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.
Perhaps that fraught New York production would still be running if they had cast Katerina McCrimmon, whose performance in the leading role is by far the best reason to see this touring production. McCrimmon is a triple-threat dynamo who holds the audience’s focus every second she’s on stage, boasting a nasal Brooklyn bray in the comedic scenes, and a bell-toned belt for Jule Styne’s soaring tunes like “People” that gave me chills just like a vintage Babs album.
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