Yentl.The publication of My Name Is Barbra, Barbra Streisand's 970-page memoir, has offered fans of the actress-singer-icon a long-awaited glimpse into her life. It’s a lot of book, a maximalist feast of details and anecdotes that paints a lavish portrait of the woman who became a generational star. It’s easy to forget just how much of Streisand's career was besieged by misogyny, whether it was critics' repeated derision of appearance or co-stars like Walter Matthau berating her on set. Streisand certainly never forgot, and her memoir offers frequent reminders of the sexism that hampered her path to success at every turn. Her memoir conveys an achingly detailed portrait of endurance by a wildly ambitious woman. Wherever she went, she was derided for trying to do or be “too much,” and she took pleasure in proving her detractors wrong in her inimitable style. When she chose to get behind the camera and direct,...
- 4/25/2024
- MUBI
Lea Michele starred in the Funny Girl revival on Broadway, but she isn’t leading the national tour production that is traveling around the country right now.
The 37-year-old actress, who is pregnant with her second child, cradled her baby bump while walking the red carpet at the 2024 Hope Rising Benefit on Thursday night (April 4) at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Lea was joined by Anna Wintour at the event.
One night earlier, the Funny Girl tour had its opening night performance in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Newcomer Katerina McCrimmon is leading the production and she got rave reviews and standing ovations for her work as Fanny Brice. “The best thing about Katerina McCrimmon’s dazzling performance is that she makes the character her own,” a review in the Los Angeles Times said, adding that she “brings the house down in Fanny’s poleaxing first-act numbers.
The 37-year-old actress, who is pregnant with her second child, cradled her baby bump while walking the red carpet at the 2024 Hope Rising Benefit on Thursday night (April 4) at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Lea was joined by Anna Wintour at the event.
One night earlier, the Funny Girl tour had its opening night performance in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Newcomer Katerina McCrimmon is leading the production and she got rave reviews and standing ovations for her work as Fanny Brice. “The best thing about Katerina McCrimmon’s dazzling performance is that she makes the character her own,” a review in the Los Angeles Times said, adding that she “brings the house down in Fanny’s poleaxing first-act numbers.
- 4/5/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Leah Michele is pregnant with her second child. The Glee and Broadway star announced she is expecting again with a series of maternity photos posted to Instagram on Wednesday.
“Mommy, Daddy and Ever are overjoyed,” Michele wrote.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lea Michele (@leamichele)
Michele married husband Zandy Reich in 2019. The couple welcomed their first child, son Ever, now 3 years old, in 2020.
Michele finished her final performance as Funny Girl‘s Fanny Brice — after replacing Beanie Feldstein in July 2022 — last September. The Broadway revival had initially debuted to mixed reviews, with many criticizing Feldstein’s performance. During Michele’s run, producers were reportedly able to recoup capitalization costs, according to The New York Times, with the show boasting almost 600 performances at the August Wilson Theatre in New York.
Michele received seven standing ovations during her final performance. “Thank you for all the love and support,...
“Mommy, Daddy and Ever are overjoyed,” Michele wrote.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lea Michele (@leamichele)
Michele married husband Zandy Reich in 2019. The couple welcomed their first child, son Ever, now 3 years old, in 2020.
Michele finished her final performance as Funny Girl‘s Fanny Brice — after replacing Beanie Feldstein in July 2022 — last September. The Broadway revival had initially debuted to mixed reviews, with many criticizing Feldstein’s performance. During Michele’s run, producers were reportedly able to recoup capitalization costs, according to The New York Times, with the show boasting almost 600 performances at the August Wilson Theatre in New York.
Michele received seven standing ovations during her final performance. “Thank you for all the love and support,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As a teenager, Barbra Streisand dreamt of being an actress while sitting on her bed in Brooklyn with a pint of coffee ice cream and a movie magazine. During those days, after school she would make a break for New York’s Astor Theatre, which showed black-and-white international movies. Another time, she ducked into a showing of Guys and Dolls at the Loew’s Kings Theatre in her neighborhood.
“Everything was so beautiful up on that screen,” Streisand said in opening her acceptance speech upon receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award during Saturday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. “That make-believe world was much more pleasant than anything I was experiencing. I didn’t like reality. I wanted to be in the movies, even though I knew I didn’t look like the other women on the screen. My mother said, ‘you better learn to type,’ but I didn’t listen.
“Everything was so beautiful up on that screen,” Streisand said in opening her acceptance speech upon receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award during Saturday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. “That make-believe world was much more pleasant than anything I was experiencing. I didn’t like reality. I wanted to be in the movies, even though I knew I didn’t look like the other women on the screen. My mother said, ‘you better learn to type,’ but I didn’t listen.
- 2/25/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a meditative and heartfelt speech, Barbra Streisand accepted the SAG Life Achievement Award on Saturday by paying tribute to the industry’s roots and extolling her abiding passion for the craft.
“For a couple of hours people could sit in a theater and escape their own troubles – what an idea! Moving pictures on a screen,” she said in remarks that followed a nearly 1-minute standing ovation as she took the stage.
“I can’t help but think back to the people who built this industry. Ironically, they were also escaping their own troubles,” she continued, in a contemplative but forceful tone. Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer and the four Warner Brothers “were all fleeing the prejudice they faced in Easter Europe, simply because of their religion. And they were dreamers, too, like all of us here tonight.
“For a couple of hours people could sit in a theater and escape their own troubles – what an idea! Moving pictures on a screen,” she said in remarks that followed a nearly 1-minute standing ovation as she took the stage.
“I can’t help but think back to the people who built this industry. Ironically, they were also escaping their own troubles,” she continued, in a contemplative but forceful tone. Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer and the four Warner Brothers “were all fleeing the prejudice they faced in Easter Europe, simply because of their religion. And they were dreamers, too, like all of us here tonight.
- 2/25/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Film historians, critics and cineastes have heralded 1939 as the greatest year for Hollywood films. It was the year that saw the release of such classics as “Gone with the Wind,” “Stagecoach,” “Love Affair,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Young Mr. Lincoln” and “Wuthering Heights.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg
But what about Broadway? A case can be made for 1964, which saw the debuts of three musicals that became classics: “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Broadway was changing in the 1960s. Oscar Hammerstein II died in 1960; Irving Berlin’s last show was the disappointing 1962 “Mr. President”; and Cole Porter, who died in 1964, hadn’t had a musical on Broadway since the 1950s. Sixty years ago, a group of young talented composers and lyricists were the toast of the Great White Way.
Like Jerry Herman. He was all of 30 when “Milk...
But what about Broadway? A case can be made for 1964, which saw the debuts of three musicals that became classics: “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Broadway was changing in the 1960s. Oscar Hammerstein II died in 1960; Irving Berlin’s last show was the disappointing 1962 “Mr. President”; and Cole Porter, who died in 1964, hadn’t had a musical on Broadway since the 1950s. Sixty years ago, a group of young talented composers and lyricists were the toast of the Great White Way.
Like Jerry Herman. He was all of 30 when “Milk...
- 2/1/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
In 1964 Barbra Streisand became a star when she opened the original Broadway production of “Funny Girl” as real-life actress, singer and comedian Fanny Brice. Despite rave reviews, she ended up losing the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical to Carol Channing for “Hello, Dolly!” But in 1968 Babs made her motion picture debut in a film adaptation of “Funny Girl” directed by William Wyler, reprising her role as Fanny. She went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress (famously in a tie with Katharine Hepburn for “The Lion in Winter”). In 1970 Eileen Heckart was Tony nominated for her featured performance as Mrs. Baker in “Butterflies are Free,” but lost to her co-star Blythe Danner. But in 1972 Heckart reprised her role in a film adaptation, which won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
SEERay Richmond: Oprah discusses taking her ‘The Color Purple’ journey full circle following Thursday night world...
SEERay Richmond: Oprah discusses taking her ‘The Color Purple’ journey full circle following Thursday night world...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
When Barbra Streisand’s “Yentl” opened on Nov. 18, 1983, directing was very much a man’s world. In the 1970s, there had been a few inroads for women. Italian director Lina Wertmuller was nominated for best director for 1976’s “Seven Beauties” Stateside, actress Barbara Loden, who was married to Oscar-winning director Elia Kazan, wrote, directed and starred in the acclaimed 1970 indie drama “Wanda,” which won best foreign film at the Venice Film Festival. She never followed up with another movie and died of breast cancer in 1980.
There was also Joan Micklin Silver (“Hester Street”), Claudia Weill (“Girlfriends”), Martha Coolidge (“Not a Pretty Picture”), Joan Tewkesbury (“Old Boyfriends”) and Joan Darling (“First Love”). But those filmmakers ran into brick walls when they tried to set up projects with the major studios. The late Silver told Vanity Fair in 2021 that a studio executive didn’t mince his word: “Feature films are expensive to make and expensive to market,...
There was also Joan Micklin Silver (“Hester Street”), Claudia Weill (“Girlfriends”), Martha Coolidge (“Not a Pretty Picture”), Joan Tewkesbury (“Old Boyfriends”) and Joan Darling (“First Love”). But those filmmakers ran into brick walls when they tried to set up projects with the major studios. The late Silver told Vanity Fair in 2021 that a studio executive didn’t mince his word: “Feature films are expensive to make and expensive to market,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Barbra Streisand is opening up about her incredible life.
The 81-year-old icon is releasing a memoir called My Name Is Barbra in November, and ahead of the book’s release, she spoke to Vanity Fair about her career.
During the discussion, she discussed the origin story behind her legendary stage fright, Lea Michele taking on Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, the “Streisand Effect,” and so much more.
Find out what Barbra Streisand had to say…...
The 81-year-old icon is releasing a memoir called My Name Is Barbra in November, and ahead of the book’s release, she spoke to Vanity Fair about her career.
During the discussion, she discussed the origin story behind her legendary stage fright, Lea Michele taking on Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, the “Streisand Effect,” and so much more.
Find out what Barbra Streisand had to say…...
- 10/26/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Joanna Merlin, whose acting career stretched from Broadway (she was the original Tzeitel in Fiddler On The Roof), film (she played the dance teacher Miss Berg in Alan Parker’s 1980 film Fame) and TV (Law & Order: SVU‘s Judge Lena Petrovsky on dozens of episodes) has died. She was 92.
Her death was announced on the Instagram page of the New York University Tisch Graduate Acting Program, where Merlin had been on the faculty since 1998.
“Joanna was an actress, master Chekhov teacher, and former casting director for Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory,” the NYU message said, adding, “Joanna will be deeply missed at Grad Acting, by the Chekhov community, and by the many people she touched through her artistry.”
As a casting director, Merlin was involved in numerous landmark Broadway productions written by Stephen Sondheim. She was, for many years, Harold Prince’s go-to casting director.
A...
Her death was announced on the Instagram page of the New York University Tisch Graduate Acting Program, where Merlin had been on the faculty since 1998.
“Joanna was an actress, master Chekhov teacher, and former casting director for Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory,” the NYU message said, adding, “Joanna will be deeply missed at Grad Acting, by the Chekhov community, and by the many people she touched through her artistry.”
As a casting director, Merlin was involved in numerous landmark Broadway productions written by Stephen Sondheim. She was, for many years, Harold Prince’s go-to casting director.
A...
- 10/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
James Brolin on Wednesday clarified he was mistakenly referring to the 1973 film “The Way We Were” in an interview with Bill Maher in which he said his wife, Barbra Streisand, was working on redoing the ending.
“The Way We Were” is, in fact, being re-released Oct. 17 on Blu-ray for its 50th anniversary, not “Funny Girl.”
Brolin released a statement of clarification to TheWrap.
“To My Wife Barbra and all her fans,” the statement said. “Drinking tequila with Bill Maher on his ‘Club Random’ podcast recently, I mistakenly mentioned the wrong film. I meant to say my wife was working on ‘The Way We Were.‘ Apologies for all the confusion … Jim Brolin.”
Original story is below:
“Funny Girl,” the smash hit that cemented Barbra Streisand’s place in Hollywood at the ripe age of 26, ended with her protagonist, Fanny Brice, separating from her husband after he was released from prison.
Fifty-five years later,...
“The Way We Were” is, in fact, being re-released Oct. 17 on Blu-ray for its 50th anniversary, not “Funny Girl.”
Brolin released a statement of clarification to TheWrap.
“To My Wife Barbra and all her fans,” the statement said. “Drinking tequila with Bill Maher on his ‘Club Random’ podcast recently, I mistakenly mentioned the wrong film. I meant to say my wife was working on ‘The Way We Were.‘ Apologies for all the confusion … Jim Brolin.”
Original story is below:
“Funny Girl,” the smash hit that cemented Barbra Streisand’s place in Hollywood at the ripe age of 26, ended with her protagonist, Fanny Brice, separating from her husband after he was released from prison.
Fifty-five years later,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
Update, with additional box office figures: Lea Michele treated the final-night audience of Broadway’s Funny Girl to an extra song Sunday, performing “My Man,” popularized by Fanny Brice in 1921 but not included in the musical’s original score.
Michele performed the song – omitting, as did Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film version, the infamous “he beats me too” introductory verse used by Brice and Billie Holiday – after Sunday’s curtain call. (Watch it below.)
After thanking the audience, cast and crew profusely, Michele said, “If you know me then you will know that this is the hardest song I’ve ever sung and I want to give it to you” just before launching into “My Man.”
Although she didn’t explain the “hardest song” reference, Glee fans will remember that Michele’s character Rachel Berry sang the song in a 2011 episode over a montage of the actor Cory Monteith’s Finn character.
Michele performed the song – omitting, as did Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film version, the infamous “he beats me too” introductory verse used by Brice and Billie Holiday – after Sunday’s curtain call. (Watch it below.)
After thanking the audience, cast and crew profusely, Michele said, “If you know me then you will know that this is the hardest song I’ve ever sung and I want to give it to you” just before launching into “My Man.”
Although she didn’t explain the “hardest song” reference, Glee fans will remember that Michele’s character Rachel Berry sang the song in a 2011 episode over a montage of the actor Cory Monteith’s Finn character.
- 9/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele ended her run as the star of Broadway’s Funny Girl on Sunday.
The actress had stepped into the role a year ago, replacing Beanie Feldstein, who had debuted in the title role of Fanny Brice earlier that year.
The revival had launched in April 2022 to mixed reviews, with many arguing that Feldstein failed to fill the big shoes left by Barbra Streisand, who originated the role on Broadway in 1964, earning a Tony nom, and subsequently won an Oscar for her performance in the 1968 film adaptation. Feldstein announced her departure in July 2022. Meanwhile, Tovah Feldshuh took over Jane Lynch’s role as Fanny’s mom.
With Michele on board, producers reportedly were able to recoup capitalization costs, according to The New York Times, with the show boasting almost 600 performances at the August Wilson Theatre in New York.
At Sunday’s show, Michele received seven standing ovations. She also...
The actress had stepped into the role a year ago, replacing Beanie Feldstein, who had debuted in the title role of Fanny Brice earlier that year.
The revival had launched in April 2022 to mixed reviews, with many arguing that Feldstein failed to fill the big shoes left by Barbra Streisand, who originated the role on Broadway in 1964, earning a Tony nom, and subsequently won an Oscar for her performance in the 1968 film adaptation. Feldstein announced her departure in July 2022. Meanwhile, Tovah Feldshuh took over Jane Lynch’s role as Fanny’s mom.
With Michele on board, producers reportedly were able to recoup capitalization costs, according to The New York Times, with the show boasting almost 600 performances at the August Wilson Theatre in New York.
At Sunday’s show, Michele received seven standing ovations. She also...
- 9/4/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lea Michele made her Glee character proud on Sunday during her final Funny Girl performance.
Michele earned a standing ovation — by some accounts, her fifth of the afternoon — when she closed Sunday’s show with a surprise performance of “My Man,” the Barbra Streisand cover that was not part of the original Broadway production nor the revival, but was included in the 1968 film.
More from TVLineLea Michele to Take Her Final Funny Girl Bow, Says Fanny Brice Was an 'Exceptional Chapter of My Life'Glee Reunion: Heather Morris Honors Naya Rivera on the Picket Line - See PhotosIdina Menzel: Playing Lea...
Michele earned a standing ovation — by some accounts, her fifth of the afternoon — when she closed Sunday’s show with a surprise performance of “My Man,” the Barbra Streisand cover that was not part of the original Broadway production nor the revival, but was included in the 1968 film.
More from TVLineLea Michele to Take Her Final Funny Girl Bow, Says Fanny Brice Was an 'Exceptional Chapter of My Life'Glee Reunion: Heather Morris Honors Naya Rivera on the Picket Line - See PhotosIdina Menzel: Playing Lea...
- 9/3/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Lea Michele, the star of Funny Girl, ends her stay today in the Broadway revival. She noted the milestone with an Instagram post that touted the show’s recoupment of its $16.5 million capitalization.
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on the August Wilson Stage,” she wrote. “An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre, starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice. Although fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster, and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on the August Wilson Stage,” she wrote. “An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre, starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice. Although fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster, and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
- 9/3/2023
- by Bruce Haring and Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele, the Glee grad who famously played Fanny Brice on the show-within-the-Fox show, today will take her final bow in Broadway’s Funny Girl revival.
In a farewell post on Instagram shared ahead of her last performance, Michele called Fanny “the role of a lifetime.”
More from TVLineLea Michele Ends Her Funny Girl Run With Surprise Performance of 'My Man' - Watch VideoGlee Reunion: Heather Morris Honors Naya Rivera on the Picket Line - See PhotosIdina Menzel: Playing Lea Michele's Glee Mom 'Wasn't Great for the Ego'
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and...
In a farewell post on Instagram shared ahead of her last performance, Michele called Fanny “the role of a lifetime.”
More from TVLineLea Michele Ends Her Funny Girl Run With Surprise Performance of 'My Man' - Watch VideoGlee Reunion: Heather Morris Honors Naya Rivera on the Picket Line - See PhotosIdina Menzel: Playing Lea Michele's Glee Mom 'Wasn't Great for the Ego'
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and...
- 9/3/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Idina Menzel didn’t always love the idea of playing Lea Michele’s TV mom.
In a new interview recounting her time on Glee, the Tony Award winner reveals that she was conflicted when she got the call to play Shelby.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Robert Carlyle's Toxic Role, Wrexham Season 2 Trailer and MoreSpecial Forces: World's Toughest Test: Tom Sandoval, JoJo Siwa, Blac Chyna and a Chrisley Among Season 2 RecruitsEmmys Scrap September Date Amid Hollywood Strikes - Next Stop, January 2024?
“You’re worried you’re not going to work again, and then people hire you to be someone’s...
In a new interview recounting her time on Glee, the Tony Award winner reveals that she was conflicted when she got the call to play Shelby.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Robert Carlyle's Toxic Role, Wrexham Season 2 Trailer and MoreSpecial Forces: World's Toughest Test: Tom Sandoval, JoJo Siwa, Blac Chyna and a Chrisley Among Season 2 RecruitsEmmys Scrap September Date Amid Hollywood Strikes - Next Stop, January 2024?
“You’re worried you’re not going to work again, and then people hire you to be someone’s...
- 8/13/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Funny Girl has recouped its capitalization costs on Broadway, producers said Monday.
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
- 8/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Funny Girl, the Broadway revival with one of the strangest casting histories in recent theatrical memory, has recouped its $16.5 million capitalization, producers announced today.
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice, and although her fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
In fact, the show began setting box office records at the Wilson, including in January 2023, when the show set a weekly record with a gross of $2,062,739, a record at the venue for an eight-performance week.
Other house records were set for the week...
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice, and although her fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
In fact, the show began setting box office records at the Wilson, including in January 2023, when the show set a weekly record with a gross of $2,062,739, a record at the venue for an eight-performance week.
Other house records were set for the week...
- 8/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele channeled her inner Rachel Berry at the 76th annual Tony Awards at the United Palace Theater on Sunday.
The 36-year-old wore a floral red and white dress to the event and later stunned everyone as she performed as Fanny Brice from Funny Girl at the awards ceremony and sang “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
Like her Glee character, Rachel Berry, Michele has always been a big fan of Barbra Streisand, who first popularized the role of Fanny Brice. She took to Instagram to express her gratitude and happiness for her experience on Sunday.
“I thought a lot about what to say for this post. There’s so much to say. But the simple truth is that.. I’ve waited my whole life for this moment. An actual dream come true and an unbelievable honor to finally be Fanny Brice at the Tony Awards,” she wrote under her post.
The 36-year-old wore a floral red and white dress to the event and later stunned everyone as she performed as Fanny Brice from Funny Girl at the awards ceremony and sang “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
Like her Glee character, Rachel Berry, Michele has always been a big fan of Barbra Streisand, who first popularized the role of Fanny Brice. She took to Instagram to express her gratitude and happiness for her experience on Sunday.
“I thought a lot about what to say for this post. There’s so much to say. But the simple truth is that.. I’ve waited my whole life for this moment. An actual dream come true and an unbelievable honor to finally be Fanny Brice at the Tony Awards,” she wrote under her post.
- 6/13/2023
- by Rose Anne Cox-Peralta
- Uinterview
Just when we thought Lea Michele‘s Funny Girl journey couldn’t get any more meta, along came the 2023 Tony Awards.
Sunday’s salute to Broadway included a special performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” the iconic show-stopping number from the hit musical in which Michele currently stars. The big moment came just before the final award of the night was handed out.
More from TVLineRatings: Tony Awards Draw Best Audience Since 2019, Live Stream Hits HighTony Awards 2023: Some Like It Hot, Leopoldstadt and Kimberly Akimbo Win Big -- View Complete Winners ListTony Awards 2023: How to Stream...
Sunday’s salute to Broadway included a special performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” the iconic show-stopping number from the hit musical in which Michele currently stars. The big moment came just before the final award of the night was handed out.
More from TVLineRatings: Tony Awards Draw Best Audience Since 2019, Live Stream Hits HighTony Awards 2023: Some Like It Hot, Leopoldstadt and Kimberly Akimbo Win Big -- View Complete Winners ListTony Awards 2023: How to Stream...
- 6/12/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Lea Michele has enjoyed monumental success since formally joining the cast of the Broadway hit Funny Girl in September 2022.
But while she’s earned praise for deftly portraying the coveted role of the beloved character Fanny Brice, there’s a simple reason why she’s not eligible for a Tony Award.
According to the Tony Awards’ rules and regulations under eligibility requirements, “in order to be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in the role on the production’s opening night and must perform in the minimum number of performances to which the producer of such production must invite and make tickets available to Tony voters as required by Rule 2(a)vi).”
And therein lies the issue — the original actress who performed Funny Girl on opening night was Beanie Feldstein, who left in the wake of the show being at risk of closing due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales.
But while she’s earned praise for deftly portraying the coveted role of the beloved character Fanny Brice, there’s a simple reason why she’s not eligible for a Tony Award.
According to the Tony Awards’ rules and regulations under eligibility requirements, “in order to be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in the role on the production’s opening night and must perform in the minimum number of performances to which the producer of such production must invite and make tickets available to Tony voters as required by Rule 2(a)vi).”
And therein lies the issue — the original actress who performed Funny Girl on opening night was Beanie Feldstein, who left in the wake of the show being at risk of closing due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales.
- 6/11/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Julie Benko, who has built a devoted following as the Funny Girl understudy and alternate Fanny Brice, will originate her first Broadway role this fall in the new musical Harmony by by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman.
Benko will play the role of Ruth, producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief announced today. The production will begin previews at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre on Wednesday, October 18, ahead of an official opening night on Monday, November 13.
“It is rare to be offered the chance to be part of a Broadway show that resonates so deeply on both personal and political levels,” Benko said in a statement. “I’m so proud to be a part of Harmony and tremendously grateful to Barry, Bruce, Warren, Ken, and the entire team for entrusting me with Ruth’s story. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with the brilliant company this Fall.
Benko will play the role of Ruth, producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief announced today. The production will begin previews at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre on Wednesday, October 18, ahead of an official opening night on Monday, November 13.
“It is rare to be offered the chance to be part of a Broadway show that resonates so deeply on both personal and political levels,” Benko said in a statement. “I’m so proud to be a part of Harmony and tremendously grateful to Barry, Bruce, Warren, Ken, and the entire team for entrusting me with Ruth’s story. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with the brilliant company this Fall.
- 6/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele has tested positive for Covid again, and will be out of Broadway’s Funny Girl until Tuesday, May 23, the production announced today.
Julie Benko will play the role of Fanny Brice until Michele returns.
The positive Covid test is the second for Michele, who missed more than a week of shows last September for the same reason.
Despite Benko’s solid audience reviews, the production traditionally experiences steep declines at the box office whenever Michele is absent for vacations or other reasons. Since Michele took over the role from Beanie Feldstein last fall, Funny Girl has been one of Broadway’s highest-earners: Last week, the show grossed a strong $1,637,625.
Funny Girl closes on Broadway Sept. 3.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Funny Girl on Broadway (@funnygirlbwy)...
Julie Benko will play the role of Fanny Brice until Michele returns.
The positive Covid test is the second for Michele, who missed more than a week of shows last September for the same reason.
Despite Benko’s solid audience reviews, the production traditionally experiences steep declines at the box office whenever Michele is absent for vacations or other reasons. Since Michele took over the role from Beanie Feldstein last fall, Funny Girl has been one of Broadway’s highest-earners: Last week, the show grossed a strong $1,637,625.
Funny Girl closes on Broadway Sept. 3.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Funny Girl on Broadway (@funnygirlbwy)...
- 5/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele isn’t going anywhere!
Speaking with Variety Tuesday, Michele shared that her run on Broadway isn’t over when she wraps Funny Girl in September.
While she’s keeping tight-lipped on the details, Michele has already got another gig lined up.
“I already know what it is,” she teased to the outlet. “You know it.”
Careful not to give too much away, Michele did share that her next foray on Broadway will be “very different musically.”
The singer-actress, who last appeared on Broadway in 2006’s Spring Awakening, made her return to the stage in September when she replaced Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice in the first revival of Funny Girl since Barbara Streisand helmed the role in 1964.
The musical follows Brice on her rise to fame and her turbulent relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein.
While she’s not saying goodbye to Broadway just yet, Michele does have some...
Speaking with Variety Tuesday, Michele shared that her run on Broadway isn’t over when she wraps Funny Girl in September.
While she’s keeping tight-lipped on the details, Michele has already got another gig lined up.
“I already know what it is,” she teased to the outlet. “You know it.”
Careful not to give too much away, Michele did share that her next foray on Broadway will be “very different musically.”
The singer-actress, who last appeared on Broadway in 2006’s Spring Awakening, made her return to the stage in September when she replaced Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice in the first revival of Funny Girl since Barbara Streisand helmed the role in 1964.
The musical follows Brice on her rise to fame and her turbulent relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein.
While she’s not saying goodbye to Broadway just yet, Michele does have some...
- 5/10/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Theatre fans around the world will be glued to their TVs, phones, and computers on Tuesday, May 2 as the 2023 Tony Award nominations will be revealed. stage and screen star Lea Michele, currently starring as Fanny Brice in Broadway’s “Funny Girl,” and last year’s winner of the Best Actor in a Musical Tony, “Mj” star Myles Frost will unveil this year’s noms. A handful of the nominees will be announced on CBS while all of the awards will be streamed on YouTube. You can check them out with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream.
How to Watch the 2023 Tony Award Nominations When: Tuesday, May 2 at 8:30 a.m. Et TV: CBS, YouTube Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial $74.99 / month directv.com/stream
Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.
“CBS Mornings” will air the announcements for some of the bigger categories.
How to Watch the 2023 Tony Award Nominations When: Tuesday, May 2 at 8:30 a.m. Et TV: CBS, YouTube Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial $74.99 / month directv.com/stream
Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.
“CBS Mornings” will air the announcements for some of the bigger categories.
- 5/2/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
At the Time 100 Gala on Wednesday night, former child stars Ke Huy Quan and Drew Barrymore reunited after having not “seen each other in almost 40 years” to present Steven Spielberg with the event’s Impact Award.
“Steven introduced me to this world where his imagination lived and invited me in,” Quan said. “He showed me how much fun we can have when we let our creativity be our guide. My life has [been] made so much better because of him.”
In his acceptance speech, Spielberg reciprocated the affection he received from Quan and Barrymore.
“I have never been more proud in my working career than being able to find, in 1981, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore and, in early 1983, 11-year-old Ke,” the filmmaker said. “I was so lucky to find them both, and they have not changed in all those years.”
Along with Quan, Barrymore and Spielberg, the night’s honorees included Austin Butler,...
“Steven introduced me to this world where his imagination lived and invited me in,” Quan said. “He showed me how much fun we can have when we let our creativity be our guide. My life has [been] made so much better because of him.”
In his acceptance speech, Spielberg reciprocated the affection he received from Quan and Barrymore.
“I have never been more proud in my working career than being able to find, in 1981, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore and, in early 1983, 11-year-old Ke,” the filmmaker said. “I was so lucky to find them both, and they have not changed in all those years.”
Along with Quan, Barrymore and Spielberg, the night’s honorees included Austin Butler,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Jane Krakowski made her Broadway debut at 18 as Dinah in Andrew Lloyd Webber's mega-musical Starlight Express. Since then, she has appeared in numerous Broadway and West End musicals. She has won both a Tony and an Olivier award.
Krakowski got her start on television playing Elaine on Ally McBeal, but she is probably best known for her portrayal of Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock, which makes up four of her five Emmy nominations (the fifth being for her role as Jacqueline in The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).
Krakowski returns to the small screen as Bobby Flanagan, the fast-talking, hot-shot lawyer of Schmicago in Schmigadoon! Season 2.
We caught up with her at a recent press day to find out how she tackled her show-stopping number "Bells and Whistles," as well as her dream roles and hopes for the future.
This interview contains mild spoilers for Schmigadoon! Season 2 Episode 3. Go watch it!
Krakowski got her start on television playing Elaine on Ally McBeal, but she is probably best known for her portrayal of Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock, which makes up four of her five Emmy nominations (the fifth being for her role as Jacqueline in The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt).
Krakowski returns to the small screen as Bobby Flanagan, the fast-talking, hot-shot lawyer of Schmicago in Schmigadoon! Season 2.
We caught up with her at a recent press day to find out how she tackled her show-stopping number "Bells and Whistles," as well as her dream roles and hopes for the future.
This interview contains mild spoilers for Schmigadoon! Season 2 Episode 3. Go watch it!
- 4/12/2023
- by Mary Littlejohn
- TVfanatic
Lea Michele is back at work. Amid her 2-year-old son, Ever’s, rehospitalization, the 36-year-old actress is starring as Fanny Brice in Broadway’s “Funny Girl” on Wednesday night, Et confirms.
The actress said that in-between shows, she ran “to give my baby a hug… It was quick but worth it,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. The update was accompanied by a heartwarming photo of her holding Ever.
Lea Michele/Instagram
Michele’s stage appearance comes the same day that she took to her Instagram Story to give a health update on her son.
“Today was a hard day. As parents, we have to be strong for our kids,” Michele, who shares her son with husband Zandy Reich, wrote. “But sometimes you just want to break down and cry (Hidden in the bathroom or closet is usually best. Today I chose the hospital bathroom).”
“These hard times show you...
The actress said that in-between shows, she ran “to give my baby a hug… It was quick but worth it,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. The update was accompanied by a heartwarming photo of her holding Ever.
Lea Michele/Instagram
Michele’s stage appearance comes the same day that she took to her Instagram Story to give a health update on her son.
“Today was a hard day. As parents, we have to be strong for our kids,” Michele, who shares her son with husband Zandy Reich, wrote. “But sometimes you just want to break down and cry (Hidden in the bathroom or closet is usually best. Today I chose the hospital bathroom).”
“These hard times show you...
- 4/6/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Lea Michele‘s son, Ever, is back in the hospital again following an ongoing battle with what the Broadway star called “a scary health issue.” Michele took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, where she updated fans on this difficult time in her family’s life.
“Today was a hard day. As parents, we have to be strong for our kids,” Michele, who shares the 2-year-old with husband Zandy Reich, began. “But sometimes you just want to break down and cry (Hidden in the bathroom or closest is usually best. Today I chose the hospital bathroom).”
Sharing a photo of Ever, whose face was covered by a white heart emoji, in his crib, the 36-year-old Glee alum said these hard times have shown her what is truly important in life.
“These hard times show you truly what matters and what is important in life, and how much we have to be grateful for,...
“Today was a hard day. As parents, we have to be strong for our kids,” Michele, who shares the 2-year-old with husband Zandy Reich, began. “But sometimes you just want to break down and cry (Hidden in the bathroom or closest is usually best. Today I chose the hospital bathroom).”
Sharing a photo of Ever, whose face was covered by a white heart emoji, in his crib, the 36-year-old Glee alum said these hard times have shown her what is truly important in life.
“These hard times show you truly what matters and what is important in life, and how much we have to be grateful for,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Lea Michele‘s 2-year-old son, Ever, is on the mend. The 36-year-old Broadway star took to her Instagram Stories on Friday to share an update on her little boy’s condition as well as her return to her leading role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
“Thank you for all your well wishes this past week,” Michele captioned a photo of a sleeping Ever in his hospital bed. “We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
Read More: Lea Michele Says She Reached Out To ‘Glee’ Co-Stars After Bullying Backlash
Michele shares Ever with husband Zandy Reich.
The update comes just two days after Michele initially posted that Ever had been admitted to the hospital “with a scary health issue.”
At the time, she apologized for having to miss performances of Funny Girl,...
“Thank you for all your well wishes this past week,” Michele captioned a photo of a sleeping Ever in his hospital bed. “We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
Read More: Lea Michele Says She Reached Out To ‘Glee’ Co-Stars After Bullying Backlash
Michele shares Ever with husband Zandy Reich.
The update comes just two days after Michele initially posted that Ever had been admitted to the hospital “with a scary health issue.”
At the time, she apologized for having to miss performances of Funny Girl,...
- 3/25/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Lea Michele will be back as Fanny Brice in Broadway’s Funny Girl tomorrow after missing shows this week due to an unspecified health issue that required the hospitalization of her two-year-old son.
In an Instagram Story post today, Michele wrote, “Thank you for all your well wishes this past week. We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
On Wednesday, Michele posted on Instagram that she would miss performances this week due to her son’s “scary health issue.”
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.” Julie Benko filled in during Michele’s absence.
Michele and husband Zandy...
In an Instagram Story post today, Michele wrote, “Thank you for all your well wishes this past week. We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
On Wednesday, Michele posted on Instagram that she would miss performances this week due to her son’s “scary health issue.”
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.” Julie Benko filled in during Michele’s absence.
Michele and husband Zandy...
- 3/24/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele’s run as Fanny Brice on Funny Girl is coming to an end. The Broadway show announced that after extending its run, the cast’s final bow is set for Sept. 3.
A week after the final show on Broadway, the musical will embark on a U.S. tour stopping in 30 cities, though Michele will not join the cast on the road.
Michele made her debut as Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022, after replacing Beanie Feldstein in the revival, which first premiered in April of last year. Feldstein pulled out...
A week after the final show on Broadway, the musical will embark on a U.S. tour stopping in 30 cities, though Michele will not join the cast on the road.
Michele made her debut as Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022, after replacing Beanie Feldstein in the revival, which first premiered in April of last year. Feldstein pulled out...
- 3/2/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Lea Michele's return to Broadway as Fanny Price in "Funny Girl" has been a major success, but fans may want to hurry and get their tickets to see the musical now because the show will have its final curtain call soon. According to Variety, the show's final performance will be held on Sept. 3, just under a year after Michele gave her debut performance as the character. The news follows the November 2022 release of a recorded album featuring Michele and her castmates, which the actor announced days before during the show's curtain call.
Audiences have been raving about Michele and the newly cast "Funny Girl" revival ever since the actor made her highly anticipated debut on Sept. 6, 2022. People reported that the actor's Fanny Brice portrayal received multiple standing ovations (at least four) - including one before she even said a word on stage - in Act I of the show.
Audiences have been raving about Michele and the newly cast "Funny Girl" revival ever since the actor made her highly anticipated debut on Sept. 6, 2022. People reported that the actor's Fanny Brice portrayal received multiple standing ovations (at least four) - including one before she even said a word on stage - in Act I of the show.
- 3/2/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Funny Girl, Broadway’s riches-to-rags-to-riches smash hit, will close on Sunday, Sept. 3, with stars Lea Michele, Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes and Tovah Feldshuh extending their planned runs to see the show through to its final date.
The announcement was made today by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
When Funny Girl plays its final performance at the aon Sept. 3, it will have played 599 performances and 30 previews.
The closing will mark the end of one of Broadway’s more tumultuous – and successful – productions of recent years. The first Broadway revival of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill 1963 musical that made a star of Barbra Streisand (on both the stage and in the 1968 film adaptation) opened in April 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Jane Lynch as her mother. Though the revival initially proved popular with audiences and Feldstein fans, lukewarm (at best) reviews and a shut-out at the Tony Awards prompted...
The announcement was made today by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
When Funny Girl plays its final performance at the aon Sept. 3, it will have played 599 performances and 30 previews.
The closing will mark the end of one of Broadway’s more tumultuous – and successful – productions of recent years. The first Broadway revival of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill 1963 musical that made a star of Barbra Streisand (on both the stage and in the 1968 film adaptation) opened in April 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Jane Lynch as her mother. Though the revival initially proved popular with audiences and Feldstein fans, lukewarm (at best) reviews and a shut-out at the Tony Awards prompted...
- 3/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele will play Fanny Brice through the end of Funny Girl’s run on Broadway.
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Best Picture win at the Oscars is the highest prize in the film industry. However, some films manage to take home the top award, yet they still don’t manage to stand the test of time. There are some Best Picture winners that no one talks about, even though they’ll always be a part of Academy Award history.
‘The Broadway Melody’ (1929) L-r: Charles King as Eddie Kearns, Bessie Love as Harriet ‘Hank’ Mahoney, Mary Doran as Flo, Anita Page as Queen Mahoney, and Nacio Herb Brown as Pianist | John Springer Collection/Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Harriet ‘Hank’ Mahoney (Bessie Love) and Queenie Mahoney (Anita Page) are vaudeville sister performers looking to break into the Broadway scene. However, romantic melodrama quickly overshadows their attempt to pursue fame as a duo.
The Broadway Melody is the second film to win the Best Picture Oscar, with only Wings coming before it.
‘The Broadway Melody’ (1929) L-r: Charles King as Eddie Kearns, Bessie Love as Harriet ‘Hank’ Mahoney, Mary Doran as Flo, Anita Page as Queen Mahoney, and Nacio Herb Brown as Pianist | John Springer Collection/Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Harriet ‘Hank’ Mahoney (Bessie Love) and Queenie Mahoney (Anita Page) are vaudeville sister performers looking to break into the Broadway scene. However, romantic melodrama quickly overshadows their attempt to pursue fame as a duo.
The Broadway Melody is the second film to win the Best Picture Oscar, with only Wings coming before it.
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
With five days until the debut of his Fall/Winter 2023 collection, how did Brandon Maxwell discover another gear, mentally and spiritually? By catching a performance of Lea Michele in Broadway’s Funny Girl. “I hadn’t been [to a Broadway show] in so many years like everyone else, so this was the return for me, and it was phenomenal,” Maxwell told The Hollywood Reporter following his runway presentation in a Midtown building.
Michele’s high-wattage turn as Fanny Brice indeed inspired Maxwell at just the right moment. “I left the show feeling like, wow, that’s commitment, and that’s something I’m really interested in right now,” he said.
Alongside Ashley Biden, Aurora James and Natalia Bryant, Michele was among the guests on the front row for Maxwell’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection, which represents the latest phase in what the designer terms his “slow, steady evolution.” That idea was evident from the first look out,...
Michele’s high-wattage turn as Fanny Brice indeed inspired Maxwell at just the right moment. “I left the show feeling like, wow, that’s commitment, and that’s something I’m really interested in right now,” he said.
Alongside Ashley Biden, Aurora James and Natalia Bryant, Michele was among the guests on the front row for Maxwell’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection, which represents the latest phase in what the designer terms his “slow, steady evolution.” That idea was evident from the first look out,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Laurie Brookins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lea Michele, best known for her role on Glee, has come under fire for her allegedly hostile and rude attitude during her time on the show.
In 2020, Michele was called out on Twitter by past castmates for her mean-spirited actions that made life on set “hell.”
Michele recently revealed that she’s been doing a lot of reflection and learning these past few years because of this backlash.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
“I did a lot of personal reach-outs,” Michele told Interview. “But the most important thing was for everybody to just take a step back. More than anything, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to apply the things that I’ve learned over the past ten-plus years in a positive way.”
These lessons that Michele learned helped ground her in her role as Fanny Brice in the classic Broadway musical, Funny Girl.
“What...
In 2020, Michele was called out on Twitter by past castmates for her mean-spirited actions that made life on set “hell.”
Michele recently revealed that she’s been doing a lot of reflection and learning these past few years because of this backlash.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
“I did a lot of personal reach-outs,” Michele told Interview. “But the most important thing was for everybody to just take a step back. More than anything, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to apply the things that I’ve learned over the past ten-plus years in a positive way.”
These lessons that Michele learned helped ground her in her role as Fanny Brice in the classic Broadway musical, Funny Girl.
“What...
- 2/8/2023
- by Hailey Schipper
- Uinterview
Lea Michele is reflecting on past dramas, and her efforts to rectify mistakes.
In a recent chat with Interview magazine, the “Funny Girl” star was asked about the reports and stories of alleged mean-spirited behaviour on the set of “Glee”, with several cast members claiming Michele treated her co-stars poorly during the filming of the series.
“I think these past two years have been so important for everybody to just sit back and reflect,” Michele shared, adding, “I did a lot of personal reach-outs.”
“The most important thing was for everybody to just take a step back,” she said. “More than anything, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to apply the things that I’ve learned over the past ten-plus years in a positive way.”
“What I told myself stepping into ‘Funny Girl’ was, ‘If I can’t take my role as a leader offstage as important as...
In a recent chat with Interview magazine, the “Funny Girl” star was asked about the reports and stories of alleged mean-spirited behaviour on the set of “Glee”, with several cast members claiming Michele treated her co-stars poorly during the filming of the series.
“I think these past two years have been so important for everybody to just sit back and reflect,” Michele shared, adding, “I did a lot of personal reach-outs.”
“The most important thing was for everybody to just take a step back,” she said. “More than anything, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to apply the things that I’ve learned over the past ten-plus years in a positive way.”
“What I told myself stepping into ‘Funny Girl’ was, ‘If I can’t take my role as a leader offstage as important as...
- 2/8/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
In a first-time first-person account of her life and career, legendary singer, actress, director and producer Barbra Streisand will publish her memoir, My Name is Barbra, on November 7, 2023 via Penguin Random House imprint Viking. The Penguin Group made it official on Tuesday, calling the tome “engrossing and delightful.” There have been dozens of books written about the now 80-year-old artist, but this will be the first to tell her story in her own words.
And by account, it’s a lot of words. Pre-order listings have it clocking in at 1,040 pages. Fitting for a woman whose groundbreaking career has spanned six decades and included two Oscars, five Emmys, 10 Grammys, 11 Golden Globes and a Tony as well as countless other awards.
Streisand is among the handful of Egot winners and has one of the most recognizable voices in the history of popular music. She has been nominated for a Grammy 46 times.
And by account, it’s a lot of words. Pre-order listings have it clocking in at 1,040 pages. Fitting for a woman whose groundbreaking career has spanned six decades and included two Oscars, five Emmys, 10 Grammys, 11 Golden Globes and a Tony as well as countless other awards.
Streisand is among the handful of Egot winners and has one of the most recognizable voices in the history of popular music. She has been nominated for a Grammy 46 times.
- 2/8/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele has reflected on allegations she created a toxic workplace environment on the set of Glee.
In 2020, Michele – who played Rachel Berry in Ryan Murphy’s musical comedy series – was accused of making her co-star Samantha Ware’s time on the show a “living hell”. Ware said she was on the receiving end of “traumatic microagressions” from the actor, who allegedly once threatened to “s*** in my wig” in front of her castmates, causing Ware to question a future career in the industry.
This led to a number of other cast members speaking out about Michele’s behaviour on set, for which she later apologised and noted how she wanted to “keep working to better [herself] and take responsibility for [her] actions”.
Speaking to playwright Jeremy O Harris for Interview magazine, Michele was asked whether she had turned back to a career on the stage to “rectify” the way she behaved on set.
In 2020, Michele – who played Rachel Berry in Ryan Murphy’s musical comedy series – was accused of making her co-star Samantha Ware’s time on the show a “living hell”. Ware said she was on the receiving end of “traumatic microagressions” from the actor, who allegedly once threatened to “s*** in my wig” in front of her castmates, causing Ware to question a future career in the industry.
This led to a number of other cast members speaking out about Michele’s behaviour on set, for which she later apologised and noted how she wanted to “keep working to better [herself] and take responsibility for [her] actions”.
Speaking to playwright Jeremy O Harris for Interview magazine, Michele was asked whether she had turned back to a career on the stage to “rectify” the way she behaved on set.
- 2/8/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Lea Michele is speaking out on how “Funny Girl” is introducing audiences to who she is after a process of self-reflection.
Following allegations of toxic workplace behavior and racially insensitive bullying on the “Glee” set, Michele replaced Beanie Feldstein in the lead “Funny Girl” role on Broadway in July 2022. Michele admitted she has “an edge” due to her need for perfection in performances, but added more context in a recent interview with Jeremy O. Harris for Interview magazine.
“I think these past two years have been so important for everybody to just sit back and reflect. I did a lot of personal reach-outs,” Michele said. “But the most important thing was for everybody to just take a step back. More than anything, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to apply the things that I’ve learned over the past ten-plus years in a positive way. What I told...
Following allegations of toxic workplace behavior and racially insensitive bullying on the “Glee” set, Michele replaced Beanie Feldstein in the lead “Funny Girl” role on Broadway in July 2022. Michele admitted she has “an edge” due to her need for perfection in performances, but added more context in a recent interview with Jeremy O. Harris for Interview magazine.
“I think these past two years have been so important for everybody to just sit back and reflect. I did a lot of personal reach-outs,” Michele said. “But the most important thing was for everybody to just take a step back. More than anything, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to apply the things that I’ve learned over the past ten-plus years in a positive way. What I told...
- 2/8/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Arthur remembers it being a 125 pages. I remember reading a 50-page treatment,” said Barbra Streisand. Regardless of how many pages of a synopsis, or an outline or a so-called “treatment,” that Arthur Laurents had written, Streisand wanted those pages, titled “The Way We Were.” Better yet, she wanted them now. “I fell in love with it!” she gushed.
More important, Streisand put her enthusiasm into the only words that count in Hollywood. “I want this to be my next movie,” she told the producer Ray Stark. Stark had produced “Funny Girl” on Broadway and also brought it to the screen, with Streisand reprising the role of Fanny Brice, who happened to be the producer’s mother-in-law. The New York theater had long been home to Jewish artists who refused to hide their heritage. The movies, not so much. Streisand in the movie “Funny Girl” was historic, a Jewish actress playing a proudly Jewish character.
More important, Streisand put her enthusiasm into the only words that count in Hollywood. “I want this to be my next movie,” she told the producer Ray Stark. Stark had produced “Funny Girl” on Broadway and also brought it to the screen, with Streisand reprising the role of Fanny Brice, who happened to be the producer’s mother-in-law. The New York theater had long been home to Jewish artists who refused to hide their heritage. The movies, not so much. Streisand in the movie “Funny Girl” was historic, a Jewish actress playing a proudly Jewish character.
- 1/20/2023
- by Robert Hofler
- The Wrap
Broadhurst Theatre curtain call for a jubilant Mark Jacoby (Neil Diamond now) and Will Swenson (Neil Diamond then) in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, book by Anthony McCarten, directed by Michael Mayer Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
When I spoke with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer in April of 2022 he had just launched his Broadway revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein (since replaced by Lea Michele) in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film. Now he has A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with Will Swenson starring as Diamond (then) and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now). The book is by Anthony McCarten. McCarten also has on Broadway The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope...
When I spoke with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer in April of 2022 he had just launched his Broadway revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein (since replaced by Lea Michele) in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film. Now he has A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with Will Swenson starring as Diamond (then) and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now). The book is by Anthony McCarten. McCarten also has on Broadway The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope...
- 1/1/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Lea Michele has had a big year.
On Saturday, the former “Glee” star shared a slideshow on Instagram, reflecting on her 2022 had of the new year.
Read More: “Glee” Stars Lea Michele And Darren Criss Appear In Surprise Bonus Carpool Karaoke Video
“To find one photo to encapsulate this year was almost impossible,” she wrote. “I put together a slide and there were too many to fit.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lea Michele (@leamichele)
“Starting the year off traveling with my best friend, living and loving NYC with my husband and our family, to the Sa documentary, performing at the Tonys, finding out I would finally be Fanny, and then opening on Broadway in Funny Girl and having so many more incredible dreams come true for our show. So much to be so incredibly thankful and grateful for. ,” she continued.
Read More: Lea Michele Was...
On Saturday, the former “Glee” star shared a slideshow on Instagram, reflecting on her 2022 had of the new year.
Read More: “Glee” Stars Lea Michele And Darren Criss Appear In Surprise Bonus Carpool Karaoke Video
“To find one photo to encapsulate this year was almost impossible,” she wrote. “I put together a slide and there were too many to fit.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lea Michele (@leamichele)
“Starting the year off traveling with my best friend, living and loving NYC with my husband and our family, to the Sa documentary, performing at the Tonys, finding out I would finally be Fanny, and then opening on Broadway in Funny Girl and having so many more incredible dreams come true for our show. So much to be so incredibly thankful and grateful for. ,” she continued.
Read More: Lea Michele Was...
- 1/1/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Former Glee stars and longtime friends Lea Michele and Darren Criss have reunited once again for a special Christmas edition of Apple TV+’s Carpool Karaoke: The Series.
The two take a scenic drive through New York City as they belt out some of their favorite Christmas songs in a clip for the show’s holiday special. Funny Girl star Michele sings “Christmas in New York” and Criss performs “Christmas Dance,” both songs featured on their previous Christmas albums — Michele’s Christmas in the City, which was released in 2019, and Criss’ 2021 album A Very Darren Christmas. Both also have writing credits on the albums.
“I’m a fan of a lot of Christmas things,” Criss says in the video clip. “So I wrote a little song about all the things that make me want to dance at Christmas — and there’s even a little dance in it.”
“That is such a Christmas banger!
The two take a scenic drive through New York City as they belt out some of their favorite Christmas songs in a clip for the show’s holiday special. Funny Girl star Michele sings “Christmas in New York” and Criss performs “Christmas Dance,” both songs featured on their previous Christmas albums — Michele’s Christmas in the City, which was released in 2019, and Criss’ 2021 album A Very Darren Christmas. Both also have writing credits on the albums.
“I’m a fan of a lot of Christmas things,” Criss says in the video clip. “So I wrote a little song about all the things that make me want to dance at Christmas — and there’s even a little dance in it.”
“That is such a Christmas banger!
- 12/22/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele is opening up about the struggles she had early on.
In an interview with Town & Country, the new star of Funny Girl on Broadway revealed that as an aspiring actress, she was told her looks weren’t good enough for the screen.
Read More: Lea Michele Reunites With ‘Glee’ Co-Star Darren Criss Backstage At ‘Funny Girl’
“Honestly, it’s all been one incredible dream on top of an incredible dream,” she said of landing the coveted role, adding, “people would tell me to get nose jobs, that I wasn’t pretty enough for film and television.”
The experience, along with her musical theatre background, led to inevitable Barbra Streisand comparisons, and like Streisand, she never succumbed to the pressure to surgically alter her looks.
“She was an icon for me in my life,” Michele says of the legendary actress.
Read More: Lea Michele Sings ‘Funny Girl’ Classic On...
In an interview with Town & Country, the new star of Funny Girl on Broadway revealed that as an aspiring actress, she was told her looks weren’t good enough for the screen.
Read More: Lea Michele Reunites With ‘Glee’ Co-Star Darren Criss Backstage At ‘Funny Girl’
“Honestly, it’s all been one incredible dream on top of an incredible dream,” she said of landing the coveted role, adding, “people would tell me to get nose jobs, that I wasn’t pretty enough for film and television.”
The experience, along with her musical theatre background, led to inevitable Barbra Streisand comparisons, and like Streisand, she never succumbed to the pressure to surgically alter her looks.
“She was an icon for me in my life,” Michele says of the legendary actress.
Read More: Lea Michele Sings ‘Funny Girl’ Classic On...
- 12/9/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc will be 16th film character to inspire multiple Golden Globe nominations
Nearly three decades into his acting career, Daniel Craig earned his first Golden Globe notice for his lead performance as eccentric detective Benoit Blanc in the 2019 mystery movie “Knives Out.” Although he was defeated in this Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor race by Taron Egerton (“Rocketman”), his portrayal of Blanc may still be honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association since the character’s story has now continued in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” Even a nomination for the sequel would make him only the 16th performer to receive multiple Golden Globe mentions for playing a single film character.
Three years ago, Craig placed fourth in Gold Derby’s final Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor nominations predictions, and his “Glass Onion” performance puts him two spots higher on our current list. The only actor outpacing him this time is “The Banshees of Inisherin” star Colin Farrell, who is seeking...
Three years ago, Craig placed fourth in Gold Derby’s final Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor nominations predictions, and his “Glass Onion” performance puts him two spots higher on our current list. The only actor outpacing him this time is “The Banshees of Inisherin” star Colin Farrell, who is seeking...
- 12/8/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
There’s no getting around it: talking about representation in movies these days is a sticky, tricky subject. But is it Ok to admit that when Michelle Williams rattles off a “dahlink” to her brood and Anthony Hopkins instructs his grandson to “be a mensch” in his Welsh brogue, things are a little weird, nu?
There are many examples of what Sarah Silverman called “Jewface” on her podcast last year.
We’ve watched Adam Driver go hard in “BlacKkKlansman” and Rachel Brosnahan bring that shiksa sparkle to “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” In “Shiva Baby,” the biggest surprise is that Dianna Agron is Jewish and Rachel Sennott is not. There’s also Steve Carrell in “The Patient,” Rachel McAdams in “Disobedience,” Felicity Jones in “On the Basis of Sex,” almost everyone in “Transparent,” Oscar Isaac in “Scenes from a Marriage,” Helen Mirren in “Golda,” and Daniel Craig in “Defiance.”
As a...
There are many examples of what Sarah Silverman called “Jewface” on her podcast last year.
We’ve watched Adam Driver go hard in “BlacKkKlansman” and Rachel Brosnahan bring that shiksa sparkle to “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” In “Shiva Baby,” the biggest surprise is that Dianna Agron is Jewish and Rachel Sennott is not. There’s also Steve Carrell in “The Patient,” Rachel McAdams in “Disobedience,” Felicity Jones in “On the Basis of Sex,” almost everyone in “Transparent,” Oscar Isaac in “Scenes from a Marriage,” Helen Mirren in “Golda,” and Daniel Craig in “Defiance.”
As a...
- 12/7/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.