Ray Stark News

Funny Girl is a semi-autobiographical comedic musical about the life and times of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, and her tumultuous relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. With a musical score by Jules Styne, lyrics by Bob Merill, and featuring a book by Isobel Lennart, Funny Girl first opened on Broadway in 1964 featuring Barbara Streisand in the starring role, and was produced by Fanny’s own son-in-law Ray Stark. The first Broadway production received 8 Tony Nominations at the 18th Annual Awards Ceremony, and the OBC (Original Broadway Cast) Recording was inducted into the Grammy’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

What did our critic think of FUNNY GIRL at The Hippodrome? When I was a kid, I wanted nothing so much as to be Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl. I mean, it literally shaped my career aspirations. And I desperately wanted to see the stage version, having practically worn out my LP of the Broadway musical.

Whenever we prepare to see an older musical, there is a fear that it will be outdated and difficult to watch.  Funny Girl has no such problems, as the message of self acceptance still stands up well today. It is the story of a Jewish girl's rise to fame, despite her homely looks, doing everything she can to ignore the opinions of thousands who say 'if a girl isn't pretty', they can't make it in show business. 

This time, the reader question was: which Broadway shows had the biggest overhaul from their out-of-town tryout to their Broadway opening?

Funny Girl gets a Brazilian production directed by Barchilon, starring Giulia Nadruz and Eriberto Leao as protagonists. With score by J. Styne, and lyrics by B. Merrill, the semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, featuring her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein.

Director Sidney Lumet followed a string of Oscar®-winning 1970s classics with this lavish adaptation of the popular Broadway musical The Wiz, noted for its lively score and all-Black cast.  The Academy Museum’s first anniversary screening of The Wiz will feature live dance performances by the Debbie Allen Dance Studio youth performers.

The Springer Opera House presents the heart-warming Southern classic, Steel Magnolias, from April 29 through May 15 on the Springer's main stage. Infused with heart and humor, Steel Magnolias is a beloved story of the enduring friendship of six eccentric small-town women who gather weekly at Truvy's Beauty Spot. They prove they are made of steel as they share their hopes, dreams, and tragedies.

The Springer Opera House presents the heart-warming Southern classic, Steel Magnolias, from April 29 through May 15 on the Springer's main stage. Infused with heart and humor, Steel Magnolias is a beloved story of the enduring friendship of six eccentric small-town women who gather weekly at Truvy's Beauty Spot. They prove they are made of steel as they share their hopes, dreams, and tragedies.

The Springer Opera House presents the heart-warming Southern classic, Steel Magnolias, from April 29 through May 15 on the Springer's main stage. Infused with heart and humor, Steel Magnolias is a beloved story of the enduring friendship of six eccentric small-town women who gather weekly at Truvy's Beauty Spot. They prove they are made of steel as they share their hopes, dreams, and tragedies.  

Tonight, NBC will air its sixth live musical production. Following in the footsteps of The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, Hairspray, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the peacock network will be presenting Annie. Based on Harold Gray's comic strip titled Little Orphan Annie, this musical tells the story of a little orphan with equal measures of pluck and positivity who charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in New York City in the year 1933.

Excited for FUNNY GIRL's return to Broadway? We've got casting news today about Ramin Karimloo, Jane Lynch and Jared Grimes joining the cast for the first Broadway revival of FUNNY GIRL.

Fifty five years ago a little musical shot a young actress to super stardom. The musical was Funny Girl; the actress was Barbra Streisand, and today, we reflect on the show that launched her legendary career!

Bill Kramer, Director and President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, today announced that the new institution has exceeded its pre-opening fundraising campaign goal of $388 million.

Funny Girl is the classic musical about Broadway star Fanny Brice's life. She sang and danced on New York's glittery theater scenes in the early 1900s. The lead role as the sharp and funny Fanny is made by Sanna Nielsen.

New Yorkers and many more will enjoy viewing 'The Goodbye Girl,' a 1977 movie that has timeless charm.

Stars in The House, benefiting The Actors Fund, continued Friday night (8pm) with the cast of The Goodbye Girl (Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason and Quinn Cummings).

Fifty six years ago a little musical shot a young actress to super stardom. The musical was Funny Girl; the actress was Barbra Streisand, and today, we reflect on the show that launched her legendary career!

Although she started her professional life on stage and with her studio recordings, she skyrocketed to fame in the late 1960s with the start of her film career. Check out our complete guide to Barbra Streisand singing and dancing on screen.

The Delray Beach Playhouse announces their 2019-20 Season Subscriptions for the Main Stage Series plays, Musical Memories and Nostalgic Concert Series.