and boring

[@todorcurcic8728]

The music and the tempo go as she sings i think

[@stevepotfora7461]

The current tempo is already a shade faster than the original cast Broadway tempo. Of course, the composer was present when the original was recorded . Your insults to these professionals is unwarranted, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIKxgWCbmsuUaqs

[@daniellezuccala6398]

It was to match Beanie's tempo, I wonder if they've made it faster now that Lea is there

[@avidepano5937]

Possibly - I remember reading how the show is several minutes shorter now because they can go faster with Lea.

[@gethappyConor]

Also DROMP was originally at a slower tempo in the stage version than movie.

[@joselitopicache4050]

Everyone has an opinion. Remeber, she had the role in the workshops. The only reason she didn't bring it to Broadway was she wasn't a known Broadway performer. Like her voice better than Idina's, but that's my opinion.

[@notcarlie1710]

Why isn't she on the cast album? This was her role all along.

[@jadziagleason2763]

This is so so good

[@Kaylee2012]

Obsessed 🤩

[@superdupercorp]

it should’ve been her after beanie

[@keilitzb]

The staging and the sets are atrocious looking like a budget production not a Broadway production. Thank God for stars like Lea and Julie that have the voices and range to sing the score.

[@KeKe4Christ]

I’ve been saying this!!!! What was their budget because it’s not giving Broadway production, it’s giving spring musical at somebody’s high school 😭 but thankfully our attention is on Lea/Julie

[@lexstalkaboutit]

Absolute chills. If anyone has a slime tutorial of her as Fanny, please let me know!

[@smuestazni0]

i might be a little late but i got you kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2mVgX-AmrelpMksi=tF7jKTNDDEjIHtb5

[@LloydAntonyLB]

Lovely ❤

[@trex1563]

The only person who is actually delivering a Broadway performance in this role, in this revival. The other lot should be 'always on tour, never in town'

[@greeklawyer2002]

#FunnyGirl #BarbraStreisand She is GREAT!!!!!!

[@juliaholzschuher]

The peoples Fanny Brice

[@prestonnorris9822]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼💙💜💙

[@loveismylanguage9162]

She acting this impeccably! She shouldve gotten the main part!

[@alexd1121]

She’s great and so is Lea Michele but no matter how many singers cover this and how many attempts they do to revive the show and its songs it will forever be have Barbra’s imprint all over it since this was the quintessential star vehicle project made for her singular and exceptional persona.

[@masonguthrie1257]

Now I may be wrong with this thought process but if this was during the time that Beanie was Fanny I wonder if Julie decided to play up the parts that Beanie did. So to focus more on the acting as well has shifting her pitch to be slightly more nasally. She sounds like Beanie if she could sing in some ways. To be clear I do not mean this a slight against Julie I think she is a great singer I am just curious.

[@WerdnaNiraehs]

She eats Lea up just by the fact that she has consistent vibrato.

[@WerdnaNiraehs]

Also she isn’t trying to be a carbon copy of Barbra.

[@rambambobam1268]

Lea isn’t a carbon copy of Barbara either. And lea is incredible and brining in money. Julie and lea are both incredible how about stop belittling one to lift another 😂

[@musicalobsessive7002]

@@rambambobam1268 Lea is constantly lifted while Julie is overshadowed. Personally Julie is amazing and should’ve had some tracks on the album. She’s worked hard and hasn’t had anything handed to her like lea has

[@rambambobam1268]

@@musicalobsessive7002 Lea hasn’t had anything handed to her either. You mean beanie whose dad was a producer. Lea worked hard to get to where she is. She’s no nepotism baby. She’s talented and is brining In the money 😂 that’s show business. Also it’s funny how you and everyone say lea is copying Barbra when in fact she isn’t. Julie copies Barbara with her accent and funny quirky face Barbra did as Fanny Julie does. Just because lea could belt the songs doesn’t make her carbon copy of Barbra. She could just sing this score which was written for Barbra. Love Julie. Love lea but who brings in the money?

[@musicalobsessive7002]

@@rambambobam1268 erm I didn’t once say Lea is copying Barbara so maybe read my comments before making a whole big comment about something I haven’t said. And also Lea had this role handed to her, she was stunt casted and that’s the facts. She didn’t have to go through a whole audition process like Julie so again this role was handed to Lea.

[@anthonyL1995]

Wait... You can sing this song without trying to pretend to be Barbra? Someone might want to tell her alternate...

[@rambambobam1268]

She is the alternate 😂and lea is incredible and brining in the money. How about stop belittling one to lift another. So insufferable how y’all act. Like grow up. Julie is incredible and lea is incredible

[@anthonyL1995]

@@rambambobam1268 Think about what you said and who you said it about... Lea who enjoys taking bowel movements in black peoples wigs...

[@rambambobam1268]

@@anthonyL1995 first of all Samantha states that she heard that from someone else which is hearsay. But sure go off. Instead of going off rumors. Because nobody mentioned that. We were talking about her talent. You’re a joke and a clown. Maybe you’re the one who likes to do that so much deflection from you 😂🤡

[@anthonyL1995]

@@rambambobam1268 I'm glad you support racism to keep the memory of a trashy show alive in your heart. Lea was problematic before Glee, during Glee, and continues to be after.

[@rambambobam1268]

@@anthonyL1995 sure Jan. Such a Karen crying so much. Go cry somewhere else. I’m black myself so i know what’s racist and not. Hearing soemthing from someone with no proof is not being racist. Maybe you are? Hmm 🤔

[@rickym242]

i don’t want to compare her and lea but i prefer julie more!! lea still is amazing!!

[@prp134]

Thinking the same thing!! I thought I was the only one. Lea is an amazing singer but it seemed like she was channeling Barbra too much.

[@rickym242]

@@prp134 yeah exactly!! I love when actors go their own route for a roll and lea tries to be like barbra too much that it isn't as good!! Love Barbra so much but we need just one of her and not two!! Lea tries to much to be like her!

[@bigmouth33]

This girl can sing. I wish the sound were better.

[@ao6031]

Do you have her cornet man???

[@emmakathy4621]

I can’t really explain this but to me, Lea Michelle is playing Lea Michelle as Fanny, whereas Julie is playing Fanny. Julie is just so much better as the character. Lea is just voice.

[@loveismylanguage9162]

Agreeeeee

[@vecnabumcheeks4818]

Do you have cornet man by Julie benko

[@corinneblair8795]

Voice control .. impressive

[@leahmoore6820]

The true Fanny. Especially since she probably went on more times than Lea did.

[@lillietheoneandonly]

Forever upset we didn’t get a cast recording with her and Fanny. Nope. We get Rachel racist berry

[@flutterrgrrl]

Right? 🙄 a sterile, boring imitation of Babs.

[@MissSunset84]

It's the first version I like. ❤ That hysteric version of Lea Michele is aweful.

[@christianborlestapshoes8893]

the people’s fanny brice

[@tiffanylove4445]

Her sustain is fucking insane bro 😩

[@cakemakerheheh123]

JULIE IS BETTER THAN LEA and I will live by that statement.

[@redfirefixfox9611]

AMEN

[@masonguthrie1257]

Not really. She falls off at the end while Lea does the opposite. Not to mention Lea adds a few more vocal flares that show her control of the song better. Julie is great but Lea is very clearly better in this role.

[@Iloveflower2024]

Me too! ❤

[@danieltursi804]

I love her. But white roses???!!!

[@dot608]

she IS fanny

[@samalexander9588]

Julie > Beanie… would have been fine if it was that. But at the end of the day you need someone bankable and that’s Lea. She’s bringing double the revenue each week…. 🎉

[@musicalobsessive7002]

That’s what happens when you stunt cast

[@ocasuista850]

The only thing she lacks is a “name”.

[@londonunderground790]

She's building it!

[@thelonelygoat123]

It’s weird that although they are all under a same direction and sure are able to do it, no other Fannies has the intensity in this song like Lea Michele.

[@Cris-db8iy]

intensity is sometimes not always more in musical theatre, Julia is a very genuine actress in the role and clearly less is more in this case! I see Fanny and not a Barbra impression, made by a woman who understands the Jewish heritage of this role

[@broadwaygeek8975]

@@Cris-db8iy Nah, she lacks the oomph needed for this song. This song in particular NEEDS intensity. This isn't a soft ballad. It's a battle cry.

[@victordunson719]

@@broadwaygeek8975 and she doesn't sing it like a soft ballad🤷🏽‍♂️

[@CP-mb3sn]

@@Cris-db8iy I'm not sure I understand the specifics of Jewish heritage that are required to perform this particular song, but don't all of the Fanny's in this particular company have Jewish heritage? Isn't that one of the few things the production got right?

[@broadwaygeek8975]

@@victordunson719 She sings it like a boring ballad. Again, this song NEEDS intensity. All the passion and hunger is lost in her version.

[@vtmi]

the fact that this whole comment section is only talking about lea just proves that she is doing it better 😉

[@redfirefixfox9611]

Just because they’re talking about Lea doesn’t mean they’re always saying nice things about Lea 😉

[@musicalobsessive7002]

If you read the comments section you’ll see it’s majority of people saying how good Julie is and how they prefer her

[@craigm.rosenthal6244]

I heard Benko is wonderful in the role however I think I prefer Lea Michele over Benkos performance

[@milliemouse6525]

I have nothing against her and have heard her sing other songs from the show but have to say I don't particularly like her interpretation of this song. Of course that doesn't mean she's not a fine singer!

[@brennanmaynard4237]

I like her better than Lea!

[@marysue22]

She's good, it's just missing something to me 🤷‍♀. I watch but I'm not entranced if that makes sense.

[@badmariamedia]

Everyone's just standing around, barely reacting to her.

[@mintycoolnessisrelevance]

the choreo/staging is so bad oh my god 😭😭 she’s amazing but the fact that she’s singing and everyone is just Standing there awkwardly kills me

[@ward5305]

Child screaming

[@Hi-py4qs]

Boy anyways

[@loveismylanguage9162]

Funny Girl is not just about vocals. It is is actually more about personality. Has anyone ever heard THEE Fanny Brice sing the original songs? Everyone who has sang the songs sounds better than her vocally. Fanny Brice had a big personality! Lea has a beautiful strong voice, but she is not funny. She lacks charisma and big personality! This is is my first seeing this young lady, she is almost as good as Lea in singing and 10x better at playing the part. Speak the truth! She acts the part better and sings almost as good as Lea therefore she is a better choice.

[@moisesalbuquerque2701]

Shes as strong as Lea but goddamn the original broadway key is SO BORING, the tempo also it’s so slow. The key they made Lea sing is so much better

[@broadwaygeek8975]

I agree - not really about the tempo and key because I think a different performer could make it work, but her rendition of this song is boring. No wow factor.

[@Leamichellefan2244]

Thank god its not just me, the performance here is just so boring.

[@jonathanpinkney7676]

@@broadwaygeek8975 Julie Benko Is a better actress then Lea Michelle no disrespect but Lea relies a lot on her sing but the sense Fall flat Julie is Phenomenal singer and a Phenomenal Comedic Actress I truly believe she deserved the role the show was selling out when she took over the role for the month of August after Beanie’s departure but I’m happy she is still apart of the company and gets to go on every Thursday night

[@Pendre3]

@@jonathanpinkney7676 If Julie were selling out after Beanie's departure, they wouldn't have needed Lea. Julie was averaging not much further over Beanie at roughly $500k - $600k a week. Since Lea joined, the revenues have shot to record earnings over of $1.6 mil a week and even more since they've had to add standing room only tickets for her performances. Not here to rain on your Julie love parade, but those are just numerical facts.

[@broadwaygeek8975]

@@jonathanpinkney7676 The show wasn't selling out when Julie took over. Capacity was at 70%. It kept diving week after week. Lea is a phenomenal actress. Go watch their performances in person (both Lea's and Julie) and you'll see what I mean.

[@monican88]

Julie any day over Lea.

[@Lpinsker0246]

I saw her with Jane Lynch, and then the Lea Michelle version, and I SO MUCH preferred Julie!!! She’s an absolute gem, I hope she goes far. Her Glee replacement couldn’t project, took a full verse to warm up each song, and so badly overacted it made me embarrassed for her

[@elise4287]

she's absolutely killing it even though the staging is atrocious. so excited to see where she goes after this!

[@thelifeinpink]

She is in rehearsals for a show with Chip Zien and Sierra Boggess based on the music of Barry Manilow!

[@pepperminttree]

i knew something seemed off, it was the staging

[@Makeji]

@@thelifeinpink Harmony opened off-Broadway the same time FG opened previews. It ran for 8 weeks. They are doing a workshop because Manilow (who wrote the score) is determined to bring it to Broadway. The woman playing the role Julie is working on took a job with the tour of Pretty Woman. I wish her luck.

[@mushroomnerd9772]

@@Makeji yes i saw Harmony twice at the theater in the Jewish heritage museum and it was very good. Very excited to see Julie do that show

[@emilyherrington]

I cannot with the staging!!! What was their budget for this? A sock?

[@PurpleWarrior13]

Her “Hey Mr. Arnstein” gives me chills. That slight New York delivery gives it so much character and power.

[@MissOddstar]

She is copying no one, and it is marvelous! The song serves the character, as it should. Amidst the Beanie/Lea soap opera, Julie is the shining jewel.

[@m.j.c.6969]

There is no drama outside of the press dumbbell! Neither actress has publicly said a bad word about the other! Benko is very good but not a "shining jewel" dimwit!

[@m.j.c.6969]

Are you trying to say that since Lea is singing it CORRECTLY it's imitation? That sound like a moronic claim!

[@certifiedmenace6941]

@@m.j.c.6969 there were no references to Lea in their comment. They’re just saying Julie Benko is original. Of course Lea isn’t copying anyone.

[@kyliesparks1435]

I'm inclined to agree!! From what I can tell she's got the best of Beanie's timing and Lea's voice AND something else on top that is entirely hers and so incredibly captivating to watch. I'll definitely be keeping my eye on Julie Benko from here on!

[@leahmoore6820]

She's not supposed to copy.

[@Thismeekpotato]

There's something just electrifying about her, an Artist that will serve the piece honestly. She just comes in and brings the house down. It feels like through everything that happened to this show Julie was this unshakable force that has always been there and comes through.

[@Cheng_97]

I was intrigued by her different approach but when she sang "here I am.... I'll march my band..." without taking a breathe in between phrasea... I sat up on my chair lol soo exciting when singers have soo much breath control and dont take breaths on spots you expect them to from the original arrangements! And that last note ofcourse!