This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she'd never be a star, but then something funny happened-she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
Featuring some of the most iconic songs in theatre history including "Don't Rain On My Parade," "I'm the Greatest Star," and "People," Michael Mayer's bold new production marks the first time Funny Girl has returned to Broadway since its debut 58 years ago.
Director Michael Mayer does an excellent job of encouraging his cast to become real people with real aspirations – rather than musical theater paper dolls. McCrimmon nails her portrayal of Brice as an enthusiastic, focused woman who probably became obsessed with everything which she treasured in her life. Her mother manages to be the perfect Jewish mother who cautions Fanny about reality but also gets and stays behind all her daughter’s decisions. Lukas conveys the frustrations of a man who remains in his wife’s shadow but longs to spread his wings and gain the respect he craves. Lovelorn Harris epitomizes the puppy-dog admiration which he feels but knows will never be reciprocated. In other words, FUNNY GIRL rises above its roots as a popular musical and succeeds in conveying the drama inherent in the tale.
Katerina McCrimmon has both an incredible voice and range. She plays everything from vaudeville to elegant lady with ease and has a perfect grasp of comedic timing. The rest of the cast also do an incredible job, not just as support to her but of telling their own stories. Melissa Manchester as Mrs. Brice is the Jewish mother that we all wish would make us a bowl of steaming hot matzah ball soup. Izaiah Montaque Harris is a delight and his tap dancing was mesmerising and show stopping. Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein is both charming and contemptable, showing the humanity in being a crook and makes the audience fall in love. Every single supporting cast member does a great job.
1964 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1966 | West End |
London Production West End |
1986 | Off-Off-Broadway |
Equity Library Theatre Revival Off-Off-Broadway |
2001 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
2002 | Broadway |
Actors' Fund Concert Broadway |
2012 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
2015 | West End |
Menier Chocolate Factory West End Revival Production West End |
2016 | West End |
Menier Chocolate Factory West End Transfer West End |
2022 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
2023 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
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