Photo courtesy by: Matthew Murphy
Running through this Sunday at The Hobby Center, “Funny Girl” has stood the test of time and continues to bring the audience a bittersweet comedic musical with a stand-out cast.
Telling the semi-biographical story of comedian and performer Fanny Brice, the musical follows her as she works her way up to Broadway stardom, but not without her share of setbacks, both personally and professionally.
A warm opening with the live orchestra’s rendition of the musical’s overture sets the scene and prepares the audience for the world they are soon to be transported to.
With the classic “I’m the Greatest Star” early on in the performance, the audience quickly gets a feel of just how talented Katerina McCrimmon is as Fanny Brice.
McCrimmon’s personality and New York accent as Fanny, when combined with her vocal skills transport the viewers to the early 1900s, and keep them rooting for Fanny throughout the entire show.
The show’s songs brilliantly capture the dramatized side of Fanny and her exploits, with Act I ending after the classic “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” while continuing to display her vibrant stage presence and career journey.
Another notable song, “People,” showcases Fanny’s developing feelings for gambler Nick Arnstein and her desire for love.
Lighthearted songs like “If a Girl Isn’t Pretty” and “Poker Chant No. 1,” show the characters of Mrs. Brice, Mrs. Strakosh and Mrs. Meeker blended perfectly together for a trio which always leaves the audience laughing.
After understudying the role of Nick in the Broadway revival, Stephen Mark Lukas is now bringing that same allure to stages across North America.
Lukas first introduces viewers to Nick as an enchanting man who is one of the first to believe in Fanny, yet later shows the more menacing side of Nick, all while charming audience members with his powerhouse vocals.
Izaiah Montaque Harris’s interpretation of Eddie Ryan, a vaudeville dancer who helps Fanny succeed, is impressive, with his multiple tap scenes leaving the cheering audience feeling out of breath.
For those unfamiliar with the musical, it might be hard to follow at times as scenes switch between flashbacks with no warning, but everything is pieced together by the end as Fanny starts her new life and what might have initially seemed out of place is now understood as foreshadowing.
With tickets starting at just $35, the National Tour of “Funny Girl” puts on a must-see show, now through August 25 at The Hobby Center.
Recent Comments