Review by Shelby Coleman
Funny Girl presented by Broadway in Cincinnati is running at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Funny Girl, the “vivacious and delightfully glitzy” Broadway revival features iconic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.”
The Story
This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice. As 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.
Hannah Shankman and Izaiah Montaque Harris in the National Tour of Funny Girl.
Funny Girl begins at the end. After the overture, filled with snippets of familiar tunes, dies down, the stage is filled with Fanny Brice (Hannah Shankman) readying herself for another successful opening night. She is surrounded by ghosts of her past who reappear throughout the production as we jump to pivotal moments in Fanny’s story. Through the movements of these ghosts, the show quickly vaults back in time to Fanny’s humble beginnings on the streets of New York. Here we see the reason behind the title of this production. Fanny Brice is not considered to be the conventional beauty that is expected of a Vaudeville star, but through perseverance and star power, she catapults herself to title billing within a years’ time.
Nicky Arnstein enters
It is during the opening of her first Ziegfeld Follies show that we meet the ruffle-shirted man of her dreams, Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas). Arnstein is a beautiful man with a bit of a gambling problem. The production takes us through the relationship between Arnstein and Brice, resulting in marriage and a beautiful daughter, Frances.
Hannah Shankman and Stephen Mark Lukas in the National Tour of Funny Girl
Outside of the story between Arnstein and Brice, there are show-stopping vaudeville numbers to wow the audience. Eddie Ryan (Izaiah Montague Harris) is the real discoverer of the talented Ms. Brice. He just happens to be an amazing choreographer and dancer on his own. Harris stuns audiences with a solo tap number that had many hooting and hollering from all the way in the balcony. The stage presence and charisma of Harris rivals Ms. Brice herself.
Funny Girl provides a great amount of comedy that makes the 2 hour and 50-minute production fly by. From the mannerisms and bit jokes of Shankman as Fanny Brice to the surprising one-liners from Melissa Manchester as Mrs. Brice, this show has audiences of all ages and walks of life shaking in their seats from laughter.
Stephen Mark Lukas brings a delightful playfulness to the role of Nick Arnstein. The humor between Lukas and Shankman in “You are Woman, I am Man” will have audiences rolling. This, paired with the undeniable chemistry between the two made for an evening of eye catching and eye raising moments.
Second Act of Funny Girl Shifts Tone
Contrary to all the humor and cheerfulness of the first act, we see a significant shift in tone during act two. This is not to say that act two doesn’t provide humor and spectacle, but the trajectory of Fanny’s personal life takes a different turn. Act two still gives audiences favorite numbers such as “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat” which showcases the tap skills of ensemble members Travis Ward-Osbourne and Jack Bianchi and “Sadie, Sadie” a cheerful ensemble filled number.
First National Touring Company of Funny Girl
Full Circle
As the show comes to a close, there are two stunning numbers showcasing Shankman (Fanny Brice) “The Music That Makes Me Dance” and “Finale”. These somber numbers beautifully show off Shankman’s vocals as she effortlessly flows through the high notes of these pieces. Here the ghosts of Fanny Brice’s past reappear to leave her once again at the end of the story. This final tableau creates the perfect bookend for this wonderful production.
Hannah Shankman as Fanny Brice in the National Tour of Funny Girl
Overall
Funny Girl thrills audience members looking for spectacle with its toe-tapping ensemble numbers. This show also encompasses the major hits that we all know and love from the movie adaptation featuring Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice including “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade”. Audiences young and old will love this production. The opening night performance was met with a full house standing ovation as audience members begged for more!
Bring your families and friends out to see Funny Girl presented by Broadway in Cincinnati. This is a two-week limited engagement that you won’t want to miss!
Tickets to Funny Girl
FUNNY GIRL will play at the Aronoff Center from November 19 – December 1, 2024:
- Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 PM
- Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- Sundays at 1:00 AM and 6:30 PM.
Please note, because of the holiday week, there will not be a performance Thursday, November 28. In place, there will be a matinee performance on Friday, November 29 at 1:00 PM.
Tickets start at $45. Go to CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown.
For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com
