KATERINA MCCRIMMON IS A BRIGHT NEW FUNNY GIRL
BUT THE TOUR IS LIKE BUS-AND-TRUCK
Funny Girl is a captivating musical that tells the story of Fanny Brice, a renowned comedienne and entertainer during the early 1900s. This production delves into her journey to fame, her tumultuous relationship with gambler Nick Arnstein, and her remarkable resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. With its iconic score by Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics), including the unforgettable songs “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” Funny Girl has become a beloved classic.
Jackson Grove, Katerina McCrimmon, Rodney Thompson
Katerina McCrimmon, Izaiah Montaque Harris
In the original Broadway production of 1964, Barbra Streisand took on the role of Fanny Brice, catapulting her to stardom and paving the way for her lead role in the hit movie adaptation. More recently, the Broadway revival saw Lea Michele step into the spotlight, showcasing the vital role of extraordinary star power in overshadowing any narrative flaws.
Melissa Manchester, Izaiah Montaque Harris
Katerina McCrimmon, the latest actress to tackle the complex emotional and musical landscape of Funny Girl, delivers a mesmerizing performance as Fanny Brice. Her powerful voice commands the stage, particularly in her rendition of the spirited anthem “I’m the Greatest Star.” McCrimmon’s interpretation of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” ignites the same fervent energy that once had Broadway audiences on the edge of their seats, highlighting the weight of the expectations set by Streisand and Michele. However, it is worth noting that McCrimmon’s portrayal leans heavily on the established shtick of Streisand’s iconic performance, rather than bringing a fresh interpretation to the role.
Melissa Manchester, Katerina McCrimmon
While McCrimmon shines in her role, some of the production’s creative choices under director Michael Mayer raise eyebrows. The decision for designer David Zinn to use wrinkly scrims instead of the Broadway revival’s set pieces is questionable, as is Ellenore Scott‘s uninspiring choreography performed by a hardworking ensemble cast that doesn’t quite match the star’s vocal pyrotechnics. These elements — combined with Isobel Lennart‘s problematic second act book that hasn’t been improved by Harvey Fierstein‘s rewrites — contribute to a production that falls short of expectations.
Stephen Mark Lucas
Katerina McCrimmon, Stephen Mark Lukas
The supporting performances are a mixed bag. Stephen Mark Lukas, portraying Nick Arnstein, impresses with his fantastic singing voice reminiscent of a 1950s crooner and his Greek god physique. However, Lukas fails to fully delve into the depths of his character, hindered by the limitations of the script. Pop singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, in the role of Fanny’s mother, portrays the stereotypical Jewish mother with perfection and delivers a beautiful duet with Fanny in Act 2. Eileen T’Kaye, an experienced stage veteran, brings the yenta neighbor Mrs. Strokash to life with a wonderfully three-dimensional performance. Iziah Montaque Harris as sidekick Eddie Ryan, who gets friend zoned, doesn’t get many lines but gets to show off his wonderful tap-dancing skills (tap choreography by Ayodele Casel assisted by Dre Torres).
Company
The spot-on 17-piece orchestra, led by conductor Elaine Davidson, successfully captures the classic Broadway sound, despite Brian Ronan and Cody Spencer‘s muddy and overamplified sound design (orchestrations by Chris Walker; dance, vocal, and incidental music arrangements by Alan Williams; and additional arrangements by David Dabbon and Carmel Dean).
Company
While the production and the revised book may have their flaws, it is the exceptional voice of Katerina McCrimmon and the wonderful golden-age score that make this a production worth seeing. Funny Girl remains a musical that captivates with the compelling story of Fanny Brice’s rise to fame and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Katerina McCrimmon
photos by Evan Zimmerman and Matthew Murphy for Murphymade
Funny Girl
national tour
produced by NETworks Presentations
reviewed at Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles; ends April 28, 2024
for tickets, call 213.972.4400 or visit CTG
tour continues; for dates and cities, visit Funny Girlfollow on TikTok, X, and Instagram
