She was asked to do the role, but insisted Steve Lawrence play Nicky. I don't know why they didn't like him. His voice was amazing. Guess he didn't fit the Nicky look they wanted. Overall though, Jule Styne wanted Barbra and they developed the show around her. Then he wanted Mimi when she asked to audition (her story).
It wasn't written with anyone in mind. Originally they offered it to Mary Martin, who was much too old. Once they signed Barbra, Jule Styne started writing with her vocal prowess in mind. All of this is easily found with a bit of research.
@@chrisn7259: Please, after THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Mary Martin was looking for another show. Following GYPSY, Laurent’s, Sondheim and Styne were approached but Laurent’s felt he would be repeating himself, Sondheim admired Mary Martin but didn’t this was a good fit. AGE WAS NEVER THE ISSUE. Other woman, including Carol Burnett were asked but she said they needed an ethnic girl. Eydie Gorme nearly got the role but she wanted her husband, Steve Lawrence, as “Nicky Arnstein” and Lawrence came across as too young. Eventually Anne Bancroft was signed but Styne, hearing Streisand at a nightclub, composed the score for her range-which truth to tell was unprofessional since Bancroft was the star-so Bancroft backed out. After several auditions, because her acting wasn’t as good as her singing, Streisand was reluctantly signed.
What a strange replacement for Streisand. A big Broadway voice, for sure. Lainie Kazan, the original understudy was so much suited for the role, but it's a history....
Rest in peace, dear Mimi. Such a great voice and a terrific comedienne.
1:22 The change to the daffy laugh and lisp is so crazy. Love them both
The American/Canadian Legend Of Broadway🎭& Television📺Star⭐Mimi Hines!
Mimi kept Funny Girl running for a year and a 1/2 after Streisand left
Her impeccable musicality and voice are on par with Eydie Gorme.... plus she is funny! Thanks for posting.
Sensational!
Wow, impressive!
Wonderful!
Her power when she really lets it out is thrilling
Brava
Would love to be to hear her version of people.
It's on here!
She had a RollRoyce voice
Show was written with Edie Gormet in mind. Imagine
She was asked to do the role, but insisted Steve Lawrence play Nicky. I don't know why they didn't like him. His voice was amazing. Guess he didn't fit the Nicky look they wanted. Overall though, Jule Styne wanted Barbra and they developed the show around her. Then he wanted Mimi when she asked to audition (her story).
It wasn't written with anyone in mind. Originally they offered it to Mary Martin, who was much too old. Once they signed Barbra, Jule Styne started writing with her vocal prowess in mind. All of this is easily found with a bit of research.
@@chrisn7259: Please, after THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Mary Martin was looking for another show. Following GYPSY, Laurent’s, Sondheim and Styne were approached but Laurent’s felt he would be repeating himself, Sondheim admired Mary Martin but didn’t this was a good fit. AGE WAS NEVER THE ISSUE. Other woman, including Carol Burnett were asked but she said they needed an ethnic girl. Eydie Gorme nearly got the role but she wanted her husband, Steve Lawrence, as “Nicky Arnstein” and Lawrence came across as too young. Eventually Anne Bancroft was signed but Styne, hearing Streisand at a nightclub, composed the score for her range-which truth to tell was unprofessional since Bancroft was the star-so Bancroft backed out. After several auditions, because her acting wasn’t as good as her singing, Streisand was reluctantly signed.
What a strange replacement for Streisand. A big Broadway voice, for sure. Lainie Kazan, the original understudy was so much suited for the role, but it's a history....
I sure wish Hines had recorded the OC. Streisand's mannered and self-indulgent style renders it unlistenable.
You must be kidding.
@waterspout8
My doctor would recommend that you check your ears and your sense of judgment every week. lol
Her vocals are better than Barbra's but I don't know, I couldn't really enjoy her performance.