Lea: The reviews are in

I saw this last night. Lea is fucking phenomenal. I’ve seen a lot of theatre but I’ll say it’s one of the most sensational star turns I’ve ever seen.

She deserves every bit of this success and then some. She’s the entire show, carries it on her back, and nails it.

You’ve all got to see this while she’s still in it.

Aren't you a month late?

r1: Thanks for weighing in, Lea!

R2 The production waited for Lea to get settled to have the show re-reviewed officially/properly.

I laughed...I cried...

I think this gushing review is excessive.

How old is she anyway?

I hate this bitch

Good for Lea, and I don't feel one way or the other about her.

[quote] How old is she anyway?

That was my first thought when I saw OP's pic. She looks WAY too old for this part.

Suck it you haters ! I knew Lea was going to shine. I bet Beanie is curled up in some closet shrieking and howling and pulling her hair out .

Wow. That's a rave. It's a thrill just reading about how wonderful she is.

Too bad she's such a cunt.

If the physical show - the set, the choreo - is off and underwhelming, though, she can't very well fix that.

I feel like her solid performance won't make this a success, unless they made other significant changes...did they?

[quote] Too bad she's such a cunt.

[italic]Beloved[/italic] cunt, though.

Not only a Beloved Cunt, but a would-be Wigshitter as well.

Will she be the go-to girl in the future to save shows, or to extend their runs, due to her popularity and fan base? Great review for her. Some queen who has a gossip blog about Broadway says that the show will close shortly after the new year. He’s not a fan of her. With this review in The NY Times, I’m sure the show will run longer than his prediction. But, looks like she established herself as a bonafide B’way star. Would be interesting to hear what Patti LuPone has to say.

This some bullshit.

Is that Ramin who's her costar? If so, I feel so sorry for him. He deserves better.

Back story.... was this kind of a vanity project for Beanie? Wasn't there family money backing it?

This is now an epic Broadway moment that is history. Beanie bombs; Lea triumphs. I don't think this has ever happened before. A "star" opens a show, gets terrible reviews, misses performances, leaves the show and the replacement gets all the love that was lacking. Ethel and Mary must be down there having a laugh.

NEW YORK — When Lea Michele launches missile-like into “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” she doesn’t just bring down the house. She brings down the whole darn block.

R9 how is she too old?

Lea's currently 36; Fanny Brice ages from 20 to 36 throughout the show.

Exactly. And Norma Desmond is fifty! Age is just a number.

She's 75.

It's very cool to watch a sensation unfold again. That's the thrill of a production that generates some kind of unexpected spark. Even if it does involve a vulgar termagant.

It’s called ACTING

It's not as simple as acting. She's so well known, with so much garbage attached to her, for her to transcend her lousy reputation and persona, that's something special.

[quote] Will she be the go-to girl in the future to save shows, or to extend their runs, due to her popularity and fan base?

I doubt it. Funny Girl was very specific because of her gunning for the role for a decade

I like Ramin.

However, whatever he's doing to his face, he needs to STOP now before her permanently destroys his looks.

Have never understood where her misguided ego ever came from. Because she was on Broadway young? Nobody knew who the fuck she was until Glee. How could her ego have been so inflated?

Don’t like her voice- it’s like a very loud whine. She uses her head voice to belt-

R19 it really is quite the story.

I don't follow Broadway nor Lea Michele's career, but I have seen the film version of FUNNY GIRL and know of Lea via GLEE which I used to watch a decade ago.

But I recently came across this person's rundown of Beanie Feldstein's early departure and the whole scandal. I was like this would make a great backstage melodrama -- the underwhelming nepo baby vs. the redeemed bitch and disgraced veteran. 😂

Good for her!!

Would love to see it but seems sold out. Also the screaming glee fans in the audience would be unbearable. Luckily there are bootlegs. Close enough.

She may be able to sing but she isn't fat enough!!!

What's wrong with Ramin's face, R28?

Lea on...

And I heard Lea had a hysterectomy so she would not have to lose her edge every month for those four performances during a period.

She thought she could have the uterus reinstalled after she had opened the London production in 2025 and spent a year in it.

it's refreshing to see someone honest about having raw ambition

[quote]But I recently came across this person's rundown of Beanie Feldstein's early departure and the whole scandal. I was like this would make a great backstage melodrama -- the underwhelming nepo baby vs. the redeemed bitch and disgraced veteran.

A Ryan Murphy production...

r35's video demonstrates that she's simply not capable of sincerity. She's like Bree Larson. She simply cannot help talking down to people or letting her inflated ego have a seat in the interview room.

I think she would make a good Elphaba. Maybe she can do that next.

[quote]What's wrong with Ramin's face, [R28]?

The pic you posted is not how he looks in OP's pic. He looks fine your pic.

He's clearly botoxed or done something to his face to make it smoother. It's not just lighting or makeup.

Just got my tickets!

R29 I looked up her Broadway credits.

As a young girl, she was a replacement Young Cosette/Young Eponine in the middle of the original Broadway run of LES MISERABLES (1987-2003)

At age 11, she originated the role of The Little Girl (a minor but important role) in the original Broadway production of RAGTIME (1998-2000) which was nominated for a bunch of Tonys, including Best Musical.

At 17, she was cast as 'Shprintze' (understudied 'Chava') in the 2004 Broadway revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (2004-2006) which was nominated for several Tonys, including Best Revival.

At 20, she landed the female lead in the musical SPRING AWAKENING (2006-2009) which won a ton of Tonys, including Best Musical.

Shortly thereafter, she was cast as the female lead on GLEE (2009-2015) which really catapulted her to stardom (it was an international phenomenon) and earned her nominations for Best Actress at the Emmys and Golden Globes that first season.

FUNNY GIRL is Lea's return to Broadway after 14 years. On GLEE, her character 'Rachel Berry' was obsessed with Barbra Streisand and eventually starred in a fictional Broadway revival of FUNNY GIRL, so it is meta, too.

r31, I can't stand those self-important video essays!

Damn. I just looked up Lea's competition at the 2010 Emmys for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.

- Edie Falco in NURSE JACKIE *winner*

- Tina Fey in 30 ROCK

- Amy Poehler in RECS AND RECREATION

- Toni Collette in THE UNITED STATES OF TARA

- Julia Louis-Dreyfuss in THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE

This is an instant where one can honestly say that just being nominated among this distinguished group is an honor.

Have to agree with you there, r44. Lea should have felt like Marion when she got cast in Blithe Spirit.

I saw Funny Girl this week and Lea really did bring down "the whole darn block." They need to create a special rule to get her a Tony or at least a special award. It's not fair JHud is an EGOT for only investing money in a show and Lea can't get an award for carrying this production on her shoulders in the performance of a lifetime.

[quote]I saw Funny Girl this week and Lea really did bring down "the whole darn block." They need to create a special rule to get her a Tony or at least a special award. It's not fair JHud is an EGOT for only investing money in a show and Lea can't get an award for carrying this production on her shoulders in the performance of a lifetime.

No, sweetie. "Fair" is the equal application of the rules to everyone without making exceptions for personal reasons. "Fair" is having one set of rules with which everyone is aware.

It's not fair to make exceptions to awards rules or treat people differently by making new, special rules so that specific people benefit.

You must be a rethug sympathizer if you feel rules only apply to other people.

Mary!

From BroadwayWorld.com

[quote] Lea Michele to Sing 'People' From FUNNY GIRL on THE TONIGHT SHOW

[quote] Michele will be the musical guest on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Friday, September 30..

Tonight!

R47 Disagree. Sometimes rules are unfair in strict application.

Perhaps she's getting better, but the clip of her singing 'Don't Rain on my Parade' that leaked out on opening night was...imitation Streisand. And not that good at that.

I don't give a good God damn if she's a complete bitch on wheels behind the scenes. Audience members do NOT care. We just want someone who can really sing.

[quote][R47] Disagree. Sometimes rules are unfair in strict application.

They are only "unfair" when entitled people decide they deserve something prohibited by the rules. Making "exceptions" to known and accepted requirements in order to benefit specific people is pretty much the definition of "unfair" rules.

[quote]You must be a rethug sympathizer if you feel rules only apply to other people.

And You must be one of those commie woke liberals who thinks that everyone deserves a trophy/medal. 🙄

It is precisely that mentality that got FUNNY GIRL to a rough start when Beanie was cast.

The fact is, some people are more talented than others and those talents should be commended, not ignored lest some people's widdle feelings get hurt.

[quote]It's not fair to make exceptions to awards rules or treat people differently by making new, special rules so that specific people benefit.

Barbra Streisand is an EGOT precisely because a special Tony Award was created to honor her in 1970. She lost her two previous competitive nominations for I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE (1962) and FUNNY GIRL (1964).

[quote]They need to create a special rule to get her a Tony or at least a special award.

I remember in the summer of 2005 they created a Best Replacement Tony category but didn't use it that first season (2005-2006)) and then they got rid of it the following summer, inexplicably.

Here is the clip of Lea singing "People" on Jimmy Fallon.

Lea's chat with Jimmy Fallon:

Lea Michele Spills on Starring in Broadway's Funny Girl

thank you r56! Love it!!!

She should have performed TMTMMD...

r47 you just brought politics into a thread about a Broadway actress staging one of the greatest comebacks in history by carrying a weak show on her back and turning in the performance of a lifetime.

Get help, turn off MSNBC, and go touch grass.

r60 Hear, hear!

PAINFUL in that clip R56. Like a contestant on the Voice or American Idol -- trying hard to imitate Streisand, but failing miserably.

She sounded better years ago, but...this live performance sucked. NO control...

An Outstanding Replacement Tony would be good for the shows that have legs. Some publicity.

[quote]You must be a rethug sympathizer if you feel rules only apply to other people.

[quote]And You must be one of those commie woke liberals who thinks that everyone deserves a trophy/medal. 🙄

You do realize that my position is that the rules should NOT be changed precisely to avoid everyone under the sun getting an award, right?

Your derangement obviously makes you oblivious to basic reading comprehension. Your argument is both flawed and silly, as is it's author.

r62. Youre full of shit. She sounds nothing like Streisand in that performance...OR on stage. Get a new grievance hater, your veneer is very thin.

[quote]PAINFUL in that clip

You're nuts.

I had no idea of who this woman is. I never saw her previous work.

But I remember when Steisand's glorious "People" was released in 1964. And I've seen how pop singing has deteriorated over the last few decades.

So I'm happy to hear this woman's lovely interpretation. No vocal gymnastics that are so in vogue. No showing off. Direct and sweet.

They'll never be another Streisand, we all know that, but this version is very good and considering everything else that's that's out there, this is wonderful.

I want to scratch my eyes out when I hear Kristin Chenoweth sing. Even grand theatre divas like Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters they might be fine actresses but vocally they're like fingernails on a blackboard.

^Sorry should read: "And I've seen how Broadway singing has deteriorated over the last few decades."

I really like her voice, and I don't care about the drama, as long as she does a great job (although at 3:14 in the Fallon clip she was a little off). Hopefully she's not as bitchy as she supposedly once was!

So, she turned a shit Grade D show into a not quite as shitty Grade C+ show and you wanna give her a Tony?

Thank you for your input Ms. Perry.

Also Lea looks good but she needs to stop whatever she’s doing to her face RIGHT NOW.

Its called aging. Shes also had a kid.

r72, it’s not aging, it’s work. At the moment good work, but it’s getting to the point where she needs to stop

R66, I agree in general with your comments. Yes, there will never be another Streisand, but since that's the woman who was in the original, it's hard not to compare them, especially since Lea tried to do as much back in the Glee years. And I'll agree that most parts of her performance were "good". For me, that just doesn't balance out the 'painful' parts.

And yes, not all of it was painful at all. Just kind of an American Idol-like tryout.

Lea can do stage version of all the Streisand movies.

Actually, I'm surprised no one has tried to do 'What's Up, Doc?" Or, maybe they did and someone said no?

For that matter, why hasn't A Star is Born been adapted for the stage?

Or, Yentl!!!

I don't know the show so in what context is People sung?

Because I watched the clip of her singing it and I thought how corny would be a step up for that jumble of random, idiotic lyrics.

she can show her vagina to all the gay men in the audience

Would that have helped?

This is a really good cellphone capture of the Lea's performance of "I'm the Greatest Star" in this current production.

Are those the microphones in the middle of their foreheads?

That is utterly distracting.

Can you imagine Ramin playing this scene with Beanie and how awkward and uncomfortable it must have been for him, not to mention for the audience.

[quote]she can show her vagina to all the gay men in the audience

I'll bring the desk lamp!

R81 It must be terrible to perform a song so associated to a legend like Streisand. I wanted to like this version but it sounded slow and sloppy.

Has Beanie seen it yet?

That Ramin is one fine hunk of man.

R81 Whoa... they really use mics like that on B'way now? Ugly ass visible mics? I can't believe this.

Congrats to Lea, I'm happy for her and happy for Broadway.

After listening to Lea sing People on Fallon, I was reminded how I never want to hear that song again. I've probably heard it 1,000 times - Streisand's original recording, the movie recording and numerous covers over the past 50+ years. But then I looked up Streisand's live singing of it on a TV special (below) to hear her again. Beautiful, sublime, that Streisand VOICE.

For the youngsters here who only know Babs from the crap she sang in the mid-1970s and later, THIS is how it's done:

apparently they're not visible in person

[quote]Hopefully she's not as bitchy as she supposedly once was!

I'd say she in good company and on her way!

The racist bitch is paying people to hype up her mediocre performance.

I just listened to her sing "People" on Fallon. She was excellent until (for me) the final refrain, where she had to go balls out with the whiny belt: "Pee-PAAAAAL, people who need PEE-PAAAAAAL!"

R87 God, that's spine-tingling! Thanks for posting.

Nobody sang like that then. They TRY to sing like that now.

[quote]For the youngsters here who only know Babs from the crap she sang in the mid-1970s and later, THIS is how it's done:

Indeed.

It's that little whiny sob at the beginning of words Lea does at the beginning of words like "I'm" (which becomes "hime") that bugs me. What's that called?

Sorry, mistyped my post, my post I mistyped.

I'm not a big fan of Lea's singing, but I acknowledge her talent. It's just how she uses it that bothers me. I asked about that, R94, on another thread, but I can't remember the term. was it "scooping"? I think you're talking about something different; I hear both, and they're annoying. But I thought the Tonight Show performance was beautiful except for a few things, including a weird off-pitch weak moment, and she kept those tricks under control. Maybe someone finally got through to her about it? Is she taking additional training during this run?

Also, I know you can't sing the word "people" as it's spoken in normal speech, but an open-mouthed PEE-PUHL seems unnecessary.

And the clip from "My Name Is Barbra" was lovely. I like her quirks with the phrasing, mostly.

R96 How would you describe the trick you're referring to? I, too, thought it was a beautiful performance, just went awry at the very end.

I don't know the term, R98, but it's a big annoyance, isn't it? It's really common, too.

I did really like that performance. Her voice can be beautiful when she doesn't go at it hammer and tongs. There was a delicacy there I hadn't seen before.

R96 I just looked up a demonstration of scooping, and it's not that. It's more like a downward whine at the beginning of a vowel. In the clip at R79, she does it at: H-WHEN I expose it..... HA natural Camille....I've so much to-HOO-offer.

Those aren't the most egregious examples, but that's what I'm talking about.

Remember when the Tony gave Mary Tyler Moore a special award for Whose Life Is It Anyway? That was for a revived play and seemed to be a precedent.

MTM was a beloved star with marquee value.

Lea Michele is famous for being an illiterate wig shitter.

The next Tony Awards are at least seven months away. This performance will be forgotten/taken for granted.

[quote]I asked about that, [R94], on another thread, but I can't remember the term. was it "scooping"? I think you're talking about something different; I hear both, and they're annoying. But I thought the Tonight Show performance was beautiful except for a few things, including a weird off-pitch weak moment, and she kept those tricks under control. Maybe someone finally got through to her about it? Is she taking additional training during this run?

The things you learn on DL.

I had no idea what "scooping" was, but this guy provides a simple explanation - and Lea's usually riddled with it.

Do we really think Funny Girl will still be around by next June?

I find that doubtful....unless they find another Fanny who can sell tickets.

R104 No surprise he is a big fan of ice cream.

Another good review....

[quote]Do we really think Funny Girl will still be around by next June?

It won't even be around by next January.

They're riding the return to Broadway on Lea's shoulders. But the shit isn't flying because this is a pedestrian production at best, and Lea isn't exactly someone masses are going to root for, no matter how hard they're forcing theatergoers to try and do.

We've had sufficient.

Poor Beanie !

Isn't Beanie back to doing movies and TV?

I doubt she's caring over what some C list replacement is doing in the revival she originated.

Funny...Lea is doing the talk shows to promote FG...they didnt have Beanie do that. That should speak volumes.

Let's start a petition to get Lea a ticker tape parade!

Having People with the actors sitting at a table is bad staging. Seated characters are lower energy than standing.

Oh there's seated for I'm The Greatest Star too!

R75 - there was talk of Barbra having Yentl restaged as a musical when she saw how well The Producers did. Not to star Barbra of course because she would never do another theatre show.

From the pirated filming the audience is doing, then posting on YouTube, the staging looks really bad. I’ve seen high school musicals with better staging. In one of the mainstream reviews, it claims Lea was circling the producers once the bad reviews came out, and made herself available to them, so wasted no time in getting them to think of dumping Beanie for her.

Beanie is a weak singer. Saw her sing in a tribute to Bette Midler, and she was bad. No charisma either.

Someone should send the racist calling Lea a racist the weekly ticket sales and count of standing ovations per show. I bet that’ll have her shitting in her own wig.

They should put Patti LuPone and Lea in a musical together. The backstories would be delicious!

R117, Patti Lupone singing with (or near) Lea would literally knock her off the stage. Lea doesn't have the voice or presence.

[quote]Funny...Lea is doing the talk shows to promote FG...they didn't have Beanie do that.

Where were you? Beanie was all over the place, TV and print before the opening. Before.

Name one talk sow where she appeared and performed from FG r118. Her little pr promos about her theater camp dont count...nor do her self promos...but you know that.

Beanie didn't sing, R119, she talked. On the Today and Tonight Show, CBS Sunday Morning...that was all I could stand. Also a couple of articles in the Times.

She also appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers. where she didn't sing, either. She was very charming and likeable in interviews, but I image she could lose much of that goodwill if she really couldn't do justice to the killer musical score of Funny Girl.

I think another factor helps Lea in her performance - she's from the NYC area (NJ). She can get into the accent and the attitude effortlessly. California Beanie didn't have a chance.

Entertainment Weekly has rendered another glowing review for Lea in Funny Girl. They basically parroted the Washington Post review saying she’ll bring down the whole darn block:

“ Those who come to the August Wilson expecting Michele to blow the roof off the place won't be disappointed. The surrounding buildings on 52nd Street should brace for impact, too. Michele uses her voice like a stealth missile, belting easily through marquee songs like "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" and earning all the enthusiastic applause she gets for them.”

What did they do with Beanie's XXXX-L costumes?

They donated then to the school carnival...they were in need of tents.

Poor Beanie. Now she'll be battling Lens for all the fat girl parts.

Well it's been a month, and the momentum has dropped a lot. That PR driven opening night stunt was not going to have much legs.

I guess when she shows up, she's getting okay numbers, but rumors are floating around now that she helped get Beanie thrown out of the production. Which given her past behavior, isn't hard to fathom.

I don't think this production will extend beyond the holidays.

Julie Benko, meanwhile, reportedly did such a great job the week that the bitch was away. One night, there was a ten minute ovation and the end of the show, and several people left the theater WEEPING.

They really fucked the production over by not giving her the role.

And I also heard the rumors that the police had to be called to one of Benko's shows, because an old man was beside himself in the lobby, swearing that the real Fanny Brice was on stage. Julie was THAT good.

Oh well. Enjoy your mediocrity.

[quote]she helped get Beanie thrown out of the production.

Then Lea deserves a Tony

Lol r128 the “momentum” has dropped so much it’s doing $1.6M a week and doing record highs.

[quote]One night, there was a ten minute ovation and the end of the show, and several people left the theater WEEPING.

Oh, the humanity!

R128, Julie, please. You do an awesome job, but you are not a STAR.

R127 & r128 = Julie Benko's love-slave husband.

R79, that was a good quality video, but again -- while she sings on key, and could be a LOT worse -- it just doesn't build like you know who's performance.

And why is the set SO FREAKIN' CHEAP LOOKING?

R86, have you been living in a cave? They've been miking shows like that for 30 years, if not longer.

Edit: LONGER. Since 1971.

C'mon, she nails it.

finally a video! It's unlisted, I was lucky to find it - I mentioned in the comments that when she sings "If I stop him now...", the staging doesn't make sense, they should be together, sitting or standing, it would have been so much better

An audience view

She's an imitation. A squawking, note-holding, shallow creature who runs on ego and other people's legacies.

Shouldnt you be running to the market before they close Beanie ? You know how cranky you get when you run out of ice cream and Twinkies

[quote] And why is the set SO FREAKIN' CHEAP LOOKING?

Agree, that was my first thought in seeing all these clips.

But thanks for whoever's posting them, I think I've seen most of the show now.

[quote] One night, there was a ten minute ovation and the end of the show, and several people left the theater WEEPING.

Yes, Mr. Eichner.

here is the link to a playlist of recordings of Lea's performances from "MICHELE COSTA" - I thought I'd post the link since most of them are unlisted and might be difficult to find otherwise

I knew she was going to make this HER part,and so she has. They should have skipped Beano and went directly to Leah.

R136 I can't spot her microphone. Maybe it is cleverly blended into her suit. That background staging is awful. You don't try and pull focus from the star.

Isn't the microphone that small white oval between the middle of her forehead and her hat? You may have to full screen the video to see it.

How can a microphone on her forehead pick up her voice?

Do you people not go to see professional theater?

Pretty much every professionally staged musical is miked.

Barbra is NOT an EGOT. The official list doesn't include honorary awards. Not to mention, she had to share her Oscar with Kate.

r149...she won more than one Oscar...

Didn't she share that one too, with Paul Williams?

Sharing is caring 😂😂😂

Maybe they could create another kind of special Tony for her:

"Most Beloved Cunt"

Streisand and Hepburn BOTH got Oscars, they didn't share it.

Having said that, what part of her EGOT was only "honorary"?

[quote] Do you people not go to see professional theater? Pretty much every professionally staged musical is miked.

"you people"??

This will astonish you, but "we people" do not all live in New York City.

Many more Dataloungers live elsewhere than NYC than those who live in it.

The Tony was not in a competitive category. It was a special award

Here's the list - no Barbra.

Beanie got to keep her Fannie Brice Snack Purse, what is she complaining about?

[quote]

Having said that, what part of her EGOT was only "honorary"?

The Tony.

She did not actually win a Tony either for "I Can get It for You Wholesale" or "Funny Girl." She was givena special Tony as "Star of the Decade," but it was not competitive--it was basically just an attempt by the Tonys to get more viewers by capitalizing on her then-popularity in Hollywood. Since it was not won competitively, there is genuine debate whether it counts as a real EGOT among the people who care about such things.*

*caring about who won or did not win an EGOT in my book is absolutely ridiculous: the entire category was invented by Philip Michael Hall of "Miami Vice," who wrote in his autobiography was determined to achieve it it, even though he hadn't even won one of the awards--it was later picked up as a joke and popularized on "30 Rock," but inexplicably people now treat it like it's a real category that means something.

maybe she had no mike as they were all miming to a pre-recorded track? I can't see any orchestra either.

The EGOT thing is pretty dumb.

Especially when they classify winning an award for providing funding to a project as being somehow a "talent".

And, while I think Rita Moreno is great, it's also ridiculous to imply she's one of the best actors/performers of all time for winning awards for guesting on The Muppet Show or her work in The Ritz (fun but also ridiculous) or even in West Side Story (her singing was dubbed).

r133 - Are they little people?

Rita Moreno was dubbed by Betty Wand in the song "A Boy Like That" because the song needed to be performed at a register that was too low for her. However, Moreno sang her own vocals in "America". Marni Nixon sang some of Moreno's parts in the "Quintet" when illness prevented Moreno from doing so. Wand was also ill on the day of final recording, and so Nixon recorded Anita's vocal line as well.

[quote]And why is the set SO FREAKIN' CHEAP LOOKING?

You are not supposed to be looking at the sets when Beanie was on stage!

[quote]How can a microphone on her forehead pick up her voice?

It does. Standard actor mic. That is not a tassel on Closes' turban.

[quote] She did not actually win a Tony either for "I Can get It for You Wholesale" or "Funny Girl." She was givena special Tony as "Star of the Decade," but it was not competitive--

I was surprised at that. Most people assumed she won for Funny Girl (as did I).

Here she is getting her Tony.

Per David Frost in R166's clip, Streisand was "the first person to win all 4 awards." If true, that's impressive by itself.

R165 Hello, Dolly! beat Funny Girl in all the nominated categories at the 1964 Tony awards including Carol Channing as Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.

Her stans are giving me the same weirdo vibe that Barbra stans do.

It's unhinged and deranged.

As for the performance, it's essentially the same she did on Glee...

I suspect it's a mix of deranged Glee fans, who still exist and who are VERY deranged, and paid shills.

Lea really wants a Tony.

Lea is magnificent in this role. Her voice is light years better trained and more impressive than the time of glee. Gorgeous and powerful. Glorious in fact. The world ain't wrong. Old white faggy Striezand fans just can't let go.

That little whine on every other word, just no.

R171 “DAAAAAAAAANCE,” no subtlety. Great instrument, though.

R170, Lea's not eligible for a Tony. Try again.

R172--Are you really expecting subtlety out of Funny Girl? We're not talking about A Little Night Music here. (Though wouldn't Lea as Desiree been an amazing bit of miscasting--blaring out "Send in the Clowns"?)

Her voice has gloss and glissando and some beautiful long notes finished with perfect vibrato now. She's not all blare at all. Streizand was guttural and shrieking for most of Funny Girl and in many of her early live TV appearances. Those pinched high notes and all that growling. With some glory notes in between. Lea has far surpassed that. She does indeed have a great instrument and she's singing the DAMN score with beauty, power and personality. Heart. In character of Fanny Brice. Barbaric didn't manage all that.

Give up the comparisons. Lea is a sensation unlike anything in a long time. Not because great Broadway voices don't already exist - but because she has risen from the ashes and looks and sounds SO much BETTER than EVER. It's a redemption story. She is having a great victory and to those with real ears - she is living proof that a woman's voice hits peak levels of power and beauty and control from her mid 30s to mid later 40s. That's how healthy voices and bodies are built. Those who love to sing and work hard to get better.

Others retreat to the recording studio for 30 years.

Lea is in Prime Time. I hope they do a film/streaming remake of Funny Girl, STAT. Lea Michele IS Fanny Brice. Ramin is a worthy and gorgeous costar. They have real chemistry and respect.

He's not some dirty arab pekinese that Streisand fucked just so she could further dominate the pikture.

You had me right up to the last sentence R174. Omar Sharif was a GOD in those days. Fie !

R173 Yes, I'm aware she's not eligible for a Tony (for replacing Beanie in Funny Girl).

That's been on the discussion plate for most of this thread, with deranged Lea Michele fans continually suggesting she deserves some sort of Tony love for "saving" Funny Girl.

I'm not one of those fans.

Tovah Feldshuh needs to stop doing whatever she’s doing to her face now. She’ll soon regret it if she don’t.

R47- Rules change all the time. There used to be no three point line in basketball. Back to theater, The Who won a Tony for Tommy for best score. Then the rules changed and Green Day could not be nominated for American Idiot.

R54- Barbra is not a real EGOT. Only competitive awards count.

Lea never embellishes and never takes the optional high notes that Barbra took. It’s refreshing. For example, Barbra sings “….but first be a person who needs people, PEE-pull who need people.” Lea does not go up on PEE. She sings the basic melody without embellishment smartly pacing herself for 7 shows per week.

For people who are making judgements from bootlegs: I recently directed a musical in a community theater. One specific actor gave a real heartwarming performance. It was filmed from the light booth. When I watched the video, the actor just looked like an amateur and you couldn’t see the heart that we all saw IN THE ROOM. You simply can’t judge a performance from a bootleg in my opinion. It’s telling that Beanie says she was cast from a Zoom audition and not live in person.

R102- MTM had “marquee value” when? Lea is playing to sellouts in the fifth hit show of her Broadway career. MTM was in 3 flops. One of ‘em didn’t even open.

The fact that Beanie never sang on the talk shows is strange. It was the producing team basically admitting that their Star wasn’t a strong singer. Why try to mount an expensive Broadway musical with a star that you’re afraid to show off? Makes you wonder about the family connections.

R127- Beanie didn’t get thrown out. She quit.

R139- what does Lea do that is an imitation? She’s certainly not imitating Barbra. The two couldn’t sound more different.

R161- An EGOT is an EGOT. It does not care if you have talent. It’s never claimed to be an acting award. It is an extremely difficult accomplishment no matter how you go about it. If it was easy, why are there only 17 of them all time?

R167- But she didn’t WIN the Tony. It was honorary. Back to the “can’t change the rules” discussion, if Barbra can win a special Tony, why can’t Lea?

R169- it’s not the same as her Glee performance. She’s matured since then and it shows. Plus, performing for cameras while lip syncing and performing for a live audience are two different things.

R172- it’s actually all subtlety with Lea in this production. I guess that’s why you missed it. She doesn’t do stop and start phrasing or massive changes in dynamics or riff, she sings smoothly and beautifully on the beat and everything you need from that song is all there.

The best part was Mary was hosting the show and didn't know they were doing this. Great award show that year!

Clip at 1.25 right after "Evita"

R178, you talk too much.

Great post, r178. I totally agree.

Jesus, r178, you have *way* too much free time on your hands.

Visiting London, I was amazed by the crowds of suits spilling out of pubs in the afternoon. Also by how tall the men were.

Well shit wrong thread

I saw her on Good Morning America and she sang DROMP. She was into it and It's obvious she's been trying really hard but I still find her unappealing. I hate her fake personality when she's being interviewed. She has this annoyingly fake laugh whenever she is being complimented. This is a woman who has been exposed to the world about her huge sociopath like character flaws. Whenever she fake laughs it's her trying to cover up, for she knows in the back of her mind what she has done to people. So much attention towards someone who should've never been given the chance in the first place. It's a shame Broadway is so desperate right now that they have to keep her in the role for the money.

[quote]It's a shame Broadway is so desperate right now that they have to keep her in the role for the money

She's bringing in the money, r185 which obviously shows you're in the minority.

Her vocals are better than I expected, though they all seem inspired by Streisand or Wendla Bergmann. I muted the sound - it becomes very clear that this woman has no authentic core. Still, I bought the damned tickets.

[R186] You misread my meaning. I said too bad Broadway is just keeping her on because it is selling more tickets with her in it. Some people are just curious because of all the hoopla it's generated. Some people like the show. Some people like her. Whatever the reason I think she's being praised for a performance that is so clearly just a Streisand iimitation that will never come close to the real thing. Streisand as Fanny was just a purely natural marvel of an acting talent combined with a voice that was like no other. So whatever.

R187, let us know how it goes.

[quote]Streisand as Fanny was just a purely natural marvel of an acting talent combined with a voice that was like no other.

Therein lies the problem. The role is so finely tailored to Barbra's very specific talents (both in the songs *and* the book) that nobody else can fit the role like she did. Given that, just let Lea enjoy this. She never shit in *my* wig.

*

[R190] I disagree. Funny Girl was never "finely tailored to Barbra's specific talents..." Streisand took the role as it was and created it using her comedic skills combined with her glorious singing voice. You make it sound like they created her performance. It was a once in a lifetime revelation of someone who's huge career obviously shows that she was the real thing. Lea not so much. Not even close. She'll always be the mean girl from Glee.

Streisand's voice wasn't all that back then. And she cut songs nightly if she didn't want to sing them and half assed many others. Everyone knows it. The recordings are out there.

Gwen cut certain numbers as well, r193. It doesn't change the fact that without Barbra, the show's cracks become apparent.

Striezand is forgotten. An antiquated talent. She served only herself. Never the music. Nancy Sinatra has more of a following.

Lea is getting RAVE reviews. Much better than Barbaric Striezand could hope for.

I'm sure Babs was remarkable on stage, but she's not an option. If you want to see a live version of Funny Girl, Lea Michele is the girl for the part. There are things she does that are like Streisand--it's pretty much impossible to not make them like Streisand, but her phrasing and interpretations differ in significant ways (at least from the reviews). She's singing really well--yeah, she does that gulpy/swoop thing at the begining of some lines, but her legato and breath control is really, really nice and she's solidly on pitch most of the time--these are live performances getting recorded on Twitter and she's been on the ball night after night. Babs tended to oversing in a way that her fans love, but I never have--Lea does less of it--her "People" , for example, is less about what she can show off as a singer and more in keeping with what's happening with the character at the moment--she saves the Streisand moment for the reprise when she's alone on stage and, honestly, the audience expects those blow-out notes.

And, wow, the difference between her and Beanie singing TMMTMMD in R191--Beanie really is at the level of a high-school performance--where the lead goes to the girl who's had voice lessons, but has a tiny little instrument.

[quote]This is a woman who has been exposed to the world about her huge sociopath like character flaws.

Hey Dr Freud, she was a spoiled brat mean girl. She has gotten married and had a baby. She was confronted with her behavior and made apologies. People are allowed to grow up and grow. Try it.

R185- you have a wild imagination

R188- they sound nothing alike and Lea doesn’t copy any of Barbra’s embellishments.

[R196]. Lea can’t even get a hit record and you’re saying she’s better than Streisand???? lol. Lea’s album came and went as fast as a hiccup. Her voice is mousy and nasal sounding. She’s also very unattractive. Streisand was beautiful and sexy in her own way. Not Lea.

She made a small splash, good for her.

Mousy? Nasal? Unattractive?

Hello Barbra!

This "brilliant" flat fun bag of vocal talent, warmth and beauty, R200? Babs is double parked, raspy and terrible. She charges by the note and has no respect for an audience. Never did and still doesn't. Is Barbaric hiding in the bathroom AGAIN while Lea enjoys rave reviews and the JOY of becoming the STAR of Funny Girl?

Lea is singing this role at the top of her game, with full vocal maturity and expert training. She is in her vocal prime and fully present as a vulnerable, funny, sexy, romantic and triumphant character. She was fully prepared for a great success. No deaf idiots or internet trolls will stop this modern brand of Legend Making. What a comeback. What a debut. A Star is Born. Because Lea is excellent and thrilling. She's never giving less than her all while sharing the glory with her costar and cast. She deserves this personal and professional triumph!

Linda Eder also sang the Funny Girl songs meteorically better than Striezand.

Are they both Jewesses?

R203 Oh c'mon.

The woman has talent, no doubt, but let's compare her vocal ability to Streisand.

Here's Lea's "Don't Rain on My Parade". Ignore the hideous costumes for a minute and listen.

Now listen to Barbra.

Gullpy/swoop, is that what it’s called? I can’t stand it, it’s so “contemporary pop singer.”

Listen how Barbra conveys a range of emotion, how she gets every ounce of meaning out of the lyrics.

Lea is one note.

Barbra’s phrasing and diction was so elegant. On top of the gorgeous voice.

Lea is a whore, and wig-shitter.

We need a Funny Girl remake movie with Lea Michelle starring.

[quote] We need a Funny Girl remake movie with Lea Michelle starring.

"Funny Cunt"

Streisand can direct it.

[quote] She’s also very unattractive. Streisand was beautiful

here's how you know you're dealing with a nutcase.

Are you under the illusion that Streisand is singing that LIVE, R206?

Lea is stupendous in all the more beautiful songs of Funny Girl. Don't Rain on My Parade is something that Streisand screeched her way through during the Broadway run. She has never sung the complete song LIVE since with full power while hitting all the notes. It's a tough song to navigate. But Linda Eder and Eydie Gorme could sing the roof off it. Lea does it fine. It's not in the sweet spots of her voice. Her voice is prettier and less strident than Barbaric Striezands. Don't Rain on My Parade is not a worthwhile song outside of the show. It catered to Streusels best talents on her best day. Barbara seldom brought that to the theater. She has no vocal stamina. She's a recording artist.

But Lillias White can reinvent it. She did.

R214 Streisand was ugly/beautiful. Whatever you think about her, at the time her style was influential. Early to mid 1960s Barbra's look was iconic.

R215 You are laughably wrong.

See that small white thing on Lea's forehead beneath her hat? That's a microphone. She wears that on stage. She has to.

This is Barbra singing it live on a bootleg tape of 1965 technology. Despite that, Barbra is thrilling.

Did Linda Eder have just as beautiful of a voice AND sing it with more power, beauty and thrill than Barabas Striezand? YES.

She still can. Linda is a real singer.

Streizand can't sing the alphabet without a microphone moron @ R216.

[R214] I’m a nutcase? Barbra Streisand has been on the cover of Vogue many times since the beginning of her career showcasing her style and unconventional beauty. She is an icon. Lea ‘Dogface ‘ Michelle has never been on or inside any fashion magazine ever. If I’m a nutcase at least I’m a stylish one. You stan a Streisand wannabe with zero sense of style - —probably just like you.

Yikes R216. Striezand is FLAT and nasal and minnie mousey singing DROMP there. Growling and shrieking the notes that she didn't have hours to blend in the studio. She got to be a better singer later, but not as advanced as Lea Michele or Linda Eder. Babaras gift was her golden burr tone of voice- unique. When she wasn't growling or shrieking.

The stage was MIKED you idiot. For Funny Girl. Streusel needs a microphone. Her voice is still kind of thin, especially back then. She could never sing without a mic.

R217 Vey nice. She sounds like she's performing in the talent competition segment of The Miss America Pageant.

Those two will never have million dollar movie musicals created for them. Sorry.

They could never do this:

Just a reminder that Hello Dolly was a box office disaster and helped put an end to the Hollywood musical. That blame lies with the miscast Streisand.

[quote]The stage was MIKED you idiot.

The stage a was miked. Rudimentarily.

They were not wearing voice-tuning mics taped to their foreheads in 1965 idiot.

*

Ya thing anyone would turn out for "Lea Michele - A Happening in Central Park"?

Hello Gorgeous

“My Name is Lea”

Lea with an A

Oh cool your jets, Mary. I'm not saying Lea Michele is any more beautiful than Barbra. They're both homely mutts.

I'm not 80 years old R222. The head mics are much more exposing of a vocalists breathing, legato issues, vocal blending and bad notes actually. Streisand is not a great live singer. Never was. Those TV specials were her very best and they are mostly prerecorded. And ridiculously grande. Whitney could sing Barbara off the fucking planet with a breath of air, sitting down. Between hits off the pipe. Barbaric murdered most of the music she attacked with her trademark modulations and meaningless long notes. She's pretty tasteless as a singer. She was striking looking. From that one angle. In photographs.

Lea is far more sexy, appealing, funny and pretty as Fanny Brice though. She's not playing herself.

🤷 Who in the hell is [italic] Beanie ?

What type of name is Beanie? The only worse name than that is Spooner.

[quote] 🤷 Who in the hell is Beanie ?

Did Beanie think she could have a career like Whoopi with that name?

Uh, Funny Girl was absolutely written to Barbra's strengths. Every book/article written about the creation of Funny Girl discusses how they tailored the songs to benefit Streisand. They had a terrible book they couldn't fix and preview audiences got restless if Streisand wasn't on stage so the show is crammed with numbers for Streisand to belt.

It's why Funny Girl wasn't revived on B'way for over 50 years. Everyone knew it had a shitty book and songs that require a unique talent and charisma.

Well, that and all of FG's hit songs are so strongly associated with Streisand, it's impossible for anyone else to sing them.

[quote]Well, that and all of FG's hit songs are so strongly associated with Streisand, it's impossible for anyone else to sing them.

Obviously, not true. Lea is having a greater Broadway success and thrilling all audiences. Even the most critical. She is singing the score gloriously and charming all the way through. Funny Girl is a SMASH hit because of Lea Michele.

Striezand did have a popular movie with Funny Girl. Impossible to sit through now.

None of Streisand's movies have aged well. All of them relied on the same formula that she gets a makeover to become desirable for men, even though she always looks the exact same post-makeover as she did pre-makeover.

[quote] Lea is having a greater Broadway success and thrilling all audiences.

[italic]Mary.[/italic]

[R236]. Lea’s movies haven’t aged well either. Maybe because she doesn’t have any! lol

R238 You clearly aren't familiar with the Hallmark classic Same Time, Next Christmas

I don't like Barbra personally, or those tired claw nails. But to the person that posted those clips, she was divine.

[R238]. Lmao!!! Hallmark movies are not even real movies. How embarrassing to stan someone so D-list she has to resort to Hallmark trash!!!

Jesus....for years I thought the StreisandStans were the biggest nutjobs but the LeaStans take the cake.

At least Streisand had a unique voice/talent/stage presence. Lea is a just a watered down version of Streisand.

r208- you are comparing Barbra lipsynching to Lea singing live.

r218- Lea has been on the cover of TeenVogue, Glamour, Women's Health, Healthy Living, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Shape, Bazaar, GQ, and more.

Everyone on Broadway uses a mic now. Everyone. It's what modern audiences expect. It is the sound current producers want to put out in their shows. It's not like Lea has personally chosen to wear a mic because she doesn't have a big voice. Lea has an extremely big voice but she knows she has a mic on and doesn't push which is smart singing.

[R244] Not even Ryan Murphy could pay to have Lea’s horse face on the cover of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. You know …. the fashion bibles that all relevant and stylish women covet to grace the covers of? Poor Lea stans are trying so hard to convince everyone that their sociopathic queen is someone who has the talent to be an original like the great Barbra Streisand. It’s a pity she doesn’t. Truth is without Streisand there would be no Funny Girl for Lea to imitate like a trained monkey.

Will Beanie be back in Funny Girl when Lea’s run is up? We need her back. She is phenomenal

R247 is clearly either Beanie or Jonah

Lea singing a song from Funny Girl.

A shame no one wae there to watch it.

.....

After seeing that clip, I'll save $250 and watch the movie.

LA Times on Michele: “… one of the top five musical theater performances I’ve seen in my lifetime.”

LA Times review by who? Someone that's seen 6 shows?

Charles McNulty. =

"The last time I was this overcome at a curtain call was after Patti LuPone turned “Rose’s Turn” into a gloriously harrowing nervous breakdown in the 2008 Broadway revival of “Gypsy."

Wow. If he's not a DLer, he's out there, lost and looking for us.

[quote]you are comparing Barbra lipsynching to Lea singing live.

But with both clips, you can compare their interpretation of the song.

Lea has made it about female empowerment, almost rising to a scowly angry threat toward the end. It's very trendy 2022.

Barbra makes the song about determination, but also...and most importantly... self doubt. Note her worried expression in the car and her slumped posture in the train. Listen to how she handles "your turn at bat sir, at least I didn't fake it, hat sir I guess I didn't make it." Compare that to what Lea does with that line. She just barrels through.

Barbra's interpretation is multidimensional, a range of emotion. She tells a story. She builds the song.

Lea is one note, she starts the song gang-busters and keeps it going through to the end.

Barbra is in character. Lea seems desperate to impress us.

I will give Lea this: at least she avoids the vocal gymnastics and flourishes that are popular today. None of that nasal whine that seems to be in fashion. It's a real classic Broadway voice she has. She needs a good director.

And those costumes! Why do they have her dressed like Mary Poppins? Those hideous white spats! The white flowers with that stupid white ribbon. The red jacket with black lapels! The ugly hem length.

Barbra on B'way and in the film is dressed in layered chiffon for that number. In a monotone color. It is so much more flattering.

Lea looks like a school marm.

[quote]I will give Lea this: at least she avoids the vocal gymnastics and flourishes that are popular today.

Honey, Lea doesn't need you to give her anything. She's got it all!

[quote] And those costumes! Why do they have her dressed like Mary Poppins? Those hideous white spats! The white flowers with that stupid white ribbon. The red jacket with black lapels! The ugly hem length.

Because they're period clothes, and this takes place in the same time period as "Mary Poppins": the 1910s.

Who's the mean girl now?

[quote]Because they're period clothes

It's a Broadway musical, not a documentary.

An intelligent costume designer hints at the era, draws inspiration from the era, but does not try to recreate it.

And above all you want to flatter your star.

See Cecile Beaton's celebrated costumes for Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1912). They are not recreations.

Barbra's Broadway and film costume for "Don't Rain on My Parade" are both in chiffon...it's light, feminine, flattering and the curved tiered layers on the skirt make for movement and a stylish hem. It's sexy.

Note too how Barbra's costume is all one color, in an almost pastel, with the coordinated yellow flowers, ribbon and fur. It's elegant, flattering and fabulous.

Compare that to the stark, harsh color palette of Lea's get up: red, white, black. It's ugly.

And OMG those white spats!

But you're also bitching about the hemlines.

To do a period show without doing the hemlines more or less where they were back in the day is basically to do what "Six" is doing and just throwing any sense of history out the window.

[quote] Who's the mean girl now?

Yet again: Coffer dissing her now does not in any way negate her cuntiness then.

It's amazing how you Lea stans do not understand this.

Like most white gay men - Coffer is a mean girl and nasty cunt himself. He's jealous. His comments hurt no one but himself.

[quote]To do a period show without doing the hemlines more or less where they were back in the day is basically to do what "Six" is doing and just throwing any sense of history out the window.

You are wrong.

Take a look at Barbra's costume for that number. The designer found a solution that was true to era, but flattering.

Lea in that number looks as appealing as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Christ the battle between the Barbara stans and the Lea stans is tedious already.

Seriously, you're arguing the virtues of hemlines? Neither actress sewed her own costumes.

Yes we all agree that the production values are disappointing and don't get me started on the color-blind casting of the chorus.

It all shows the sorry state of Broadway. Standards have been lowered. Producers know that they can get away with crap. The costumes and chorus look like a community theatre production.

And instead of conveying complexity, determination laced with vulnerability, ballsy-ness and delicacy, "Don't Rain on My Parade" is now all about being "fierce".

^ moron ^

Totally agree, R267. The kids just like that Lea sings loud and fierce, as if she’s on American Idol.

No one will ever come close to the perfect artistry Barbra brought to the role, and everyone ‘knooooooows it!’

How ridiculous you old fags sound. Barbaric sang this role almost 60 years ago. She was far from perfect and not a Broadway artist. She never even tried again. Streisand climbed over the back of her own voice to get other places. She has no love for it and it shows.

Lea is singing the score as written, and beautifully. Her voice is beautiful and READY. Her performance is fully dedicated to each nuance, every night and matinee. She is having a huge comeback and TRIUMPH at 36 years old and taking nothing for granted.

On many notes in many songs, Lea's vocal talent and ability is superior to lazy Barbaric Striezand.

Lea sounds beautiful and quite classic. Her voice is more true to what a singer does and learns to do. And she sounds phenomenal. Their are much more difficult scores to sing - Funny Girl must be DELIVERED. Lea has exceeded all hope and expectations and wiped away even the tacky memories of a show that won no awards and was only known for its KOOK casting. Striezand was the self indulgent stunt.

Lea is delivering A Broadway show. With Ramin, Tovah and the rest of a great cast.

She's a star.

And Im here for it R270 ! I agree 1000%.

R270 You are wrong on all counts.

Scroll down to see the ad with the critic's reactions to Barbra's performance in 1964.

Remember this was a time when Broadway still had truly great performers, a discerning theatre going public, and tough no-holds-barred critics...all things that are no more today.

This production looks like it has a community college budget- of course Lea is better than Beanie, but hard pass.

Good for Chris not wanting to praise that cunt. He's got bis children's book money and doesn't need to kiss Lea's bony ass.

His, not bis

The hard sell promotion on a witch, at R272.

[quote]“I met Barbra years before when she worked with Liberace, but she doesn’t remember that. That’s okay. I used to see her pop in and get ready for the matinee, stand in the wings for a few seconds, and then she’d disappear. When I opened in the show, she left me a giant blue marble egg, quite lovely.”

A cursed ben wa ball from Striezand? You'll never read a full out nice thing about Barbaric from anyone who has met her or worked with her.

To call Lea Michele some kind of self involved monster is to bury the lede and ignore the prototype.

Lea has evolved and grown and matured into a team player and more giving performer with motherhood, marriage and public condemnation. Striezand is still a gigantic ASSHOLE at 84 years OLD!!!

Much like her 'fans'.

Maybe Lea Michele will go on to reprise Barbra's role in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale".

That would be nice.

[quote]On many notes in many songs, Lea's vocal talent and ability is superior to lazy Barbaric Striezand

You're quite deranged, r270. Repeatedly and rabidly misspelling her name only confirms your insanity.

...and I cannot stand Barbra.

She’ll never play her with the piquant charm that Beanie did!

Brabra did it better

The costumes and staging are not Lea’s fault but they are terrible. It seems like Beanie was a risk, so they saved money in those things and now that somebody is pulling in money, they don’t want to upgrade. Unfair to the current cast and audience, not just Lea. This is not The Beanie Show any longer. Lea can wear nice clothes and look good, give her some.

About the shoes, no, spats were not everyday wear for women, they wore high button shoes. By 1910 they were starting to wear high cut pumps. People, and apparently the costumer, seem to think 1910 was 1890. Huge styling difference between the two eras. Look at actual pictures of the real Fanny Brice, or actually the beginning of Downton Abbey is pretty accurate. They copied original dresses.

Here is a picture of the real Fanny Brice in the early 1910’s. She is wearing lace stockings and v necked pumps, and showing ankles, which would be accurate because she was a vaudeville actress, not a grandmother or a nun. The costumer has no idea what they’re doing.

Same era:

Your many many posts on this thread defending Barbra prove otherwise, R278.

Your the deranged one.

I think this mispelling of whatever her name was is funny and fitting. Barbra was such an egotistical cunt. RIP.

^No, r284. R278 and this are my only posts on this thread. Anyone who knows how to ignordar can confirm that.

I have never liked Barbra. I simply find your hatred for her excessive.

You're lying R285. We know how many places you post from. LOTS of accounts. You're an old white fag who is 80 years old. R284 isn't me. Lots of people can't stomach Barbara's Streusel.

I'm not deranged. I'm a musical performer and composer. On and off Broadway .And you are someone in need of a fresh diaper.

Were woman back then wearing Cleopatra eye makeup and updos with spitcurls? No, but Barbra pulled it off. Lea looks like cheap goods.

R286, that's out of hand. Log off.

This is Fanny’s makeup, it looks like about the 1930s. Keep in mind women aged much faster then. This is not stage makeup which was very dramatic for the era and she was an actress.

Lisa Shane, the “forgotten Funny Girl,” London production. Not bad.

[quote] Lea is a whore, and wig-shitter.

^ this from the old man telling other people to "log off'? ^

[quote]"When the show closes, that's when I'll listen to all her old records and radio tapes and see any movies she was in. But in the show, I approach the character as though she were not an actual person. I don't try to do an imitation of Fanny Brice, that would be like a nightclub act."

[quote] Streisand told AP writer William Glover a similar story: "I don't want to imitate anybody," she said. "My ego's too big. Besides, this show is fate. The play is really about me. It simply happened to happen before to Fanny Brice. And anyway, it's fictionalized."

[quote] I have my good nights and my bad nights – when I'm feeling good, and feeling up and energetic, and when I'm feeling tired. Now when I'm feeling tired, it's a tiresome job. This is a difficult part though – maintaining a spontaneous performance eight times a week. Because you're taking a creative art and putting it into a mold, putting it into a bottle. I must say it's very difficult on two shows a day."

[quote] Streisand told The Sunday Bulletin, "The Wednesday matinee audience is usually the toughest. It's mostly ladies, and they come more to have a good time than to see the show. It's a little strange, all women.

She's a monumental, egotistical, ungrateful and artless ASSHOLE for her whole career. Barbaric Strizand.

[quote]You're lying [R285]. We know how many places you post from. LOTS of accounts. You're an old white fag who is 80 years old. [R284] isn't me. Lots of people can't stomach Barbara's Streusel.

Wow, you are just a bucketful of crazy and a bundle of joy, aren't ya, r286? I'm not lying, and I never assumed that you were r284 - and you are most definitely confusing me for someone else.

[quote]I'm not deranged. I'm a musical performer and composer. On and off Broadway .

Now *that's * funny - as if Broadway performers and composers are never nuts. It's practically a prerequisite.

[quote]And you are someone in need of a fresh diaper

No, I'm in need of departing this thread. I think both Barbra and Lea are pretty toxic people, and apparently some of their fans are, also.

Carry on!

R287, no, Barbra’s makeup was really inaccurate. But about the spit curls and Cleopatra makeup, yes, a lot of 1920s actresses did wear that. Tutankamun’s tomb was found in the 1920s and there was a brief fad of women wearing Egyptian style makeup and jewelry that went on for a few years. Look at Theda Bara for an example, a famous movie actress. She was kind of doing the same thing as Barbra for her era, a modern take on ancient Egypt.

Here’s Claudette Colbert in the 1930s wearing an Egyptian headpiece because she was in a Cleopatra movie. You can see, it’s 1930s makeup but meant to be Egyptian. That’s pretty much what Barbra did, wear 1960s makeup for a 1930s era movie. In the days of old Hollywood, accuracy wasn’t really necessary, so she was following an old tradition.

Spit curls were really a 1920s-30s thing.

I can’t post most of the images online because they links are too long and I can’t post them. But search eBay for “Fanny Brice 1915” Ziegfeld Follies showgirl. There’s an image of her wearing nothing but a scarf and pumps. Fanny was sexy back in the day. Not a pair of spats in sight.

That spats thing is so inaccurate it’s laughable. Even when women wore two toned high button shoes, they were one piece, not spats. Casting Beanie was obvious nepotism, but I’d like to know how that costume designer got their job, they could have just looked at the 1906 Sears catalog and done a much better job. It’s all pumps on the models.

The photo for r297 because he doesn't know how to link photos

Thanks R298. I kept coming up with links that were so long they wouldn’t post here.

The Met has a pair of spats from 1900-1915 but I'm sure you're right that spats didn't exist back then.

You must be joking, Barbra was being Barbra. She knew shit about Cleopatra Next, tell me about 2 inch claw nails back then.

R300, I’m not saying they never existing, but weren’t common. Women wore high button shoes when it was cold, and pumps the rest of the time. Sometimes the pumps had buckles.

If you look at Fanny’s clothes, she was a real clothes horse and had a nice figure when she was young. It was really common then for actresses to wear sexier clothes, more makeup and shorter skirts than average people.

If you look at pictures from when she was young, she didn’t go for the frilly stuff, she was more modern. It was still out there, but she was a working vaudeville actress and she dressed modern and glamourous.

R301, the whole point I’m making is the idea of actresses wearing historically accurate period clothing didn’t exist when Barbra was in Funny Girl. It wasn’t until Merchant Ivory movies decades later that people even tried to do that. Downton Abbey was probably the most accurate version of period clothes. A lot of the hairstyles were overly fussy and not flattering, which is accurate.

According to this, wearing long nails became a fad in the 1920s and 30s, but painting nails went back to the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. It was a sign of being too rich to have to work in ancient times.

Keep defending a cunt that wouldn't even let you into her mall. You're mentally ill.

Bea was better than Barbra!!!

But she can't touch the hem of Lea Michele.

[quote]Women wore high button shoes when it was cold, and pumps the rest of the time.

Spats were splatter guards worn over the pumps, though. Spat is short for "spatterdashes." They were fashion for men and mostly practical for women, and you're not going to find a lot of historical photos of women wearing them like you do of men's spats.

The scene Lea wears spats in is when she's outside for "Don't Rain on My Parade," right? I'm not saying it's the best costume design in the world, but it's not an egregious error.

Bea was awful.

r306...not only that, but in that scene she was wearing "traveling clothes"....yes, that was and in some instances, is, still a thing.

R291, that wasn't me. You're no Jessica Fletcher babe.

Well, if Lea is wearing Beanie’s costumes, BRING BACK BEANIE!

[quote]She's bringing in the money

Beanie was bringing in the money as well despite the reviews, so that really doesn't count for anything.

People seem to like this show. This bitch did not save anything except for her meager career (momentarily)

[quote]She's a monumental, egotistical, ungrateful and artless ASSHOLE for her whole career. Barbaric Strizand.

Well I like her!

I saw an interview about Downton Abbey where Michelle Dockery said many of the clothes were in fact vintage and of the period. She claimed they disliked wearing them because they smelled bad and were heavy.

I've read it it's black, it's vintage when it comes to British period clothes. There was some big costume warehouse that burned up a few years ago in the UK, which was going to make costume dramas more expensive.

R46 , R47 The American Theatre Wing / Broadway League can hand out a special Tony whenever they feel like it. Pearl Bailey was the FOURTH replacement for Carol Channing, but they felt her performance (and the new all-black company of the show) was worth a Special Tony award. As Jack Benny says in his presentation, "You know a replacement in a Broadway show is not eligible to be nominated for a Tony Award. But if anyone ever deserved a special award it's Miss Pearl Bailey." Note the lovely introduction by Carol Channing in the clip below.

R315 That was delightful, I really like Pearl as Dolly.

Pearl Bailey was a beloved mid century entertainer.

Lea Michele is a weedy cunt not well liked by the industry who is better suited for the lead role in the Funny Girl revival than the person who originally played the role.

She ain't getting a special Tony for "saving" a poorly directed, cheaply produced, modestly successful revival that may not even still be playing by the time the next Tonys roll around.

True, but Lea is no Pearl Bailey.

She's not even Pearl Mesta.

R311- Beanie was not bringing in the money. It was grossing under $1 million when they fired her. Lea’s Funny Girl is 2nd only to Hamilton in average ticket price. And that’s with Benko dragging down sales on Thursday nights. This is an A+ triumph for Lea and the FG producers. And Lea is scheduled thru June I believe. Wouldn’t be surprised if she extends. Why walk away from it?

No...Lea isn't nearly up to Pearl Bailey in either talent standards or sheer charisma/star wattage.

Btw- when is the Barbra Gypsy film being made??

Lea would be dumb to leave FG before it closes.

I mean, what else is she gonna do?

Remakes of old Streisand shows?

TV land hasn't been breaking down the door and she's not movie material.

When she's a bit older, she can get "bitchy mom" roles on minor tv shows.

Agree. Lea should stay in FG til it stops being profitable. She can’t win a Tony but she could get a raise.

She needs to go suck up to some clever TV writer to create a vehicle for her. Something where she's a combo of her neurotic Glee character but with more charm.

Really, she needs to find a role that's part Carrie in Sex and the City and part Fran from The Nanny.

A fun cunt you'd like to spend time with.

If Lea is lucky, they'll film Funny Girl to be shown on television (like they did with Lauren Bacall's Applause), and she'll be nominated for an Emmy, which she might win.

Lea is already legend. Her success is historic.

"Funny Girl" belongs to Streisand.

If Lea Michele is going to be a legend, she'll need a show and songs created specifically for her.

Millions of more people know who Lea Michele is than Barabara Strizand.

Uh, let's see Barbra's record sales have exceeded 150 million records.

150 million. Worldwide.

Now tell us about Lea Michele's recording career and movie career and how it stacks up against Barbra's.

Thanks in advance.

Barbaric is forgotten. Her small devoted fan base was ancient white urban fags. The kind who lisp. All dead. RIP.

Oh, goody!

We have a Lea Loon!!!!

Who is this Streisand hater? What is the profile?

Lea is "Mame" in 2024.

[quote]Btw- when is the Barbra Gypsy film being made??

When I'm done with the special why her? cameras we're using on Sunset Boulevard!

[quote]She ain't getting a special Tony for "saving" a poorly directed, cheaply produced, modestly successful revival that may not even still be playing by the time the next Tonys roll around.

But she's made "Funny Girl" the fifth most successful show currently on Broadway! The FIFTH!

Let it be known that Lea is nothing short of stunning as Fanny Brice. As an actress and vocalist.

I can't wait for Lea to star as Mama Rose in the film remake of GYPSY!!

barbara who?

The thing that cracks me up is as the audience rises in the video above, it looks like all men. The gays and their divas...

What a ridiculous assertion R338. Have you ever been to a Broadway musical? Lea is a sensational singer delivering BIG songs and comic scenes of a legendary score with a classic gorgeous strong Broadway Belter's voice. She has the vocal gloss and acting chops too. She's amazing. Most singers who deliver a number that well are going to get a standing ovation. You can see about 8 heads in that clip. Does your gaydar read the back of heads?

No, you're just a rube. Go back to discussing the Golden Girls.

Lea is not doing it alone - but the show can't fly without her. THIS number IS better than Streisand's filmed version.

I like this clip...the finale. Lea really shines and shows her power.

[quote]THIS number IS better than Streisand's filmed version.

Not even close.

So poorly directed. Lea is all indication. Barbra acts.

And why are they speeding through the number? Listen how Barbra and Omar get so much more out of the lyrics.

I'm done with this thread....the battle between the Lea Loon and the Barbra Loon is exhausting yet boring.

[quote]You are not supposed to be looking at the sets when Beanie was on stage!

You couldn't see the sets when Beanie was on stage.

[quote]THIS number IS better than Streisand's filmed version.

That's a big side of ham to go with the pate.

R340, All that cheering and gasping and reactions in the middle of the song are pretty annoying.

Streisand is atrocious as an actress in Funny Girl. She's not for a moment amusing, sexy or moving. It's all posturing. I am 39 years old and don't know a single person who has managed to make it through that movie. It's cringeworthy after I'm the Greatest Star. I've never seen it all. Barbra does a bad live intro and even worse lip synch to My Man at the end. She invented schlock.

Old gays really are blind. And deaf. The love kiked up Goy Dreck.

Leah is playing the role of Fanny Brice. Not Barbra's revenge on Brooklyn.

[quote]Leah is playing the role of Fanny Brice.

Lea is playing Barbra in the role of Fanny Brice.

Barbra was much closer to what Brice was.

Lea hasn't a clue.

Today’s younger generation (by which I mean probably under 45) has a different preferred aesthetic for singer-performers. They were raised on Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Kelly Whatsis, it’s all about big and loud.

Did anyone really compare Barbra to Fanny Brice back in the day? Doubt it.

[quote]I'm done with this thread....the battle between the Lea Loon and the Barbra Loon is exhausting yet boring.

The Loons...the Loons.

R330- Lea has sold 42 million records and is only 36

R336- 2nd only to Hamilton in avg ticket price

R347- have you even seen Lea in Funny Girl? Or are you judging a stage performance by bootleg video clips?

R347- have you even seen Lea in Funny Girl? Or are you judging a stage performance by bootleg clips?

R347, Fanny Brice is famous now for very campy stuff like Baby Snooks. But back in the day she also did some serious dramatic singing and acting. That campy stuff was just an act for her, it was business. But her My Man was more heartbreaking than anything Streisand or Lea Michelle could do. And it was a big hit back in the day. She was a multi-talented performer, like a lot of comedians are.

R355, Fanny was a legend- but so is Streisand who also happens to possess a voice for the ages. Comparing her with Lea is ludicrous. The career Streisand has had on stage, film, television and concert is unequaled in all show business. A lot of luck but mostly huge talent applied with focused intelligence. And there is much more to Streisand than her career in show business.

Lea has a better Broadway voice than Streisand. Barbra WAS a good studio singer but her arragngements and choices were mostly tacky. She ruined most songs that she sings with her vocal affectations and bizarre way with lyrics.

I recently saw this. This all I will say...IF Lea had opened this show, it would have been nominated for multiple Tony's. Tova and Ramin would have been nominated...Tovah for her longevity, Ramin for the chemistry he has with Lea...and Lea would have won hands down, and it probably would have won Best Revival of a Musical. No, Im not one of the two trying to outdo each other arguing about Streisand and Lea. Just my honest opinion. I bet the producers are really kicking themselves while thanking their lucky stars Lea pulled it off.

Lea will have a starring spot in next year's Tony Awards at least. She will still be in the show and her success by then will be legend. She will bring the house down as she does every night.

I've seen Lea in Funny Girl twice. Beanie not at all. The show would have swept the Tony's and be an unqualified success from opening night. I totally agree, R358.

It's kind of interesting this way too. Lea avoided most of the hate leading up to her enormous success. She will go on to star in other Broadway shows. She always was a broadway baby.

Barbra is a singer who doesn't even like to sing. She just wanted to be a star.

At 36, Lea at long last is a STAR.

Mary!

[quote]At 36, Lea at long last is a STAR.

By age 36 Barbra had starred in a number of Hollywood films with her name above the title, starred in her own TV specials, was the highest pad performer to ever appear in Las Vegas, Sold millions of albums some went gold, had top ten hits. Won an Oscar. Won an Emmy. A Tony. A Grammy.

All by the age of 36.

That's a star.

R339, you're a masterclass in ridiculous, you pathetic suck up.

Here's a line from another musical: Was her life really as empty as that?

Barbara is a hard sell to people under 40. What an affected talent. Her previous success is difficult to understand. I don't anyone who likes her - including my grandmother. She's such an antiquated style of singer and a very COLD performer.

[quote]Her previous success is difficult to understand.

Then you must be particularly dumb.

You certainly don't have to like her, but if you know anything about pop culture you'd understand Streisand's impact on the 1960s and the reasons for it.

[quote]Barbara is a hard sell to people under 40.

Of course she is a hard sell in 2022. That's to be expected. But that doesn't diminish her accomplishments.

I'm no Barbra stan, but she's an 80 year old woman. Who cares if she's a hard sell to people under 40? She's had a couple times in a generation career, there is no doubt about that.

[quote]Then you must be particularly dumb.

This must be Charlie, who loves to moralize and lecture everyone on behavior, but has no problem calling others dumb when it suits his narrative.

[quote]Of course she is a hard sell in 2022. That's to be expected.

No, not really. Cher, Bette and Diana are much more relevant among younger generations.

Barbra became the equivalent of a museum artifact, in part due to her lousy taste in music and film projects. Add to that her stunning lack of self-awareness and zero sense of humor about herself and here we are.

And let's be real, you'd be hard pressed to consider anything she did post 1985 a "classic".

R366 No, my name isn't Charlie.

Look, I haven't listed to Barbra Streisand since the mid 1970s. He last album that interested me was "The Way We Were" and that was 1974.

Her recordings in the latter half of the 70s with the BeeGees and Donna Summer were a good effort and deserved their success.

But to my taste, pretty much everything else she's recorded in the last 40 years is pretty schlocky.

I don't even care for her well received Broadway albums.

BUT none of that negates the fact that she truly was a superstar.

You had to be there, but her impact on the 1960s was huge. Her voice, the songs she chose to sing, her looks, her style...so much about her. She was an influencer.

Yes, Cher, Bette, Diana have kept themselves contemporary, but way back when, they would have killed to have the career that Barbra had.

And sorry, Lea Michele is no where in her league. The kind of success that Streisand had just can't be duplicated today.

The Supremes were the second biggest selling act of the 60's next to the Beatles, so I would say Diana did have that kind of success.

Clara Bow was a superstar in her day ,but her day is LONG over. Like Barbra's. She had her time,let Leah have hers.

Regardless charlie, this thread is not about Barbra Streisand's career 60 years ago.

It's about the rave reviews received for the beautiful performance of Lea Michele in Funny Girl, 2022.

Cher was an influencer as well, and had a pretty fabulous career. People actually like her.

[quote]The Supremes were the second biggest selling act of the 60's next to the Beatles, so I would say Diana did have that kind of success.

Not taking anything away from Diana Ross, but it wasn't just a matter of album sales or hits. It was much more than that.

Dianas Ross BTW covered Barbra's hits back then.

^Diana

Diana Ross and the Supremes changed the world and the history of music. Like her or love her, regardless of her talent or career trajectory - you can't take that away from Diana. Millions more people listen to Motown than ever made it through a Streisand album.

[quote]Diana Ross and the Supremes changed the world

I adore Diana Ross but no she did not change the world.

Today you can't even duplicate the career success of theatre stars like Patti Lupone or Bernadette Peters.

Those days are over.

Trolldar R375. He's an INSANE striesand fanatic, and obviously was present at her birth! Old man is OLD. He's posted over 50 tmes on this thread.

Allow Lea her success you fucking LOON.

[quote]Look, I haven't listed to Barbra Streisand since the mid 1970s

R377 yeah, that's obviously a Streisand fanatic.

If only Lea could have been alive back then and have joined in.

Why does no one ever mention how sloppy that duet is, R379? Even Streisand is confused in her timing. She probably didn't rehearse. It might be a historic pairing - but it's not good. Garland sounds like she's been awake for weeks and Streisand looks 45 years old.

Close to Shite.

The duet is thrilling.

[quote] Yes, she even lights up like a light

Especially if you can trick her into sticking a fork into a wall socket!

Lea Thompson's in FANNY?????

[quote]Why does no one ever mention how sloppy that duet is, [R379]?

You don't have much of an ear do you.

Not easy to combine those two melodies but Barbra and Judy do wonderfully. It's lovely.

Lea isn't fit to wipe either of those ladies asses.

Im sorry, but this clip is even better and more powerful live. This is how a leading lady does it. Eat you heart out BF....

Beanie is the QUEEN of FG! She will shit in Lea’s wig thank you very much!!!

I'm agnostic about Lea Michelle, but if she's got pipes and gets raves, how shit was Beanie?

There have been dozens of singers on AI or The Voice that could outsing (and most likely out act) Lea. She just had the good fortune to follow a turd like Beanie.

R389, Doing a TV show and doing a full-out Broadway performance 6 times a week are two very different beasts. The latter takes excellent technique and most aspiring pop singers don't have that. Lea's got the pipes, the training and the discipline to manage Broadway in a hard show.

It's pretty clear that Beanie was missing shows because of vocal problems among other things. Lots of pop singers, like Adele, develop nodes because of oversinging and flawed technique. Funny Girl was hard on Streisand's instrument, for pete's sake, and the show was built around her.

So hate Lea Michele all you want, but don't say that plenty of people could do the job she's doing. It's just not true.

Rex Reed weighs in

Rex Reed is several years younger and deafer than the ancient DL wits who call Lea a screamer, which she decidedly is not. What a fool. His hissing can be heard through the gloryhole. Just like charlie.

Lea Michele has a beautiful and trained voice. The audience roars because she puts across the fucking SHOW.

I guess Rex won't be shoplifting the cast album.

Rex has always been and will die a nasty old cunt. Thats how he made his bread and butter,being nasty when most considered it rude.

so, you seen the show R392?

[quote] His hissing can be heard through the gloryhole. Just like charlie.

Well, I feel SARRY far you!

yikes. charlie is grosser than described?

Lea is Divine.

We will never forget or ignore BEANIE!!!

Beanie who?

charlie & Barbra

Beanie FELDSTEIN