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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the backstage drama is of higher quality than the onstage drama. 😂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jane Lynch has said in interviews that the reason she's leaving earlier than originally planned because the producers wanted to have Tovah Feldshuh and Lea Michele start together. I suspect that Lynch was given a "golden parachute." I agree that the original casting of Beanie Feldstein smacks of nepotism. I suspect that when she was axed, she said, "I'm going NOW. Screw YOU!" Publicly she has been very diplomatic. I don't think it's the last we'll hear and see of Beanie (and I hope it isn't!). As for Lea Michele, I agree that it was a case of putting the most obvious celebrity in the role to save the show. Everything I've read about Julie Benko is that she deserves way more notice than she's gotten. It's a shame that the producers hadn't tested the show in other cities before bringing it to Broadway the way many other revivals have (I'm thinking of Sutton Foster in "Anything Goes" who started as The Understudy and eventually took over the lead to rave reviews). If they had, I suspect Julie would have had the lead role and Beanie would not have been subject to so much negativity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Don't at me, it was self-care" 🤣

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

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

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

It is pretty clear that the producers fired Beanie and everything else is just PR wording. As someone else said, “the different direction of the production” was her not being in the production. I think the producers realised that the charming comedy character actress direction over the vocal powerhouse was a bad idea after the reviews.

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

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

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

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

The minute I saw it I thought: Mickey is gonna eat this up. I was not wrong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would only ever be able to spend money on Broadway tickets as a MAJOR treat. So I would personally rather have a knock-your-socks off vocal performance backed up by a generally amusing performance than to have a strong comedic performance and lackluster vocals. I can understand why people who are able to see shows often would feel differently, but I can also definitely understand why Beanie's performance wouldn't be as appealing to tourists.

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

I'm old enough to remember the great Mimi Hines who, I believe, took over the role from Barbra when she went London.

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

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

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

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

I am happy with the recasting. The production was in trouble and it needed a shot in the arm to be saved. Leah Michelle is a proven talent. The fact that Beanie's father handed her the role is a fact I did not know till now. That she didn't even auditon for it is shocking.! I don't know how much of the gossip surrounding Leah to believe, since I know that this type of chatter is sometimes fueled by jealousy. I wish Leah the best and I hope she has a big success with this role.

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

Today news outlets published the story. Lea Michele was placed under contract on June 20th to replace Beanie. One producer wanted to replace Beanie soon after the opening but the majority wanted to give her a chance. Failing ticket sales sealed Beanie’s fate. I feel bad for Beanie but this is a business and she should have worked with the Producers for a face-saving exit: like other offers were pouring in instead of Beanie posting on IG.. BTW, Beanie and Lea Michele have the same theatrical agent. Ouch.

Ah, the 'fat, funny, friend' typecasting... Even in local Am Dram it plays a part... Great update, I've seen so much on TikTok I was desperate for a summary!!

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

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

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

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

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

I actually think Rachel Bloom vocally would be a huge powerhouse with this score

You are killing it on KZfaq at the moment Mickey. I’ve loved seeing your channel grow and your content right now is perfect! Thank you for your work ❤️

do you mind to cite your so source as to Beanie’s dad being a producer on the show? I’ve been trying to look it up and cannot find that anywhere? Maybe I’m bad at Google? Anyway, great video and deep dive!

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