In 2021, it was announced that the show would be getting a Broadway revival and would begin previews in March of 2022. The story of “Funny Girl” follows the life of Fanny Brice, a real-life Ziegfeld Follies dancer, and comedian from around 1910-1950. The original production played from March 26, 1964, to July 1, 1967. The show won eight Tony awards that included “Best Musical” and became a classic Barbra Streisand show.
There was speculation when the production revealed the casting of Beanie Feldstein, most known for her performance in “Booksmart,” as the principal role of Fanny Brice. Many people believed that the role should only be played by a Jewish actress, because Fanny Brice was a Jewish woman, so the fact that Feldstein is Jewish was a score in her favor for many fans. There was also the revealed casting of Julie Benko. Julie Benko was cast as a standby; someone whose only job is to go on for the lead if something were to happen where the lead cannot perform. Until they cast the new lead Lea Michele, Julie was in the show as Fanny from August to Sept. 2. On Sept. 17, Julie played her 75th performance as Fanny after her new replacement Lea Michele was out of the show.
Benko also gained popularity from her social media presence by making content about what it is like to be a swing on Broadway, workshops for new projects, promoting her music, and being a Jewish woman living in New York. She became a very well-loved person and people look forward to hearing if she is in that day’s performances for a chance to see her on stage. From the popularity of her performances, Julie has been working on pre-off Broadway workshops for the new musical Harmony, a musical that previously made its world premiere for a limited 7-week run on March 23rd, 2022, starring broadway veterans Sierra Boggess and Chip Zien—winning a drama desk award for the book of the show.
Having an actress within the industry who doesn’t fit the “industry standard” who is as popular as she has become is a monumental turning point for Broadway. Broadway as a whole doesn’t accurately reflect the people who enjoy it. Broadway shows reach incredibly diverse and complex audiences, so the shows should also be diverse and complex to better appeal to those groups. With the integration of Julie and others like her, they are paving the way for a more welcoming and diverse Broadway in the near future.
Seeing people on the stage who look like you on stage is a truly inspiring thing. I spent years as a dancer seeing people who fit the industry standard for each style and not having representation was extremely discouraging and made me not want to continue doing it for a few years. After finding refuge in theater, it was still difficult to find people who were like me due to the industry standard not prioritizing strong dancers. In recent months, I found myself listening to the “Beetlejuice” musical soundtrack and heavily researching the show. I fell in love with the cast and was able to finally see someone who represented me on stage in a leading role. Elizabeth Teeter has been dancing since she was young with both of her parents being dance teachers. Seeing someone who looked like me and I understood was the most inspiring thing that I have experienced.
Broadway casting people who represent more groups of people allows for more individuals to feel the joy and inspiration to continue the craft or continue enjoying theater. Julie Benko’s casting and performances have, and continue to inspire and create a space for people like her to be represented.
Hi I'm Ruby, I am a Senior here at OHS and it is my second year on staff. My activities here at the school include Choir, Rho Kappa, BIONIC, and Youth and Government
