Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Review Highlights: FUNNY GIRL - National Tour/ASU Gammage

Hannah Shankman and Stephen Mark Lukas
Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through October 20

"Funny Girl brings the story of musical comedy star Fanny Brice to life with energy, charm, and plenty of heart. Featuring a wonderful performance by Hannah Shankman as Fanny, the national tour of the recent Broadway revival, which included some changes to the original script and additions to the score, is a solid production of this classic musical....The score by composer Jule Styne and lyricist Bob Merrill includes many well-known, toe tapping songs...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....Equally impressive is Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein, who exudes sophistication and charisma. "  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"Hannah Shankman (is) an unstoppable spitfire, a powerhouse of comedic energy with a show-stopping voice that all but guarantees thunderous applause after each of the show's top three songs of the first half, I’m The Greatest Star, People, and Don’t Rain On My Parade....Well cast throughout, notably, Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein is an actor whose speaking voice matches the depth and strength of his singing ...Despite the flaws of the book’s second half, this national touring production of FUNNY GIRL, with its sensational leading lady, could not be more welcomed. "  David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

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