Bob Merrill News

A new, mystery musical aet in the twenties Perfect World tells the true-life story of Barbara Follett, a precocious child writer who had an extraordinary love of writing. 

The Shaw Festival has unveiled its 64th season today, set to begin in April 2026, featuring Funny Girl and more. See the full lineup here and learn more about the season!

It seems an impossible feat to follow in the shadow of the legendary Barbara Streisand who originated the iconic role of Fanny Brice in the 1964 Broadway production of FUNNY GIRL, which received eight Tony Award nominations.  But Hannah Shankman marched herself onto the stage at the Ohio Theatre and commanded every beat of the drum.  She’s quirky, clever, adorable, ambitious, lovable, and has impeccable comedic timing – but her show stopping voice is what sets her apart and generates thunderous, mouth-dropping applause.  And she does it with such natural ease.

What did our critic think of FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center? The power that came from the vocals of the cast of FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, which is running through Sunday, March 23, will blow you away!

This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway musicals change their titles after Broadway? We're unpacking the history of shows that have been renamed.

What did our critic think of LILLIAS WHITE: DIVINE SASS, A TRIBUTE TO SARAH VAUGHAN at Feinstein's At The Nikko?

Diamond Head Theatre has unveiled its 2025-2026 season lineup today in a showcase attended by subscribers. This season features six shows featuring contemporary sensations, beloved family favorites and timeless classic crowd-pleasers.

Funny Girl dazzles! A powerhouse lead, a lush score & a showstopping number in 'Don't Rain on My Parade' make this production a must-see. A story of love, loss & resilience that is still relevant #FunnyGirlTour #BWW

The road to success for Hannah Shankman has had plenty of roundabouts. Many a time she thought she was headed one way, and then she seemed to be veering in another, only to return to her original path.

You usually don’t find the words 'opera' and 'Billy Stritch' in the same sentence, however, they came together last night at a Cafe Centro cabaret show. Check out photos here!

Using an eclectic selection of music, Yasar will tells the story of a Turkish-immigrant in search of love, identity, and belonging in America at Don't Tell Mama. Learn more about the upcoming performance and see how to purchase tickets.

Having landed more than a dozen hits – “Midnight Blue,” “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” and “Through the Eyes of Love” among them – on the Billboard charts in her long recording career, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester knows what it’s like to be a part of pop-music history.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall recently hosted a captivating and vibrant production of “Funny Girl,” a classic musical that has endured the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. This Broadway tour, filled with laughter, heart, and stunning performances, brought an exhilarating experience to Sarasota's theatergoers, showcasing the undeniable talent of its cast, particularly Hannah Shankman and Sean Seamus Thompson.

CULTURE & COCKTAILS recently hosted comedy writer Alan Zweibel. 2025 is the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live and the legendary Alan Zweibel was one of the show’s original writers. Check out photos from the event.

Culture and Cocktails for Palm Beach hosted an event that gave its audience a wonderful live experience as Bill Boggs interviewed one of the original Saturday Night Live comedy writers, Alan Zweibel.

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wis., for a limited one-week engagement beginning December 31. Learn more about about the musical and find out how to get tickets here!

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Bass Concert Hall for a limited one-week engagement this winter. The Broadway revival features iconic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” Learn how to purchase tickets.

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Columbus for an eight-show run March 25-30, 2025, at the Ohio Theatre.

FUNNY GIRL is one of the crown gems of the American Musical Theater. Kansas City audiences will be treated to a first-class production of a show that many theater buffs know about but have never seen. Tuesday night’s performance starred Leah Platt in the lead role of Fanny Brice. Leah has a gangbuster voice fully displayed as she plows through an excellent score with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.

FUNNY GIRL will be performed at BBMann from January 21-26, 2025. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10 AM.