May 9, 2010
We were at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood for last night's return engagement of "Funny Girl." The film, presented in its stunning 2001 remastered version, was introduced by some of the creative folks who bring us the hit TV show "Glee" each week. Lea Michele, who plays Rachel on the show was joined by "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy and executive producer Dante DiLoreto (below, right).

Murphy had lots to say about "Funny Girl" and and how it continues to influence his role as the creative force behind "Glee." Speaking from the heart, Murphy said, "Without this movie, I don't think there would be 'Glee.' This movie means more to me than any movie in the world." He went on to explain how both "Glee" and "Funny Girl" are connected in a very special way. "The thing about this movie that I think is so beautiful, and I talk about "Glee" in this way, is that the most different thing about you is the most beautiful thing about you. I think that is the key to this movie."

Murphy also disclosed that Lea Michele's rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade" from last season's finale became an iTunes top 3 download, a fact that he is very proud of. And can we expect more Barbra music on "Glee?" Yes indeed. While he didn't discuss an all-Barbra episode, Murphy officially announced that returning guest star Idina Menzel will be performing the ballad "Funny Girl" in an upcoming episode later this season.  [note: Idina Menzel performed the number beautifully on the May 25 episode. Have a listen]

At the conclusion of his remarks, Murphy shared with us a touching anecdote. It happened in 1991 when he interviewed Barbra as a journalist during the "Prince of Tides" press junket. He recalls a moment of dialogue with Barbra, "I really so loved you in 'Funny Girl' and I wish you'd do something else like 'Funny Girl.' She looked at me with tears in her eyes she said, 'once in a lifetime.' "

Lea Michele (photo, center), who had a career defining moment last season performing a knockout rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade" spoke next. Her appreciation of "Funny Girl" is of a similar perspective. "Growing up, I always looked for girls in movies that I thought looked like me, and there were never any I could relate to. After I met these guys [Murphy and DiLoreto] I went back to New York and watched "Funny Girl." I literally felt for the first time I could relate to it and there was somebody that I saw myself in. It was the first time in my whole life that I saw that as so beautiful. I still play the movie whenever I need it. I love it so much. This movie's like therapy for me."

The final speaker was Dante DiLoreto (photo above, right). In his brief remarks, he said, "What's really extraordinary for us is that the music from this film lives on, and we're able to reinvent it and introduce it to an entirely new audience."
 

Egyptian to Host Special "Funny Girl" Screening

April 17, 2010
"Funny Girl" will be returning to the Hollywood movie palace which hosted its premiere engagement back in 1968. The Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. will be offering a one-night-only screening of the Academy Award winning classic on May 8th at 7:30 PM.

On October 9, 1968, Barbra Streisand attended her first Hollywood premiere when "Funny Girl" opened at the magnificent Egyptian. Decked out in an original Arnold Scaasi creation (right), Barbra was the epitome of a Hollywood star, making her way through the massive crowd and stopping for interviews.

Incidentally, the 1968 premiere of "Funny Girl" was sponsored by The Women's Guild for Cedar's-Sinai Medical Center. Over the years, Barbra has remained close to Cedar's and their women's health programs. In 2008, she generously endowed Cedar's-Sinai with a $5 million grant to promote research into women's cardiovascular issues.

"Funny Girl" ran at the Egyptian for several months in 1968 and 1969, the last film to premiere there before the theatre closed for several years to accommodate major renovations. This past February, the film enjoyed a week-long return engagement at New York's Ziegfeld Theatre.

In 2002, Twentieth Century Fox hosted the release of a stunningly remastered version of Barbra's second picture, "Hello, Dolly!" at the Egyptian.