Review: Conundrum Theatre Inaugurates with FUNNY GIRL

Funny Girl/book by Isobel Lennart/music by Jule Styne/lyrics by Bob Merrill/directed by Bryan Snodgrass/musical director Ryan Luevano/Conundrum Theatre Company at the ColonyTheatre, Burbank//through November 20

In a rare revival, Conundrum Theatre Company in its inaugural production, is now presenting the 60s' mega Broadway smash Funny Girl. October 29 was Fanny Brice's birthday; it would have been her 125th, in fact. So, we remember the great comedic talent of Miss Brice who took the Zigfield Follies by storm and became a huge Broadway and later Hollywood star.

Tracing the early career rise of Fanny Brice at the turn of the 20th century, Funny Girl is a demanding show for its star. She must be a dynamic singer and actress, who also must show that distinctive flair for being, needless to say, consistently funny. Barbra Streisand certainly proved it in the 1964 Broadway show and later in the 1968 film, winning an Oscar as Best Actress. But, let's stop the comparisons right here. No one could compare Streisand's comedy to Brice, who was a comedic force of nature. And no one should compare any actress who essays the role to Streisand who, with her glorious singing voice, became an iconic star in all mediums. Jackie Brenneman, who plays Fanny in Conundrum's production, is a talented singer and actress who brings her own nervous energy to the part. That works for her to a certain degree, but then, some further direction from Bryan Snodgrass may have helped her to take the role beyond the ordinary. Brenneman's second act is better than her first, and she does exceedingly well in her emotional encounters with Nick (Michael Cortez) and in singing Jule Styne's finest ballads "Who Are You Now?" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance". Many jokes are missed in Act One, and it is up to Snodgrass to punctuate them, with a pause or some kind of artifice to make the lines work better...even if he has to break the fourth wall momentarily.

Cortez is terrific as Nick Arnstein. Offbeat debonair and attractive, he makes Arnstein a true lover, but a flawed one, who leaves Brice because he knows that they just cannot live together as one. Also in more than steady hands is the role of Fanny's mother, played by Alison Korman, a veteran triple threat actress who gives her all to the wise and loving New York Jewess Rosie Brice. Steven Duncan is delightful as Eddie Ryan, doing his best work of the evening juggling some color handkerchiefs. (see photo) Meggan Taylor rather underplays the meddling yet caring Mrs. Strakosh... and the rest of the ensemble, not to forget John Hamilton Scott, less the taskmaster and more the friend as Ziegfeld, do some fine singing and step energetically to choreographer Toni Fuller's uncomplicated but enjoyable steps.

I liked some of Sasha Markgraf's costumes, especially the lovely dresses for Brenneman. I did feel, however, that big ensemble numbers like "His Love Makes Me Beautiful", "Cornet Man" and "Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat" suffered because of flimsy outfits, particularly the bride number. If the company is on a budget, there are ways to make the costumes look better. And the set...well that is a story unto itself. A supposed prop wall with picture frames, hats, trays, pots, etc stands distracting behind, like an eyesore. What is its purpose? To lean against, to put the suitcases in front of? A simple red or black curtain would suffice.

The worst part of the production on opening night were all the missed lighting cues and erroneous light adjustments during the first hour. I felt as though I were at a tech dress rehearsal rather than an opening. And the orchestra played the overture much too slowly. It needs pizazz. They also hit several clinkers throughout...and were too loud, forcing Brenneman to scream in an attempt to be heard above them. Hopefully, these problems will iron out within an upcoming performance or two.

"Don't Rain on My Parade" kind of falls flat at the end of Act One, and it is not Brenneman's fault. Snodgrass needs to have her make a direct choice...to belt it out with lights dimming or to exit with full fury. Act Two, the finale, also ends in a rather weak manner. Brenneman turns and faces her shadow on the wall, but we miss the grandeur of Brice's stamina to move on. Another challenge for Snodgrass to resolve!

This is not the best Funny Girl I have seen, to be sure, but it does have its merits. The cast can sing and most of the principals make the experience worth your while enjoyable.

(photo credit: Susy Shearer Photography)

www.conundrumtheatreco.com

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