''Probably because it would not have been good for the show as a whole. It's Fanny's story.''
And yet this revival is restoring ''Temporary Arrangement,'' a mediocre song that wasn't good enough for the original show or the movie.
This revival apparently believes it's good for the show to beef up Nick's role (and give Karimloo a little more to do).
Yes, it's Fanny's story, but if only for practical reasons, it's good to give the actress playing her a break.
Styne and Merrill somehow came up with great songs, like ''I'm the Greatest Star,'' ''People,'' ''Don't Rain on My Parade,'' ''The Music That Makes Me Dance,'' etc., all for Fanny. But they couldn't write one equally wonderful solo for Nick that would really showcase Chaplin?
Someone in this thread mentioned ''Funny Girl's'' ''ensemble cast.'' Frankly, I've never thought of ''Funny Girl'' as an ''ensemble'' show.
It rises and falls on Fanny. And I imagine that's why it hasn't had a Broadway revival till now. Barbra is a tough act to follow. |
