My Man - Lauren Ambrose and The Leisure Class

[oksilo]

i believe that lea should have been given the part in the revival. part of the reason why Funny Girl was scrapped was because they weren't sure of the audience it would attract. With Lea Michele, not only do you have an able performer, but you have a big name that people will come to see regardless of whether or not she is worthy of the part (sad but true). Also, Lea sang My Man on the show and killed it. Hers was passionate, closer to the original, and powerful.

[oksilo]

@oksilo also lea is jewish so .........

[kylejerel]

@oksilo "My Man" is not even in the show. For that even to be part of the reason to hire Ms. Michele is simply irrelevant. Ms. Ambrose has played a Jewish woman before in "Awake and Sing!" She is a fine actress. Finally, Bartlett Sher, the director, has postponed the production due to financial commitments from producers. Tragic, because it would lovely to see his production of "Funny Girl," especially given his wonderful direction with "South Pacific" and Ms. Ambrose's performance.

[daniabates]

Sorry, but I'm in the Streisand/Michele camp with this one. . . maybe i won't go see the revival after all, it would probably be a let down.

[daniabates]

@daniabates and is this woman even Jewish?!!!!!

[Prue091]

this girl vs. lea michele, who has sang since she was 7 and now is the lead actress in the show glee. this girl doesnt come close to how good lea michele is. lea michele deserves it. this may sound harsh but they should fire this girl and get lea michele who ovbiously look and sounds like barbra.

[daniabates]

@Prue091 For the love of God, is this woman even Jewish?!!! I mean, look at that tiny nose!!!

[ohsnapitzemma]

:( she doesn't deserve to be fanny brice, she ruined the song, its supposed to be slow because she's saying that even though her husband or whatever cheated on her, she loves him and she turned it all happy, shes no fanny brice-_- casting directors these days smh-_-

[katherinesixteen]

I love how everyone is so sure that they know more about singing and acting than the people who hired her. Give those guys at Broadway some credit, shall we? It's their job. And like someone said this is not even her audition! It's a cover played by her and her jazz band. Nothing to do with Funny Girl.

[jimdivax]

Actually it's closer to the ORIGINAL version by 1920s French singer Mistinguett,( 'Mon Homme') than the cinematic souped-up ballad of Streisand fame which,though fabulous, was not remotely Fanny Brice-like....far too 60s in its approach and orchestration! Brice and her ilk were closer to the French original. Aside from that Billie Holliday's is the most moving and profound version by a long chalk.

[spn1007]

I agree that this is a strange, almost campy, rendition of a song. Then again, the lyrics become almost camp or at least cliche, in the 21st century. I can see where she has the chops to sing the role. also, I can only imagine what Bartlett Sher and the others casting the show must have gone through to find the perfect Fanny Brice who was NOT STREISAND. If they think she's the right one, I'll trust them until proven otherwise.

[MissBrice]

Her voice is good, but.... WHAT'S THE REASON FOR MAKING A JAZZ VERSION OF THIS SONG!!! IT RUINS THE FRAGILITY OF FANNY BRICE!!!!!

[RichRobust]

OK. Every time a known TV actor gets inappropriately cast in a Broadway musical, the words "classically trained singer" get thrown around a lot. All that phrase means is that the actor took a voice lesson at some point. After hearing this, I can see why the money for that revival took a powder.

[kingrufus4]

No, she's no Streisand but don't forget a lot of people didn't feel Streisand was worthy of comparison's to Fanny Brice. I'm so disappointed that they're postponing/cancelling(?) the revival of Funny Girl. Lauren Ambrose was an inspired choice and yes, she's got the pipes. This New Orleans style jazz version is not the best choice for this song, but she obviously has the talent and I for one wish someone from the 1% of the world would put up the money for the show.

[jdturner75]

I get very tired of people shouting and passing that off as "singing." Yes, there is energy and style here, but compare to someone (anyone, not just Barbra Streisand) supporting with their breath and singing actual pitches and tones. It is about technique and craft.

[MrMusicstone]

Im sorry but that was sloppy and unimpressive......

[tenorbear60]

So they postponed the Funny Girl revival. I'd have to say that is a wise decision. Ambrose is a good singer - the role needs an extraordinary singer and I do not feel she quite is up to that level. This is decent singing/acting and yes, I have seen her other clips. Sorry, for me placing the burden of the show on Ambrose's decently-scaled talents.

[pootpot1]

Please... this is barely passable performing and singing... "amazing" is not a discription I would use. Try watching/listening to some of the really great & legendary singers to get my point. No comparison. Gimme a break...this is not a great peformer and is certainly not good singing!! No wonder the money pulled out of the Funny Girl revival...they didin't have a star.

[elvise101]

Shes amazing, stop the hate.

I'm glad with the casting directors choice

And I have hope in her

[StreisandGirl]

I agree - no one can replace Barbra Streisand. This is a Barbra Streisand show. I don't think it will be on Broadway for that long. There just won't ever be another Barbra Streisand.

[englishmockingbirds]

No one can ever replace Barbra Streisand. That's all there is to it. This isn't horrible or anything, its just not Barbra.

[melizmatea]

It doesn't sound to me like she has any sort of a mix in her voice. If she just does that bland, shouting sort of belt 8 shows a week, not only will it not serve the music or the show, but she's going to blow out her vocal cords within a month. I'm sorry, this is a horrible choice. Horrible.

[ruttishh]

She's classically trained opera singer. Get over it. She's amazing.

[cjacksonstarr]

@ruttishh Funny Girl isn't opera, so that is irrelevant, now isn't it?

[ruttishh]

@cjacksonstarr I wouldn't have pointed it out if I thought it was. Not to mention that you are criticizing without even knowing what I was referring to. That's a bit presumptuous and ignorant, now isn't it?

[lcowles]

I don't get all the people saying the actress playing this part needs to be Jewish or look a certain way. If you've BEEN to Broadway recently, you'd see non-traditional casting has been going on for decades. When has a black man EVER been a high-ranking law officer in 18th Century France? NEVER, but Norm Lewis played Javert in the Les Miz revival. There are 1,000's of these examples. All that matters is what's on stage opening night. Enjoy the show, not your bigotry.

[BabyDillGerkin]

@lcowles Fanny Brice was a real person. "Non traditional casting" doesn't really apply. However, I don't think Lauren is so far off the mark -- with wigs and make up, she can play Fanny. Be nice if it all worked out, but it's a high mountain to climb.

[BabyDillGerkin]

@lcowles Fanny Brice was a real person. "Non traditional casting" doesn't really apply. However, I don't think Lauren is so far off the mark -- with wigs and make up, she can play Fanny. Be nice if it all worked out, but it's a high mountain to climb.

[doctorferris]

This is an amateur video taken in a pub, people , not a broadway stage production. Lauren is opera trained, has appeared on Broadway, in musical theatre, film, television and is an experienced actress. I think she is an inspired choice for Funny Girl. I saw her at the South Bank Theatre in "Buried Child". She is stunning, close up. I wish I lived in New York....may have to get the flight!

[Supercat313]

Oy. No wonder Babs would not comment on this. Just...oy.

[sschimel]

Loved her in Torchwood and am looking forward to Funny Girl. And frankly, in my opinion, she's a better choice than Lea Michelle, who shamelessly lobbied for the role at every opportunity and who mimicked Barbra's interpretations note for note. Considering that Funny Girl was originally written for Anne Bancroft, who felt she couldn't sing it, and that Barbra was only known for a nightclub appearance and an Off-Broadway show at that point, this casting is no more unusual than that was.

[lyongraulty]

@twogentlemen I agree, who is that plectrum banjo player? He bad!

[PRSPSCA]

Aweful!!!

[RandomRandiRhythms]

I don't feel like she has a "Broadway" voice. She sounds too.... modern. A broadway voice is timeless and survives any era.

[JhonathanFree]

@RandomRandiRhythms What exactly are you listening to?

[RandomRandiRhythms]

@JhonathanFree The video, of course! I'm just saying. I mean, take Patti Lupone. She has a voice that sounds amazing, no matter what song or show or year. Her voice defies the times. Lauren is great, I'm not denying that. I'm just saying that she sounds great *now*. Her voice sounds sort of like pop culture. At least, it does for this song.....

[kylejerel]

@RandomRandiRhythms Pop culture is not music. I believe you are talking about pop music, which, in this video, is far from Lauren's voice. I hear blues and jazz; I hear the sizzle, feel the emotion, and see the performer becoming one with the music. Now to your definition of "Broadway" voice: since you use Patti Lupone (fabulous) as an example, I am led to believe that you find belting as the traditional "Broadway" voice. If so, then please look up Bernadette Peters and Donna Murphy.

[RandomRandiRhythms]

@kylejerel That's not what I'm saying at all! I'm saying that her actual voice sounds like it, not her performance! Her performance is great, just I don't feel that she is an icon. And I love Bernadette and Donna! They remind me of a Broadway voice, too! Their performances prove it. I mean, they have an aura, you know?

[kylejerel]

@RandomRandiRhythms Barbra was not an icon when "Funny Girl" opened. She was known, but yet an icon; so to argue about that is pointless. In all honesty, let us wait till the L.A. premiere. Bartlett Sher is a terrific director (South Pacific and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), who has a great track record for casting. After seeing several names that auditioned, I'd doubted Lauren's casting; however, such doubt erased when I saw this video and (if you would) her rendition of "Hey Brother, Spare A Dime"

[RandomRandiRhythms]

@kylejerel I know. I was thinking about that. This show made her an icon, and I also realize that the Sher did wonders with South Pacific. I'm sure it will be a great show, just it won't be Barbra. I'm just hoping that Lauren proves to be "icon" material, you know? If not, this could definately put a smudge on her career. And I will try to watch that video... I'm a tad busy as of late.

[AdamEfimoff]

@kylejerel I thought he directed Light in the Piazza and South Pacific not dirty rotten scroundles . But I think she is okay but I do think someone one like laura beneti would be better and inspired. But someone else would be better

[kylejerel]

@AdamEfimoff Why color me, it was Light in the Piazza. Thank you, Adam. However, while Laura Benanti is lovely idea, she wouldn't have done sans TV work schedule. How do we know someone else would be better? Well we won't know until the actual production.

[mikesterSTLMO]

From Streisand to this? Wow. I give it (the new Funny Girl) 2 weeks before it closes. They'd be smart to invest their money elsewhere.

[JhonathanFree]

@mikesterSTLMO That's why you are stuck in St.Louis. You don't know Broadway.

[mikesterSTLMO]

@JhonathanFree Bitch please, she stinks. If you can't hear the difference in singing with passion, conviction, and appropriate volume and in just singing ((((((LOUDLY))))))) like this wannabe does, then you don't know singing. I predict this thing will never see the light of day, much less a Broadway marquis. Now off you go before someone throws a house on you too!

[ruttishh]

@mikesterSTLMO It's official. It'll be on Broadway this spring. See you there. LMAO



[mikesterSTLMO]

@ruttishh The show will be closed long before anyone, much less I would see it. Morbid curiosity will sell a few tickets, but the Funny Girl that we know was tailored to Streisand and the inevitable comparisons to her will kill it faster than you can say Drat! The Cat!. I can't believe they found foolish investors, but then again like people do love to gawk at auto accidents and train wrecks.

[bunkyboo94]

If Lauren gives the sort of performance that I think she's capable of, she could do for the role of Fanny in "Funny Girl" what Natash Richardson did for the role of Sally in "Cabaret" -- wrestle with an iconic FILM performance and pull out the great STAGE role that is Fanny Brice. I adore Barbra. I adore Barbra as Fanny Brice. But I've always wondered whether the role of Fanny in Funny Girls is actually any good. We shall soon find out.

[theatrebear]

@bunkyboo94 I was thinking the same thing. The people who cast her aren't stupid. No one in the role now should imitate Barbra (as much as I love her) but put their own spin on it. Lauren was my favourite thing about Six Feet Under ,my favourite show of all time. But even I baulked when I heard she had been cast. Now I am actually very excited to see what she'll do with it. And I'm glad it's not Lea Michele, who have been too Barbra-ish.

[RonNYC100]

Surprising good. She really blossomed on the last 2 seasons of 6 Feet Under. I bet she is great in the play.

[patroch]

well, she's good, godd interpretation, but the voice... well I don't know when she will have to sing "People"....we'll see what she will be able to do.

[twogentlemen]

They should put this whole band on Broadway.

[jbslater55]

Having seen Bartlett Sher's magnificent revival of South Pacific on Broadway, I am can't wait to see what he does with this, the first-ever revival of Funny Girl. I love Lea and I love Barbra, but the show Funny Girl is also a classic and I am anxious to see it revived, re-invented and re-invigorated 45 years later.

[jcbwssn]

Do people realize that she is singing the ORIGINAL "My Man" in a way that the REAL Fanny Brice performed it. If you watch her other videos you'll see a softer side to her voice and her power belt which is what the character Fanny Brice in Funny Girl needs. Not to mention this song isn't even in the musical, it's only in the movie. Lastly (for now) NO ONE can be Barbra Striesand! If she tries to copy her it is not only disrespectful to Barbra's performance, it will be plain bad.

[DrTrish197]

I love this girl, but she is no Fanny Brice. I'm not supporting this revival. No way! Barbra is the one and only!

[gabrieljlivingston]

@DrTrish197 Last Time I checked Funny Girl was about Fanny Brice....not Barbra Streisand.

[2010Journeyer]

The problem with Lauren's casting as Fanny Brice, is that she's too pretty. Fanny had to overcome her looks. Lauren looks like all the other girls. She's pretty. What do they plan to do about the song, "If a Girl isn't Pretty." and the line, "Is a nose with deviation such a crime against the nation?"

[sportc410]

@2010Journeyer honey it'd be hard to find an actor with the perfect look and the perfect voice, and the perfect personality of Fanny Brice. This is Broadway, they surely can dress her up, put make up or whatever to make her look plain.

[muzik4life525]

@fkd1963 damn i do hope 1963 isnt your birth year... it feels so good to be 21 years old

[jontlew]

I, too, am excited about Lauren's upcoming portayal of Fannie Brice!

[boynamedalexxx]

@mperrierful Ambrose is a classically trained vocalist.

[TomPMelanson]

This gonna be interesting! I'm glad they cast someone who isn't a carbon copy of Babs. Art has to progress and eolve and this is a good start. Imitations also fuck up your voice anyway and who wants to sing a song that means something to them in someone else's voice???

[RandomRandiRhythms]

@TomPMelanson I really like your opint, but some art just shouldn't be touched, you know?

[Garbo46]

I've been reading about this performer doing a new version of "Funny Girl." My reaction is why?? Can't folks write new musicals with new themes? Why redo perfection? Maybe those younger than I will think she's terrific in the role of Fanny Brice, I don't know. All I know is that I will always think of Barbra as the consummate performer in Funny Girl, both the play and the movie. Why rehash it? And, if this video is any indication then Barbra has no worries as to who is the best singer.

[nelliedanica]

If anyone has heard Fanny Brice's recording of "My Man", you'll see Lauren Ambrose's vocal range is closer to Fanny Brice's than Babs or Lea. This isn't about remaking Barbra Streisand's Funny Girl, but by adapting the musical on its own.

Lea is a good singer, but she's too reminiscent of Barbra, which would have certainly led to comparisons, and Lauren Ambrose is a terrific actress. She'll give the part a great degree of depht.

[kylejerel]

I love that most people are reacting to this as if this is her actual audition....

[mylesag2]

Lauren's going to be GREAT as Fanny. Streisand was all wrong! She was too Jewish and sang much better than the real Brice!! I like this version of My MAN! Look forward to seeing Lauren ERASE the horrible Streisand portrayal.

[mahpignatari]

Don't get me wrong, I actually kind of likes this version of the song, but for a concert, not for the movie. This is good live, as it has the freedom artists can have when they are performing live, but I wouldn't want to see this version in a Funny Girl movie. Lea's version in Glee (as well as her heartfelt performance as an actress singing this song) on the other hand, would be brilliant in my opinion.

[sara3mtv]

Okay... Let's be clear. No matter who takes the role of Fanny Brice, their performance will not even come close to touching that of Barbra Streisand. That said, I'll be honest. I was disappointed when I heard Lea Michele didn't get the role. She has the perfect vocal range and capacity, and a very strong passion for the production. Lauren is good, but I agree that she seems more of a Sally Bowles character. When she got the role, I was surprised.

[mrchuck3000]

About the comments regarding the "wrongness" of her song arrangement: the band Cake did Stand By Your Man, sung by a macho male singer. It was ironic, funny, and weirdly moving. It didn't denigrate Tammy Wynette's version, just complemented it. Bette Midler, Anita O' Day, Billie Holiday, anybody? Jazz vocalists have been doing this for decades. You purists are just missing out. The song will survive, if its good enough. Artists can and should tweak things. There's nothing wrong with this versio

[Sailoroftheskies]

I'm not going to say anything about Ambrose, but you do realize that this will be in LA. I know the production is "Broadway bound", but if Ambrose doesn't turn out to be fantastic then they'll replace her when they move to broadway.

That's the beauty of the out of town try-outs, you can and will change things up before moving to broadway.

[dlh7544]

@fkd1963 What, you never saw a Jewish woman with red hair before?

[MsBkirk]

@dlh7544 Marti Caine played Fanny Brice in a London production, and SHE had red hair.

[mrchuck3000]

When Tyne Daly did "Gypsy," I was among the skeptics...till I saw her brilliant performance. I'm going to give Ms. Ambrose and the great Bartlett Sher a huge hand for their guts (moxie?). We might see a new Funny Girl that no one knew was there. As much as I admire Streisand, she was never funny, and it could be said that she turned the show into a vehicle for her giant ego. That's my opinion of the film version. I saw Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls and was knocked out. Then I saw the same cas

[muzik4life525]

haha love all the comments from all the old bitchy queens because of her being in the B'Way revival of funny girl... love how people are so nasty on these comment pages because don't have to own up to what they say in reality, and their all nobodies, where as Ms. Ambrose is starring in a major Broadway Revival. Its literally so hilarious to read them.

[disney1678]

I just hope she does the role justice.

[burrisjtb]

I LOVE Barbara...and absolutely Lauren is no comparison...But i think that is great...she is going to bring her own personality to the role....I like Lea Michelle but she wasn't right for this part at all... AND i love this version of My Man and i hope they find a way to incorporate some version into the stage production...CAN'T wait to see it

[pudgeuncle]

@fkd1963 YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!

[mackygirl80]

ya'll are crazy, I love Lea Michelle, and I LOOOVE her as Rachel, but Lauren is gonna be an amazing Fanny Brice. No comparisons to Barbra, not possible, but amazing.

[JAS576]

Just remember, "My Man" is not part of the FUNNY GIRL stage score. In the show, Fanny sings "The Music That Makes Me Dance" in the "My Man" spot in the film. This version is very similar to the real Fanny brice's.

[dgarnes1]

Sorry, meant to type "klezmer." Meant to add, there is really good back-up here. And Fanny Brice's original version is indeed faster than we're used to hearing (not that this nightclub version will necessarily have any relationship to how it will be done in "Funny Girl").

[dgarnes1]

This is a great, kelzmer-like variation of the old standard. She has a lot of presence and a strong voice. I trust Sher's choice. She'll be a great Fanny Brice. Go, Lauren!

[VelvetChain]

Oy.

[wildbenji65]

She sounds brilliant, shame I won't be able to go see the show next year, loved her since Six Feet Under. I love Lea too, they are both very talented., but she has nothing to do with this video.

Please don't turn this into a bashing thing. It gives us Glee fans a bad name

[rockcandy822]

Sorry...no one can compare to Barbra!

[archivefever123]

Lauren is an excellent actress and performer. She is much more talented than LM from Glee. She will be able to carry Funny Girl--it's about stage presence.

[bwaybaby1804]

Actually, this arrangement is probably closer to the ORIGINAL Fanny Brice arrangement. It has a Klezmer feel to it.

[JuliaB1955]

Congrats, Lauren! You'll do a terrific job of playing Fanny Brice.

[RaenaWhite]

she has so much stage presence...and such a strong voice. Excited for her to play Fanny Brice on Bway!

[joselopo23]

So glad that she got the part for Funny Girl. I LOVE Lauren and she has a terrific voice. She sang once at the Issac Mizrahi (spl?) show and left the audience speechless. She rocks! I miss her from Six Feet Under.

[theemaestro576]

She is going to be a great Fanny Brice. I'm so excited for her.

[msmiller114]

I had no clue she could sing like that! Looking forward to Funny Girl now!

[jsg03jd]

I can't wait to see her as Fanny Brice. Very interesting casting choice. I've loved her since "Psycho Beach Party" and "Six Feet Under."

[bbnbeef]

just cast as Funny Girl on Bway

[brucinda01]

great

[mannail888]

The jazzy oriented honky tonk arrangement is a fresh variation of this Streisand trademark.

[CalvinRE]

Rumor is she's the new "Funny Girl" in the upcoming Broadway revival!

[SoulVomitor]

Sweet music, like the bridge with piano/banjo solos.

[archy2frank2]

I've loved this woman ever since Can't Hardly Wait!!

[dmpls83]

@archy2frank2 awww... i LOVE that movie! :)

[browningpgc]

Great fun, Evan! I'm glad they finally threw a spotlight on you. I was going blind trying to see you back there in the shadows. (-:

Zazoo in Oklahoma

[IpcressF]

Lauren can belt it out. Whoa. Cool.