BWW CD Reviews: Kimberly Faye Greenberg's FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & STORIES OF FANNY BRICE Channels the Icon

By: Jan. 28, 2015
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Kimberly Faye Greenberg, who has played the legendary Fanny Brice in ONE NIGHT WITH FANNY BRICE and the Broadway-bound GHOSTLIGHT, released FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & STORIES OF FANNY BRICE last summer. The charming album is more-or-less a cast album for Kimberly Faye Greenberg's one woman show with the same title, which will soon be playing at 54 BELOW. With deft skill, she brings Fanny Brice back to life on the recording, allowing modern audiences a chance to enjoy a taste of the woman who inspired the hit musical FUNNY GIRL.

Taking on the persona of Fanny Brice, Kimberly Faye Greenberg fills FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & STORY OF FANNY BRICE with the razzle dazzle and showmanship that made the performer a true star and legend in her own right. With a brassy belt, a powerful nasal timbre that is used to add emphasis, and a delightfully light alto instrument, Kimberly Faye Greenberg pristinely channels the renowned icon as she performs.

Kimberly Faye Greenberg opens the album with the lighthearted and humorous "Second Hand Rose" (Grant Clarke & James F. Hanley), making us grin from ear to ear. As the recording presses on she treats us to hits like "Sadie Salome" (Edgar Leslie & Irving Berlin), "Me and My Shadow" (Dave Dreyer, Al Jolson & Billy Rose), "Don't Rain On My Parade" (Jule Styne & Bob Merrill), and more. Each of the twelve tracks on the recording-some featuring two songs-is well sung and performed. With a tangibly mirthful spirit, Kimberly Faye Greenberg makes every rendition of these tried-and-true favorites interesting all over again.

Joining her on the album is Christopher McGovern on keyboards. Playing the songs with lively pizzazz, he makes the tunes vibrant with color. Likewise, musical director Jeff Biering ensures that each number is filled with robust life, palpable emotion, and enthusiastic energy.

FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & STORIES OF FANNY BRICE was released by CD Baby on July 29, 2014. The album can be purchased from CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon.

You can also catch Kimberly Faye Greenberg as Fanny Brice in FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & SOTORIES OF FANNY BRICE on February 12, 2015 at 54 BELOW, 254 West 54th Street, New York City, New York 10019. For tickets and more information please visit http://54below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

To keep up with Kimberly Faye Greenberg or for more information about her shows and album, please visit http://www.kimberlyfayegreenberg.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.



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