FUNNY GIRL Broadway At The Paramount September 24 - 29th, 2024
FUNNY GIRL
Music Jule Styne
Lyrics Bob Merrill
Book by Isolbel Lennart
Revised Book by Harvey Fierstein
Choreography by Ellenore Scott
Directed by: Michael Mayer
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Tuesday September 24, 2024
The newest show in the 2024/2025 Broadway At The Paramount series was “Funny Girl’. The classic musical that was revitalized a few years ago opened up at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, WA on Tuesday evening.
I went into this show with next to no knowledge about it other than the Streisand connection. In this case, my ignorance may have been a blessing.
I found the show highly, highly entertaining.
The rags to riches story of Fanny Brice (played by Hannah Shankman - her tour debut) is an easily relatable one for any audience member. The humble beginnings, the struggles, and the eventual first world issues that come about when one gains massive success are things that make for a powerful yet down to earth story.
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Hannah Shankman owned the character of Fanny Brice. She was funny, sweet, smart, sassy, hard working, and you could actually feel the audience falling for Fanny as the musical progressed. Ms. Shankman’s vocal prowess not only did justice to the material but to the vast array of legendary performers that have played the role before her. She came across as her own person, in a role that the audience already has expectations for, and really rose above everything and put her own stamp on the performance. It’s going to be amazing to see her months down the road as she’ll only get better which will be a sight to see and hear. How do you top an already amazing start? Many, many kudos to Ms. Shankman.
All of the performances were so strong last night. From the ensemble to the supporting cast, this lineup was undeniably gifted and it came across in the performance.
If I was forced to pick at anything it would be these two areas. Mr. Travis Ward-Osborne (as Nick Arenstein - understudy) was solid but he did not give off the vibe of someone that would catch Fanny’s attention. Don’t get me wrong, his performance kept up for the most part with the rest of the cast. I just hoped for a little more presence from Mr. Ward-Osborne.
My other quibble would just be the length. This is an old school musical and it has a run time of nearly two and a half hours (not including the intermission). I could have used something a little more succinct but that’s a super, duper minor quibble.
When musical theatre checks all the boxes off, it can be an unbelievable experience. “Funny Girl” checked off all the boxes and was a highlight show for sure. If you’re like me and you’re not familiar with the show, but you love musicals, do yourself a favor and go see a performance. You will be thoroughly entertained by this monster of a musical.
Highly recommended!
“Funny Girl” runs through Sunday September 29th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
Music Jule Styne
Lyrics Bob Merrill
Book by Isolbel Lennart
Revised Book by Harvey Fierstein
Choreography by Ellenore Scott
Directed by: Michael Mayer
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Tuesday September 24, 2024
(Hannah Shankman and Stephen Mark Lukas in the National Tour of Funny Girl - Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.)
The newest show in the 2024/2025 Broadway At The Paramount series was “Funny Girl’. The classic musical that was revitalized a few years ago opened up at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, WA on Tuesday evening.
I went into this show with next to no knowledge about it other than the Streisand connection. In this case, my ignorance may have been a blessing.
I found the show highly, highly entertaining.
The rags to riches story of Fanny Brice (played by Hannah Shankman - her tour debut) is an easily relatable one for any audience member. The humble beginnings, the struggles, and the eventual first world issues that come about when one gains massive success are things that make for a powerful yet down to earth story.
.jpg)
(Melissa Manchester and Hannah Shankman in the National Tour of Funny Girl - Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.)
Hannah Shankman owned the character of Fanny Brice. She was funny, sweet, smart, sassy, hard working, and you could actually feel the audience falling for Fanny as the musical progressed. Ms. Shankman’s vocal prowess not only did justice to the material but to the vast array of legendary performers that have played the role before her. She came across as her own person, in a role that the audience already has expectations for, and really rose above everything and put her own stamp on the performance. It’s going to be amazing to see her months down the road as she’ll only get better which will be a sight to see and hear. How do you top an already amazing start? Many, many kudos to Ms. Shankman.
All of the performances were so strong last night. From the ensemble to the supporting cast, this lineup was undeniably gifted and it came across in the performance.
If I was forced to pick at anything it would be these two areas. Mr. Travis Ward-Osborne (as Nick Arenstein - understudy) was solid but he did not give off the vibe of someone that would catch Fanny’s attention. Don’t get me wrong, his performance kept up for the most part with the rest of the cast. I just hoped for a little more presence from Mr. Ward-Osborne.
My other quibble would just be the length. This is an old school musical and it has a run time of nearly two and a half hours (not including the intermission). I could have used something a little more succinct but that’s a super, duper minor quibble.
(First National Touring Company of Funny Girl - Photo By Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.)
When musical theatre checks all the boxes off, it can be an unbelievable experience. “Funny Girl” checked off all the boxes and was a highlight show for sure. If you’re like me and you’re not familiar with the show, but you love musicals, do yourself a favor and go see a performance. You will be thoroughly entertained by this monster of a musical.
Highly recommended!
“Funny Girl” runs through Sunday September 29th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links and Email
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