Music by
Julie Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, Book by Isobel Lennart.
The Production
Company at Melbourne Concert Hall Sept 30, Oct 1 & 2, 1999
Reviewer: Kate
Herbert
Caroline O'Connor is a card-carrying musical comedy
phenomenon. As Fanny Brice, she is stunningly versatile, attacking with equal
skill, gags or drama, choreography or song. It is as if we are seeing ten
different women on stage.
Funny Girl is the third in The Production Company's concert
series and arguably the best. Gary Young (Les Miserables) directs the show and creates
a pulsating extravaganza without all the trappings of a complete stage show.
Who needs 'em! We've got voices, actors, musicians and choreography.
Fanny Brice was Florenz Ziegfeld's prize comedy girl early
this century.
She stormed onto the New York stage from the lower east side
with her skinny legs, plain face and big hooter of a nose. She was a hit! Her
one tragedy was marrying Nick Arnstein, (John O'May) a handsome, smooth-talking
gambler who was finally gaoled for stock fraud.
O'Connor plays Fanny as cheeky, funny, warm hearted, loyal
and just a bit dumb. She falls for Nicky and almost relinquishes her career to
satisfy his ego. He loved her but could not deal with her being more successful
than him. So what's changed?
O'May is adorable as the roguishly charming Arnstein. His
warm voice is a fine complement to O'Connor. Nancye Hayes, as Fanny's mother,
is the vibrant heart of the hens of Henry Street.
Her clan includes Joan Sydney who is delightfully Irish as
Mrs. O'Malley, and the hilarious Susan-Ann Walker as Mrs. Strakosh who rivals
The Nanny's mother for interfering.
Jack Webster is lively and engaging as Eddie Ryan and David
Ravenswood is a hearty, powerful presence as Ziegfeld. A musical highlight is
the bell-like tenor of David Rogers-Smith singing You'll Make a Beautiful Bride
and The Australian Theatre Orchestra is wonderful under the skilful musical
direction of Guy Simpson.
But the star is definitely O'Connor, winner of two MO
Awards. She pours her soul into songs such as People and Don't Rain on My
Parade and hits comic heights as a pregnant bride amongst the flurry of
gorgeous brides in You'll Make a Beautiful Bride and as a Woody Allen look-alike
soldier in Rat Tat Tat.
Melbourne would appreciate a remount and longer season of
this show.
by Kate Herbert
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