SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 11, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — “Funny Girl,” the classic musical loosely based on the life, love and triumph of unlikely Broadway star Fannie Brice, showcases the best of classic Broadway.
It has the amazing vocals, the relatable characters, elegant costumes, the sparkling set, and the score that made Barbra Streisand a star in the 1968 film version of the same name.
The show, which plays through Sunday at the Eccles Theater, features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, book by Isobel Lennart, and revised book by Harvey Fierstein. It was brought in by Zions Bank and Broadway at the Eccles.
Brice (1891-1951) overcame all the odds. Raised by her single mother in a poor Brooklyn neighborhood, Fannie sings, dances, and works comedy into her routine, always dreaming of center stage, but lacking the perfect face or body, and show biz connections to give her the edge.
Yet she laughs at herself along with the audience, throws herself into every opportunity, and wills herself to be a success.
Brice is portrayed by Hannah Shakeman in this tour. She captures Fannie’s early days as an awkward, starry-eyed outsider who slowly transforms herself into a polished gem of a professional worthy of her starhood. Shankman capture’s Brice’s warth and vulnerability in all her stages, including giddy girlhood, seasoned performer, and weary but hopeful wife.
Brice is initially infatuated with Nicky Arnstein, a suave, sophisticated gambler who travels in international circles. His love for her grows more slowly, until he is ready to change his lifestyle and marry her, settling down to the degree he can.
Brice’s love of Arnstein is a constant, despite his growing list of business failures and declining reputation. As Arstein, actor Stephen Mark Lukas is charming, endearingly responsive and easy to fall in love with.
And Lukas never turns Arstein into a villain. We can see the motivations behind his misjudgements. He remains relatable. Even as an audience member, it’s hard to fall completely out of love with him.
Shankman and Lukas have strong, soaring voices, and are able to hit the high notes of elation as well as the lows of despair.
And there’s a famous voice in the cast. Brice’s funny, supportive mother is played by Grammy winning singer/songwriter/actress Melissa Manchester, who built her 50 year career starting with hits including “Don’t Cry Out Loud” (1979), “Midnight Blue” (1975), and “You Should Hear How She Talks About You” (1982).
Another constant for most of Brice’s life is Eddie, played by Izaiah Montaque Harris. Harris is endearing in the role, and may well be the most impressive tape dancer you will ever see on stage.
Don’t expect rap numbers or flashy special effects in this production. Although revised, this “Funny Girl” remains true to its Broadway roots, and feels pure in its storytelling.
For more information, including theater information and ticket cost and availability, click here. And don’t delay. The tour moves on after Sunday.
