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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Funny Girl Also see Gil's reviews of Holiday Inn, Million Dollar Quartet and A Grand Night for Singing
Set in the early 20th century, the musical follows Fanny Brice's rise from a determined young woman dreaming of stardom to her success as a comic singing actress and a Ziegfeld Follies star. The show also explores her complicated relationship with suave gambler Nick Arnstein. Fanny's ambition, humor, and undeniable talent and her drive for stardom are the heart of the story, but her vulnerability adds depth to the plot. The musical beautifully balances the ups and downs of showbiz with the poignant story of a woman chasing her dreams as she navigates the challenges of love and self-worth. The score by composer Jule Styne and lyricist Bob Merrill includes many well-known, toe tapping songs. This production includes the updates made in the recent Broadway revival, including book changes Harvey Fierstein made to Isobel Lennart's original script and the addition of some songs, without losing the original musical's charm. The script and Michael Mayer's direction also add subtle changes that tighten the pacing while also giving more emotional weight to Fanny and Nick's relationship. Some songs have been slightly reworked or moved around from the 1964 original production, including the addition of the title number from the 1968 film, to flesh out the score and give Nick more to do so he's no longer just a supporting character. The success of a production of Funny Girl hinges on its lead, and for the national tour, Hannah Shankman delivers a powerhouse performance as Fanny Brice. She captures Fanny's larger-than-life personality, mastering both the comedic timing and emotional depth that the role demands. Her vocal delivery of iconic numbers like "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" is thrilling, showcasing a mix of vulnerability and strength that defines Fanny's character. Her charm and humor light up the stage, making the audience root for her from start to finish. Equally impressive is Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein, who exudes sophistication and charisma. He brings a nuanced portrayal to Nick, allowing the audience to see both his charm and the flaws that lead to his troubled relationship with Fanny. Together, Shankman and Lukas' chemistry adds emotional richness to the production, particularly in the scenes in which their characters fall in and out of love. The supporting characters play crucial roles in Fanny's journey, adding both heart and humor to the story. Melissa Manchester projects a powerful performance as Mrs. Brice, Fanny's strong-willed and practical mother, who is a steady source of support and wisdom. Manchester's sharp wit and grounded performance offer humor and a nice perspective to balance Fanny's ambitious, starry-eyed nature, while Manchester's natural and warm connection with Shankman depicts the deep love Mrs. Brice has for her daughter. Izaiah Montaque Harris is great as Eddie Ryan, Fanny's loyal friend and dance partner, who provides unwavering support to Fanny. Harris brings charm and a touch of unrequited love to the role. His dance numbers are fantastic, including a spectacular tap solo. However, one strange addition to the new script is to place Eddie's big tap solo toward the beginning of act two when we don't really know who he is. This addition, assumedly to give time for Shankman to change costumes, is one of the only misfires in Fierstein's changes as, while the number is still impressive, it would seem to have even more impact once we understand Eddie's relationship to Fanny. Walter Coppage delivers a commanding yet fair portrayal of Florenz Ziegfeld, the legendary theatre impresario who recognizes Fanny's unique talent and takes a chance on her despite her unconventional looks. The supporting cast also shines, bringing vibrant energy to the ensemble numbers. Christine Bunuan and Cheryl Stern shine as Mrs. Brice's two poker playing buddies and it's nice seeing the very talented Kate E. Cook, who has appeared previously in many shows in town at various theatre companies, including the Phoenix Theatre Company and Hale Centre Theatre, in the ensemble. The choreography by Ellenore Scott offers energetic dance moves in the show's many ensemble numbers. The tap choreography by Ayodele Casel is danced well by Harris and the cast. Mayer's clever staging makes the production feel dynamic and visually exciting, even during Fanny's two big solos, "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "I'm the Greatest Star," on David Zinn's functional set. The costume design by Susan Hilferty embraces the glamour of the era, particularly during the Ziegfeld Follies sequences. Both the sparkling costumes and Zinn's use of multiple backdrops capture the glitz of the 1920s, and Kevin Adams' lighting pulls it all together to create some impressive stage images. The 13-piece orchestra under Elaine Davidson's conducting sounds wonderful, especially during the glorious overture. The national tour of Funny Girl is a winning production of this classic musical that honors Brice along with the original book and score while also infusing it with fresh energy and fixing some of the shortcomings of the original that pushed Nick into the background. The talented cast, particularly Shankman as Fanny and Lukas as Nick, ensures that the emotional core of the story remains intact while the many well-known showstopping songs soar. Funny Girl runs through October 20, 2024, at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.asugammage.comor call 480-965-3434. For more information on the tour, visit funnygirlonbroadway.com Music: Jule Styne Cast: |
