Hello, Gorgeous! Shoshana Bean Takes on Iconic Role in 'Funny Girl'

"Funny Girl" is a classic Broadway hit that has all but disappeared from view. That could be because this 1963 hit, which ran for three years on Broadway, is forever linked with Barbra Streisand, who originated the role of comedienne Fanny Brice. It made her an overnight sensation, so much so that when the film was adapted to the screen five years later, no actress but Streisand was considered for the role. It was shrewd casting: her performance won a Best Actress Oscar (which she shared with Katherine Hepburn in a rare tie).

"Funny Girl," though, became a footnote in musical theater history, which is too bad because the show, with its colorful score and poignant love story, gives a musical theater performer the opportunity to shine. Such is the case in London where actress Sheridan Smith has become an overnight sensation in a smash revival, largely because of her unique take on the role of Fanny Brice. Here in the States Broadway actress and recording artist Shoshana Bean puts her own spin on the role in a new production to be presented by the North Shore Musical Theatre in Beverly.

Bean is accustomed to making iconic roles her own. When Idina Menzel left "Wicked" prematurely due to an injury, Bean (then her understudy) triumphantly took over the role of Elphaba, playing it a year in New York, then on the road. Subsequently Bean has mixed musical theater roles with a career as a singer/songwriter. A number of her songs have been used on the soundtracks of numerous television shows, such as as MTV's "The Hills," "The Ba Girl's Club" and Showtime's "The Big C." She has toured the States, Australia, and Great Britain, which included a concert run in London's West End. In 2011 she co-wrote and starred in an original musical "Dear John Mayer;" more recently she originated the role of CeeCee Bloom in the musical adaptation of the book and movie "Beaches" at the Drury Lane Theater in Chicago.

EDGE spoke to Bean recently as she prepares for her debut as Fanny Brice at NSMT.

Any dream roles?

EDGE: How did you get your start in musical theater?

Shoshana Bean: I started taking tap lessons at the age of three and it just progressed from there. My parents must have known there was a performer deep inside of me. Plus, at home, I loved to hold court for my family with my singing and dancing.

EDGE: What was the first show you saw on stage that had a big impact on you?

Shoshana Bean: 'Cats.' My 4th grade teacher loved 'Cats,' the musical and the animal, and when we finished our work we could choose an album to play and I always chose 'Cats.' Then my mom took me to New York City to see it and it was amazing.

EDGE: Having played one of the most popular roles on Broadway in 'Wicked' (replacing Idina Menzel's Elphaba) are there any roles that you'd love to tackle?

Shoshana Bean: I would love play Dot from 'Sunday in the Park with George,' Evita, and the witch from 'Into the Woods.' I am excited about any role. I especially love performing in a new play. Each opportunity is wonderful and playing someone from an older musical is like being part of a long tradition of Broadway history.

EDGE: What attracted you to the role of Fanny Brice?

Shoshana Bean: I definitely identified with her as a person. Like her, I always felt different and was never given a chance. When I was younger and performing in plays, I was never front and center and always wondered if I was really good enough. I would ask myself 'Why they don't see me, I'm talented!' Plus, there was really not a lot of roles for Jewish girls. Once, I was told that I am too Jewish for 'Fiddler On The Roof.'

Keeping it authentic

EDGE: Is it more challenging to portray a real person than a fictional character?

Shoshana Bean: Hell, yes! I am terrified. I want to really honor and represent the person she was. Playing Fanny has always been one of my dream roles, so I made sure that I did a lot of research. When you grow up watching the Fanny from the movie (Barbara Streisand), or listening to the Fanny from the soundtrack, I really had to choose which Fanny I was going to play. I wanted to portray the real Fanny Brice with a little bit of me.

EDGE: How would you describe your character, Fanny Brice?

Shoshana Bean: In any role, I have to learn to bring myself to the table and keep it authentic. When performing, Fanny portrayed a level of comfort and interacted with the audience. Like her, I have to have fun and be easy. I can relate to a lot of experiences she had. Also, I'm both nervous and excited about performing at NSMT. I have never performed a show in the round. I do love that it provides a more inmate quality and that there are no walls, so it gives me more of a sense of freedom.

EDGE: What is your favorite moment in the show?

Shoshana Bean: I love all the scenes leading up to 'Don't Rain On My Parade.' I love the song, because I don't like to be told what to do. Also, the end scene as heartbreaking as it is when Nicky comes back. I am so excited to be a part of this production. It is definitely a dream come true and I can't believe that it is finally happening.

EDGE: If you could only listen to five musical theatre songs for the rest of your life, which ones and why?

Shoshana Bean: So many choices. Ok, the overture from 'Funny Girl," the musical not the movie; 'The Confrontation' from 'Les Mis�rables'' 'It's All Over' from 'Dreamgirls;' 'You Can't Stop The Beat,' from 'Hairspray;' and 'Tonight Quintet' from 'West Side Story.' That's my list under pressure!

"Funny Girl" starring Shoshana Bean runs from June 7 - 19 at the North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Street, Beverly, MA. For more information, www.shoshanabean.com visit her website>.