Unlike other classic musicals, “Funny Girl” has eluded a Broadway revival for nearly half a century. The reasons for it are clear: the libretto for the musical by Isobel Lennart has long been considered problematic. And what actor could possibly erase the memory of Barbra Streisand’s iconic and Oscar-winning incarnation of comedienne Fanny Brice?Broadway may now be closer to a revival, but that’s because London is taking the gamble first. Sheridan Smith, an award-winning British star who is virtually unknown here, will assume the title role in a revival directed by Michael Mayer that opens on December 2 at the prestigious Chocolate Menier Factory. And, as recently reported by Imogen Lloyd Webber at Broadway.com, Harvey Fierstein has been brought in to revise the book.34-year-old Smith, who won the Olivier Award for playing Elle Woods in the West End production of “Legally Blonde,” will not have to compete with as strong a memory of the original performance in London as she might have in New York. While Streisand reprised her role in the 1966 production there, her run was cut short when she became pregnant with son Jason Gould. Smith will also have the advantage of new scenes by multi-Tony Award winner Fierstein (“Hairspray,” “Kinky Boots”). The subject matter — Brice’s rise to stardom in the “Ziegfeld Follies” and her subsequent heartbreak over husband and con artist Nicky Arnstein — is definitely in his wheelhouse.The revision will be essential. “Funny Girl” had a very difficult birth, going through two lyricists (including Stephen Sondheim), four directors, (including Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins), and two book writers (including John Patrick). Producer Ray Stark — the sole one after David Merrick bowed out — postponed the Broadway opening night five times after the out-of-town tryouts in Boston and Philadelphia were greeted with poor reviews. All ended well, of course, for the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill musical with Streisand rocketing to fame, especially with the hit song “People,” which was almost cut from the show. From time to time various actors have locked their starry-eyed gaze on the role, including Lea Michele (“Glee”) and Idina Menzel (“Wicked”). But in 2012, it was Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”) who was announced as the star of a Broadway-bound revival, to be directed by Bartlett Sher. However, the $12 million production was scrapped when major investors got cold feet. Timing, of course, is everything in show business. And it’s arguable that the theatrical gods may shine on this production. No one can say that there’s little interest in the project. Tickets for the entire run — from November 20 through March 5, 2016 — sold out in one day. True, the Menier has only around 180 seats. But for some theater geeks, people with tickets are, well, the luckiest people in the world.
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