By Liz Eichler
“Hello Gorgeous” is Fanny Brice’s first line in Funny Girl–and is the theme of the night. Gorgeous costumes, gorgeous voices, gorgeous music, and a gorgeous time at the Aronoff. It even has an overture! Anyone who is planning to see Wicked in the next two weeks will also appreciate Funny Girl, another great classic musical with stories of strong females. The Funny Girl tour runs through December 1st in Cincinnati.
Background
Funny Girl is the fictionalized story of Fanny Brice, the early 20th century comedian and plucky Broadway star and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. The stage musical first opened in 1964, and was a star vehicle for Barbra Streisand. It earned multiple award nominations when the revival opened on Broadway in 2022 with Beanie Feldstein and later Lea Michelle, we are lucky to be able to see this big-budget show in our own backyard.
The Music
You’ll be smiling most of the night with the jaw dropping numbers. These songs have been standards since 1964 “People,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” “Sadie, Sadie Married Lady,” “You are Woman,” and the goosebump providing “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” With over 25 songs, it is a rich musical night. “Who Taught Her Everything?” sung by Mrs. Brice and Eddie Ryan is another highlight as well as “His Love Makes Me Beautiful” which begins grandiose and then Fanny ads her comic genius.
The Performances for the Funny Girl Tour
Bronx native Melissa Manchester (who became famous in the late ‘70’s “Don’t Cry Out Loud”) is an amazing Mrs. Brice. She and her two friends (Cheryl Stern as Mrs. Strakosh and Christine Bunuan as Mrs. Meeker) anchor the show and Fanny’s heart on Henry Street in Brooklyn. Izaiah Montaque Harris knocks Eddie Ryan out of the park and wins over the audience with his tapping and charm.
Hannah Shankman is Fanny Brice. Her voice rings crystal clear and she has the physicality for the role. Stephen Mark Lukas is Nicky Arnstein, has some amazing moves himself. (Don’t miss his floor to chaise moment) Walter Coppage as Flo Zeigfield lends his mellifluous voice to the company. There are over 20 performers in this company, complete with statuesque show girls in gorgeous showgirl costumes. Strong singers, dancers, actors all.
Creative Leadership
The scenery (David Zinn) is lush, with beautifully draped curtains, providing luxury and nostalgia. The costumes (Susan Hilferty) fit well, and make statements. Fanny’s famous red traveling coat and hat had someone in the audience whisper loudly–”look at the back!” The lighting (Kevin Adams) is appropriately bright when needed. Special Kudos to Sound (Brian Ronan & Cody Spencer) for ensuring the first night of the tour is crisp and clear as the singers voices.
Music by Jule Styne and Lyrics by Bob Merrill are responsible for both the reknowned numbers and the lesser known songs which help piece together this story. Harvey Fierstein revised Isobel Lennart’s book, and the structure really works. Director Michael Mayer created a wonderful revival and PSM Jovon E. Shuck ensures it keeps true to the original ideas.
Music Director/Conductor Elaine Davidson is filled with energy if you catch her in one of the monitors, and the orchestra is on fire! Musical numbers are especially exciting as they dancers go through Ellenore Scott and Ayodele Casel’s (tap) choreography.
The players speak directly to the audience multiple times, as it presents the Zeigfield Follies stories and reaches your heart. The opening night audience was buzzing with energy and appreciation. Anytime there is an opportunity to have a joke about getting out of Cleveland, Cincinnati will appreciate it.
Overall
Overall, I highly recommend you make time to see the Funny Girl tour. It is a gorgeous feast for the eyes and ears. It is a great touring show and you finally get to understand the context of some iconic songs.
Get Tickets to Funny Girl Tour in Cincinnati
FUNNY GIRL will play at the Aronoff Center from November 19 – December 1, 2024. Running time is 2 hours 50 minutes with one intermission.
- Tuesdays through 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 and can be found online at CincinnatiArts.org, (please ensure you have a legit ticketing site!) by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown.
