Funny Girl Touring Reviews

From start to finish, the production is one show-stopping number after another, with eye-catching, intricate sets, magnificent dance routines, and finely detailed, colorful costumes that perfectly recreate the era. “Henry Street,” the dazzling sh...

From start to finish, the production is one show-stopping number after another, with eye-catching, intricate sets, magnificent dance routines, and finely detailed, colorful costumes that perfectly recreate the era. “Henry Street,” the dazzling show-within-a-show, features all the quintessential trimmings of a vintage stage act that would make Ziegfeld himself proud.

And since it’s Fanny’s show, the person who plays her has to be just as incredible as the character. This tour’s struck gold with the incomparable Katerina McCrimmon. Her voice is one of the best I’ve heard in 10 years of reviewing theater, a...

And since it’s Fanny’s show, the person who plays her has to be just as incredible as the character. This tour’s struck gold with the incomparable Katerina McCrimmon. Her voice is one of the best I’ve heard in 10 years of reviewing theater, and she has enough talent and chutzpah for at least three actors.

Katerina McCrimmon is a phenomenal Fanny—quirky, adorable, quick, clever, ambitious, and utterly romantic all at once. She’s an exquisite comedienne with an astounding vocal range and ability: she makes you laugh out loud with her timing and deli...

Katerina McCrimmon is a phenomenal Fanny—quirky, adorable, quick, clever, ambitious, and utterly romantic all at once. She’s an exquisite comedienne with an astounding vocal range and ability: she makes you laugh out loud with her timing and delivery of lines but also gives you goosebumps and makes you verklempt as she alternately belts out huge songs and soothes you with sweet ballads by Jule Style with lyrics from Bob Merrill.

That the producers went with a complete unknown only shows their confidence with McCrimmon who makes her tour debut (she previously appeared in the non-singing 'The Rose Tattoo' on Broadway) with this role. You'll not often hear a voice as amazing as...

That the producers went with a complete unknown only shows their confidence with McCrimmon who makes her tour debut (she previously appeared in the non-singing 'The Rose Tattoo' on Broadway) with this role. You'll not often hear a voice as amazing as hers; she is most definitely a young actress who'll go places -- not only can she sing, her performance IS pure musical theater. 'Hello Gorgeous' indeed! If you see at least one show this year, seek out this one in your town and you will be telling your friends what a time you had.

Fortunately, Katerina McCrimmon (as Fanny Brice) has talent to burn. She’s staggeringly charismatic. She’s funny, yes. Given the title, she’d better be. But she’s achingly human, too. She sang so well that, more than once, I found myself shiv...

Fortunately, Katerina McCrimmon (as Fanny Brice) has talent to burn. She’s staggeringly charismatic. She’s funny, yes. Given the title, she’d better be. But she’s achingly human, too. She sang so well that, more than once, I found myself shivering.

From the slower sounds of “Who Are You Now?” launching the show to the soaring notes of such popular numbers as “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “People,” McCrimmon’s voice is clear and rich, transitioning the ranges easily and quickly. ...

From the slower sounds of “Who Are You Now?” launching the show to the soaring notes of such popular numbers as “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “People,” McCrimmon’s voice is clear and rich, transitioning the ranges easily and quickly. With her consistent grasp on a Jewish Brooklyn accent, there are moments when her voice harks back to Streisand’s, and her ascent to the last note in “I’m the Greatest Star” proves breathtaking.

Stepping up to the crimson plate is relative newcomer Katerina McCrimmon. With one of the strongest voices on tour right now and with her fearless attitude, McCrimmon puts every ounce of her on the stage: singing, dancing and making the over 2,000 pa...

Stepping up to the crimson plate is relative newcomer Katerina McCrimmon. With one of the strongest voices on tour right now and with her fearless attitude, McCrimmon puts every ounce of her on the stage: singing, dancing and making the over 2,000 patrons inside the Fisher Theatre laugh for almost three hours. McCrimmon is a star with the pipes to back her up. From character-driven songs like “His Love Makes Me Beautiful” to her softer side in “People,” McCrimmon navigates Fanny’s humanity effortlessly, toning down the zaniness in moments of realness. Lorne Michaels: if you’re ever looking for your next SNL cast member, she’s right here.

Katerina McCrimmon IS Fanny Brice in every way. Her bold brassy voice and her comedic timing make her a hilarious stand-out from the long-legged blonde chorus showgirls she is surrounded by. She excels at physical comedy and her facial expressions ha...

Katerina McCrimmon IS Fanny Brice in every way. Her bold brassy voice and her comedic timing make her a hilarious stand-out from the long-legged blonde chorus showgirls she is surrounded by. She excels at physical comedy and her facial expressions had the audience in laughter for the entire show. But she also captured the emotions of a melancholy wife just as well, which was a pleasure to see.

While McCrimmon belts every tune her larynx touches out of the park – and knows enough from Jewish to give her Fanny a slightly yiddishe ta’am – she doesn’t arrive with the name recognition of her Broadway counterparts. So the tour not only c...

While McCrimmon belts every tune her larynx touches out of the park – and knows enough from Jewish to give her Fanny a slightly yiddishe ta’am – she doesn’t arrive with the name recognition of her Broadway counterparts. So the tour not only comes to us equipped with McCrimmon’s considerable verve and talent, we’re also favored with the presence of Melissa Manchester as Fanny’s mom, Rose Brice, a role that was juicy enough for Kay Medford to earn Tony Award and Oscar nominations back in the ‘60s.

This production is not quite as lavish as I was expecting, but the big, bold, beautiful cast more than makes up for any lack of scenery. Harvey Fierstein is credited with revising the book, and the music by Jules Styne and Bob Merrill holds up just f...

This production is not quite as lavish as I was expecting, but the big, bold, beautiful cast more than makes up for any lack of scenery. Harvey Fierstein is credited with revising the book, and the music by Jules Styne and Bob Merrill holds up just fine. The songs are so familiar that the audience knows most of them, but there are a few surprises for those of us who have only seen the movie, which differs from the stage version in some significant ways, including expanded roles for some supporting characters.

Katerina McCrimmon played Fanny Brice with humor, pathos, and gusto. She has a very strong, powerful voice, an expressive face, and is a dynamo on stage. She sings and dances in more than half the musical numbers, her energy is boundless, and she has...

Katerina McCrimmon played Fanny Brice with humor, pathos, and gusto. She has a very strong, powerful voice, an expressive face, and is a dynamo on stage. She sings and dances in more than half the musical numbers, her energy is boundless, and she has an arresting stage presence and comedic timing that are captivating. Hers is an astounding performance. Fanny’s mother, played by understudy Eileen T’Kaye in place of Melissa Manchester (no explanation given), did a superb job in her many scenes with her poker-playing friends. She has a wry sense of humor, a strong, clear voice, and handles well the difficult task of playing a “stage mother” with tenderness and compassion who is concerned for her daughter’s welfare and happiness. Stephen Mark Lukas, playing the con man Nicky Arnstein, has such a nice tenor voice and is so appealing that it took me as long as it took Fanny to realize what a disreputable snake he was.

Harvey Fierstein’s new book streamlines the action and new technology allows one scene to flow into the next in an almost cinematic fashion. Still erasing the image of Barbra Streisand playing the role, whether you were lucky enough to see it on st...

Harvey Fierstein’s new book streamlines the action and new technology allows one scene to flow into the next in an almost cinematic fashion. Still erasing the image of Barbra Streisand playing the role, whether you were lucky enough to see it on stage or only know it from the film version, is a difficult task. Lea Michelle did it on Broadway by emulating Barbra while still making the role her own and Beenie Feldstein, well, enough has been written about that. Watching South Florida’s own Katerina McCrimmon in the production playing Fannie Brice I was skeptical, and never for once did I feel she was Jewish, but by the time she sings “I’m the Greatest Star” I was won over.

Katerina McCrimmon is the perfect Fanny Brice, and the truest embodiment of the character. A South Florida native, Katerina fills some very big shoes and proves she is the absolute it-girl! There is no mistaking her natural comedic timing, and her po...

Katerina McCrimmon is the perfect Fanny Brice, and the truest embodiment of the character. A South Florida native, Katerina fills some very big shoes and proves she is the absolute it-girl! There is no mistaking her natural comedic timing, and her powerful voice, backed by a very strong stage presence from the first time she utters, “Hello, Gorgeous!” I fell in love with this show all over again, and in the capable hands of Ms. McCrimmon the sky is the limit, and her Fanny Brice, will go down as one of the strongest turns to date.

But when it comes time for the iconic “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” which is technically perfect in McCrimmon’s delivery, I can’t help but notice that the room isn’t alive with the same electricity that had Broadway patrons hovering above th...

But when it comes time for the iconic “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” which is technically perfect in McCrimmon’s delivery, I can’t help but notice that the room isn’t alive with the same electricity that had Broadway patrons hovering above their seats waiting to explode into a mid-song standing ovation for Michele.

Perhaps that fraught New York production would still be running if they had cast Katerina McCrimmon, whose performance in the leading role is by far the best reason to see this touring production. McCrimmon is a triple-threat dynamo who holds the aud...

Perhaps that fraught New York production would still be running if they had cast Katerina McCrimmon, whose performance in the leading role is by far the best reason to see this touring production. McCrimmon is a triple-threat dynamo who holds the audience’s focus every second she’s on stage, boasting a nasal Brooklyn bray in the comedic scenes, and a bell-toned belt for Jule Styne’s soaring tunes like “People” that gave me chills just like a vintage Babs album.

I can honestly say I didn’t know just how much I wanted to love Funny Girl – I’d never seen a completely staged live performance, had read all the scuttlebutt about its creaky plotline and structure and its idealized, if fantastical, portrait o...

I can honestly say I didn’t know just how much I wanted to love Funny Girl – I’d never seen a completely staged live performance, had read all the scuttlebutt about its creaky plotline and structure and its idealized, if fantastical, portrait of its central characters, was clued in to all the controversy connected to its recent Broadway revival – I felt informed and eminently prepared to see what they had in store for audiences in 2024. My reaction? I loved everything about it! Truth be told, It fed my musical theater-loving soul, and I fell head-over-heels with its stars and their outsized talents (They sing! They dance! They charm!). Hell, if I weren’t already booked, I’d see every performance while they’re in town and so, certainly, should you.

The current national tour doesn’t feature anyone who can out-sing Barbra Streisand (who could?), but there is much to admire in every aspect of Katherina McCrimmon’s performance as Fanny. Not only does she sing with power and emotion, she can als...

The current national tour doesn’t feature anyone who can out-sing Barbra Streisand (who could?), but there is much to admire in every aspect of Katherina McCrimmon’s performance as Fanny. Not only does she sing with power and emotion, she can also mug to the audience, earning all the laughter so necessary for this character. McCrimmon can hold the stage effortlessly with one of Fanny’s (frequent) dramatic gestures.

The vibrant set and impeccable costumes were a colorful and great for the time period. Both were perfectly complementing the setting. The lighting, particularly during the musical numbers, was striking and added an extra layer of magic to the perform...

The vibrant set and impeccable costumes were a colorful and great for the time period. Both were perfectly complementing the setting. The lighting, particularly during the musical numbers, was striking and added an extra layer of magic to the performance. The stellar cast truly elevated the production. Katerina McCrimmon, in the role of Fanny Brice, delivered a fantastic performance. Negotiating the demanding role with numerous musical numbers and capturing Fanny's journey, Katerina portrayed the character exceptionally well. Her vocal qualities even reminded me of the legendary Judy Garland.

Funny Girl features many wonderful performances, most noticeably Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice. Energetic from start to finish, she is the heart and soul of the production. From the moment she hits the stage the audience is mesmerized by her powe...

Funny Girl features many wonderful performances, most noticeably Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice. Energetic from start to finish, she is the heart and soul of the production. From the moment she hits the stage the audience is mesmerized by her powerful voice and exceptional comedic chops.

The entire evening was a celebration of her voice — the power, control and range she brought to the songs, as well as her speaking voice, including the memorable and hilarious things her character said. Frankly, I was overcome by the power of McCri...

The entire evening was a celebration of her voice — the power, control and range she brought to the songs, as well as her speaking voice, including the memorable and hilarious things her character said. Frankly, I was overcome by the power of McCrimmon’s cords. She stood on stage for more than two hours and delivered, again and again, one of the most incredible vocal performances I’ve ever heard. I can safely say I was awestruck, and I remain starstruck. And that was only night one.

Another relative newcomer named Katerina McCrimmon is a triple threat revelation as this century’s newest funny girl. Equal parts singer, actress and comedian, McCrimmon is the type of performer you will not soon forget, and for all the right rea...

Another relative newcomer named Katerina McCrimmon is a triple threat revelation as this century’s newest funny girl. Equal parts singer, actress and comedian, McCrimmon is the type of performer you will not soon forget, and for all the right reasons.

Katerina McCrimmon, who plays her in the tour, showed she belonged in their company last week. Her vocals soared, and her comedic timing was impeccable. Although at times it was difficult to hear when she was speaking — likely due to a production o...

Katerina McCrimmon, who plays her in the tour, showed she belonged in their company last week. Her vocals soared, and her comedic timing was impeccable. Although at times it was difficult to hear when she was speaking — likely due to a production or technical problem — the crowd didn’t seem to mind given how entertaining she was.

Don’t go to see the touring production expecting to see imitations of Streisand or Lea Michele (who starred in the 2022 revival of FUNNY GIRL). Katherina McCrimmon who is portraying Fanny, has her own version of the role. She acts, performs and s...

Don’t go to see the touring production expecting to see imitations of Streisand or Lea Michele (who starred in the 2022 revival of FUNNY GIRL). Katherina McCrimmon who is portraying Fanny, has her own version of the role. She acts, performs and sings the role with her own persona. No heavy accent, no attempt at broad exaggerated farce, and no imitation of the Brice vocal sounds. Maybe it’s McCrimmon’s non-New York background, but it is Brice, without Brice.

In this touring version directed by Michael Mayer, the lead role is taken by Katerina McCrimmon, a young woman with powerfully prestigious pipes that do justice to songs such as 'People' and 'Don't Rain on My Parade.' While she doesn't look or sound ...

In this touring version directed by Michael Mayer, the lead role is taken by Katerina McCrimmon, a young woman with powerfully prestigious pipes that do justice to songs such as 'People' and 'Don't Rain on My Parade.' While she doesn't look or sound like the original, she's talented enough to allow one to focus on the show itself.

The opening line to “Funny Girl,” at Playhouse Square through March 10, is so iconic that it’s enough to instantly immerse us into the world of Fanny Brice. We’re backstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City in the early 1900s. The...

The opening line to “Funny Girl,” at Playhouse Square through March 10, is so iconic that it’s enough to instantly immerse us into the world of Fanny Brice. We’re backstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City in the early 1900s. The vaudeville legend (played by Katerina McCrimmon) is looking in the mirror, trying to summon the courage for what’s about to come.

One of the things that made the performance so enjoyable was the cast. The night I attended, we had four understudies who all did a fantastic job. Those understudies were Alex Hartman as Emma and Mrs. Nadler, Sean Thompson as Florenz Ziegfeld, Bryan ...

One of the things that made the performance so enjoyable was the cast. The night I attended, we had four understudies who all did a fantastic job. Those understudies were Alex Hartman as Emma and Mrs. Nadler, Sean Thompson as Florenz Ziegfeld, Bryan Charles Moore as ensemble and Paul and Mr. Renaldi, and Zoey Lytle as ensemble and Vera.

When McCrimmon’s Fanny is wooed by the elegant, smooth-talking, alluringly shady Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas), she never loses Fanny Brice’s protective comic armor. No, the romance between this Fanny and Nick isn’t as sultry as it was whe...

When McCrimmon’s Fanny is wooed by the elegant, smooth-talking, alluringly shady Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas), she never loses Fanny Brice’s protective comic armor. No, the romance between this Fanny and Nick isn’t as sultry as it was when Michele’s Fanny and Ramin Karimloo’s Nick melted into each other at the August Wilson Theatre in New York. But what Lukas’ Nick sees in McCrimmon’s Fanny — a bright, lovable, hilariously original woman — redounds to his credit.

But her true power is in her once-in-a-generation voice. The vocal potency of McCrimmon’s belt whips the audience into a downright frenzy. When she opens her broad mouth on classics like “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade,' a tidal wave ...

But her true power is in her once-in-a-generation voice. The vocal potency of McCrimmon’s belt whips the audience into a downright frenzy. When she opens her broad mouth on classics like “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade,' a tidal wave of sound emerges to drown the audience with its aural richness and force. But the real magic of her voice isn’t merely that it’s arresting or dynamic, it’s the ways in which she threads the emotion of the material through her astounding instrument to pack a wallop that will leave a mark for days.

While Fanny’s emotional nadir is tragic, it makes her triumphant bout of confidence in the show’s finale all the more rewarding. In her very last moment onstage, she divorces Nick and resolves to start fresh in the theater, reprising bold lines f...

While Fanny’s emotional nadir is tragic, it makes her triumphant bout of confidence in the show’s finale all the more rewarding. In her very last moment onstage, she divorces Nick and resolves to start fresh in the theater, reprising bold lines from the iconic “Don’t Rain on My Parade” with more authority than before. Ending with a commanding belt, McCrimmon’s show-stopping energy continues to buzz through the audience long after the curtain falls, breathing new life into a story older than herself.

Telling the true story of Ziegfeld Girl Fanny Brice (Hannah Shankman, trading off with Katerina McCrimmon), from her upbringing in 1910s Brooklyn to her rise as a Broadway star as a protégé of Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Coppage), a prolific producer ...

Telling the true story of Ziegfeld Girl Fanny Brice (Hannah Shankman, trading off with Katerina McCrimmon), from her upbringing in 1910s Brooklyn to her rise as a Broadway star as a protégé of Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Coppage), a prolific producer of stage shows, to her relationship with Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas), a wealthy investor, FUNNY GIRL is more than just funny. Fanny is an ebullient, unsinkable character who perseveres through dramas, romances, and the ups and downs of show business through grit and determination. Told pretty forthrightly that she’s not classically beautiful enough to be a star, she makes inroads with chutzpah and sheer ability. It’s how stardom should go. Chasing beauty, in the end, cannot compete with raw talent.

Telling the true story of Ziegfeld Girl Fanny Brice (Hannah Shankman, trading off with Katerina McCrimmon), from her upbringing in 1910s Brooklyn to her rise as a Broadway star as a protégé of Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Coppage), a prolific producer ...

Telling the true story of Ziegfeld Girl Fanny Brice (Hannah Shankman, trading off with Katerina McCrimmon), from her upbringing in 1910s Brooklyn to her rise as a Broadway star as a protégé of Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Coppage), a prolific producer of stage shows, to her relationship with Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas), a wealthy investor, FUNNY GIRL is more than just funny. Fanny is an ebullient, unsinkable character who perseveres through dramas, romances, and the ups and downs of show business through grit and determination. Told pretty forthrightly that she’s not classically beautiful enough to be a star, she makes inroads with chutzpah and sheer ability. It’s how stardom should go. Chasing beauty, in the end, cannot compete with raw talent.

Director Michael Mayer does an excellent job of encouraging his cast to become real people with real aspirations – rather than musical theater paper dolls. McCrimmon nails her portrayal of Brice as an enthusiastic, focused woman who probably became...

Director Michael Mayer does an excellent job of encouraging his cast to become real people with real aspirations – rather than musical theater paper dolls. McCrimmon nails her portrayal of Brice as an enthusiastic, focused woman who probably became obsessed with everything which she treasured in her life. Her mother manages to be the perfect Jewish mother who cautions Fanny about reality but also gets and stays behind all her daughter’s decisions. Lukas conveys the frustrations of a man who remains in his wife’s shadow but longs to spread his wings and gain the respect he craves. Lovelorn Harris epitomizes the puppy-dog admiration which he feels but knows will never be reciprocated. In other words, FUNNY GIRL rises above its roots as a popular musical and succeeds in conveying the drama inherent in the tale.

Which leaves the focus solely on McCrimmon to carry the show and she delivers in spades. She’s magnetic and vibrant, both self-deprecating but sure of her talent. From her first number, 'I'm the Greatest Star', through “People” and the first ac...

Which leaves the focus solely on McCrimmon to carry the show and she delivers in spades. She’s magnetic and vibrant, both self-deprecating but sure of her talent. From her first number, 'I'm the Greatest Star', through “People” and the first act closer “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” McCrimmon is mesmerizing with her big belting vocals. In the duets ('I Want to Be Seen with You Tonight', 'Who Are You Now?) with leading man Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas), he might as well not be there.

The role is also a pretty serious acting challenge as well, demanding that the star have the comedic tone and timing of old-school Jewish humor, enough that you're convinced why Fannie Brice became a star in the first place. And without channeling yo...

The role is also a pretty serious acting challenge as well, demanding that the star have the comedic tone and timing of old-school Jewish humor, enough that you're convinced why Fannie Brice became a star in the first place. And without channeling young Barbra directly, McKrimmon also excels at bringing Brice to life between the song and dance numbers.

McCrimmon is indeed a great-enough reason to come see this newly revised show, and judging from her rapturous reception during the show's OC opening night, her casting was an important "get" for a musical that hinges on its central character to be co...

McCrimmon is indeed a great-enough reason to come see this newly revised show, and judging from her rapturous reception during the show's OC opening night, her casting was an important "get" for a musical that hinges on its central character to be compelling and intriguing enough to carry much of the load of this star-driven show. Her presence here gives everything (and everyone) a purpose to be in her character's orbit, and that's a lot to place on one actor's make-or-break performance.

“Funny Girl” wants to be an intimate relationship drama, not a historical vaudeville pageant. This revival, despite some big rewrites by Harvey Fierstein, is still stuck around the sort of romantic cliches and hoary old body-image issues that mos...

“Funny Girl” wants to be an intimate relationship drama, not a historical vaudeville pageant. This revival, despite some big rewrites by Harvey Fierstein, is still stuck around the sort of romantic cliches and hoary old body-image issues that most Broadway musicals strenuously avoid these days. Brice feels she is too unattractive to be loved by someone as dashing as Arnstein and goes through a lot of emotional abuse because of it. Scene after scene, not to mention the show’s title, continually makes the strained and distasteful point that it’s a good thing Brice is funny because she’s certainly not pretty. There are several songs that underscore this, plus the gender-typing male power tune “You Are Woman, I Am Man.” It gets really hard to take after a while.

With the aid of the thrilling and glorious music by Jule Styne and character-driven lyrics by Bob Merrill, this story of striving for stardom (which reminds me a bit of A Star is Born---another Streisand vehicle –amongst several other versions) del...

With the aid of the thrilling and glorious music by Jule Styne and character-driven lyrics by Bob Merrill, this story of striving for stardom (which reminds me a bit of A Star is Born---another Streisand vehicle –amongst several other versions) delivers the goods. This production directed by Michael Mayer is presented with a revised book by Harvey Fierstein (from the original book by Isobel Lennart) that emphasizes certain aspects that were not emphasized in the original version. As a result, the drama of the second act plays much more effectively than in the original. The soap opera feeling is gone as Brice’s fame overtakes the gambling tragedies of her husband Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lukas) and it plays like heartfelt and consequential personal drama.

On stage and singing for almost the entire duration of the show, McCrimmon is phenomenal in the challenging role of Fanny Brice. Blending great vocal range with the occasional growl, her performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a theatrical ...

On stage and singing for almost the entire duration of the show, McCrimmon is phenomenal in the challenging role of Fanny Brice. Blending great vocal range with the occasional growl, her performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a theatrical moment not to be missed. McCrimmon is a rising star who held the audience in rapt attention not only through song, but in her intimate scenes with Nick. Collective gasps could be heard at several lines of dialogue when Nick or Fanny revealed a hidden truth. “Funny Girl” is so much more than funny—it is heartfelt.

Of the other Fanny Brices I’ve seen and heard, McCrimmon’s performance best encapsulates exactly what Funny Girl’s Fanny Brice should be — a whip-smart, deeply kind person devoid of insecurity who loves to love, even to her own detriment. Her...

Of the other Fanny Brices I’ve seen and heard, McCrimmon’s performance best encapsulates exactly what Funny Girl’s Fanny Brice should be — a whip-smart, deeply kind person devoid of insecurity who loves to love, even to her own detriment. Her Fanny captures the audience’s attention, earning their laughter and their respect with her hilarity and spirit.

Katerina McCrimmon has both an incredible voice and range. She plays everything from vaudeville to elegant lady with ease and has a perfect grasp of comedic timing. The rest of the cast also do an incredible job, not just as support to her but of te...

Katerina McCrimmon has both an incredible voice and range. She plays everything from vaudeville to elegant lady with ease and has a perfect grasp of comedic timing. The rest of the cast also do an incredible job, not just as support to her but of telling their own stories. Melissa Manchester as Mrs. Brice is the Jewish mother that we all wish would make us a bowl of steaming hot matzah ball soup. Izaiah Montaque Harris is a delight and his tap dancing was mesmerising and show stopping. Stephen Mark Lukas as Nick Arnstein is both charming and contemptable, showing the humanity in being a crook and makes the audience fall in love. Every single supporting cast member does a great job.

Katherina McCrimmon shines in the lead role of Fanny Brice, delivering a powerhouse vocal performance that effortlessly captures the character’s infectious energy and comedic timing. Her renditions of iconic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade�...

Katherina McCrimmon shines in the lead role of Fanny Brice, delivering a powerhouse vocal performance that effortlessly captures the character’s infectious energy and comedic timing. Her renditions of iconic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “I’m the Greatest Star” are nothing short of spectacular.

Katerina McCrimmon told Rough Draft’s Sammie Purcell in an earlier interview that she was not trying to be Barbra Streisand, the iconic star of the 1964 Broadway play and 1968 film. Granted she’s got the lungs and the sass of Streisand, but she f...

Katerina McCrimmon told Rough Draft’s Sammie Purcell in an earlier interview that she was not trying to be Barbra Streisand, the iconic star of the 1964 Broadway play and 1968 film. Granted she’s got the lungs and the sass of Streisand, but she failed to command the stage like her famous predecessor.

Katerina McCrimmon may not be a household name like her predecessors in the role, but on the latest national tour she’s a star in the making. On opening night of the musical’s Dallas run Wednesday, McCrimmon wowed the audience at the Music Hall a...

Katerina McCrimmon may not be a household name like her predecessors in the role, but on the latest national tour she’s a star in the making. On opening night of the musical’s Dallas run Wednesday, McCrimmon wowed the audience at the Music Hall at Fair Park with her considerable pipes and acting chops.

The national tour of Funny Girl has come to Dallas as part of Broadway Dallas’ season. The classic musical opened Tuesday, but Wednesday night’s performance was glorious and energetic, delivering a satisfying fresh take on a familiar story. The c...

The national tour of Funny Girl has come to Dallas as part of Broadway Dallas’ season. The classic musical opened Tuesday, but Wednesday night’s performance was glorious and energetic, delivering a satisfying fresh take on a familiar story. The cast was strong, but the burden was on Hannah Shankman who carried it easily as the vaudeville legend Fanny Brice.

It seemed the role of real-life vaudeville comedienne Fanny Brice was destined for only the “greatest stars by far.” Others would be left in their wake. So, I went into this tour of this Broadway version of FUNNY GIRL starring Katerina McCrimmon...

It seemed the role of real-life vaudeville comedienne Fanny Brice was destined for only the “greatest stars by far.” Others would be left in their wake. So, I went into this tour of this Broadway version of FUNNY GIRL starring Katerina McCrimmon, wondering if I would be disappointed. I wasn’t. In fact, I was blown away and felt like I was discovering someone who well could be the next big thing.

Shankman is incredible. A killer voice, able to belt up into the rafters, and an ability to make Fanny come alive, she totally nails the role. And her chemistry with Manchester and Harris are awesome. Manchester disappears into the role of Mrs. Br...

Shankman is incredible. A killer voice, able to belt up into the rafters, and an ability to make Fanny come alive, she totally nails the role. And her chemistry with Manchester and Harris are awesome. Manchester disappears into the role of Mrs. Brice. With a stellar career as a recording artist, we know she’s got the voice, but she shows her she’s got the acting and comedic chops too. And Harris is astounding especially during his tap number when he blew the audience away. And I must mention the insanely talented ensemble especially the dancers from “Cornet Man” and “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat” who brought the house down.

Brice is portrayed by Hannah Shankman in this tour. She captures Fannie’s early days as an awkward, starry-eyed outsider who slowly transforms herself into a polished gem of a professional worthy of her starhood. Shankman capture’s Brice’s warm...

Brice is portrayed by Hannah Shankman in this tour. She captures Fannie’s early days as an awkward, starry-eyed outsider who slowly transforms herself into a polished gem of a professional worthy of her starhood. Shankman capture’s Brice’s warmth and vulnerability in all her stages, including giddy girlhood, seasoned performer, and weary but hopeful wife.

The tour stars vocally stunning Hannah Shankman as Fanny Brice, and there are many positives to her performance. I personally feel that Shankman handles the dramatic nuances of the role flawlessly, while sometimes the comedic moments felt as if they ...

The tour stars vocally stunning Hannah Shankman as Fanny Brice, and there are many positives to her performance. I personally feel that Shankman handles the dramatic nuances of the role flawlessly, while sometimes the comedic moments felt as if they needed a little more gas in the tank. This isn’t to say she doesn’t land a lot of funny moments, but on the whole I was much more enamored with the heavier moments.

Directed by Michael Mayer, the production sparkles from start to finish. The choreography by Ellenore Scott with tap choreography by Ayodele Casel was created with cleverness and delivered with precision by the stellar ensemble. The other major creat...

Directed by Michael Mayer, the production sparkles from start to finish. The choreography by Ellenore Scott with tap choreography by Ayodele Casel was created with cleverness and delivered with precision by the stellar ensemble. The other major creative element of the show that caught my eye were the transitions between scenes. Generally, it's not something that draws my attention, but there was something so thoughtful, at times graceful, that I couldn't help but notice. I would be remiss, though, not to mention the incredible orchestra under the baton of Music Director Elaine Davidson.

Melissa Manchester stands out among the supporting cast as Fanny’s no-nonsense, poker-playing mother. Manchester is an easy, funny stage presence. A duet with Eddie, “Who Taught Her Everything She Knows?” offers a welcome return to the Jewish e...

Melissa Manchester stands out among the supporting cast as Fanny’s no-nonsense, poker-playing mother. Manchester is an easy, funny stage presence. A duet with Eddie, “Who Taught Her Everything She Knows?” offers a welcome return to the Jewish enclave back on Henry Street.

This tour’s principal Fanny Brice is Hannah Shankman, but the opening night audience saw Leah Platt in the role — and Platt was truly a treat. Since the character is a performer, some familiarity has to be baked in for any actor portraying her, b...

This tour’s principal Fanny Brice is Hannah Shankman, but the opening night audience saw Leah Platt in the role — and Platt was truly a treat. Since the character is a performer, some familiarity has to be baked in for any actor portraying her, but Platt was delightfully comfortable onstage. She deftly navigated the book’s jokes with wit and sparkle, slipping into the shoes of Fanny Brice like they were well-worn.

Hannah Shankman, as Fanny Brice, delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Her voice soared through the hall, effortlessly capturing the nuances of Brice’s character. Shankman brought both vulnerability and strength to the ...

Hannah Shankman, as Fanny Brice, delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Her voice soared through the hall, effortlessly capturing the nuances of Brice’s character. Shankman brought both vulnerability and strength to the role, embodying Fanny’s comedic spirit while also conveying her deeper insecurities. The standout moment, “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” showcased not only her powerful vocals but also her ability to connect with the audience emotionally. The audience was left in awe as she transformed the stage into a personal reflection of Brice’s dreams and ambitions.

For the show to truly work, audiences have to believe that the young wannabe we first meet possesses all those skills. In the tour that opened Tuesday night at Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Hannah Shankman displays a lot of appeal, inc...

For the show to truly work, audiences have to believe that the young wannabe we first meet possesses all those skills. In the tour that opened Tuesday night at Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Hannah Shankman displays a lot of appeal, including a strong voice that can be joyful or mournful depending on the moment. But there’s some kind of special sparkle missing, that “it” thing that can make you gasp in appreciation at key moments.

"Funny Girl" is good old-fashioned theater the way Broadway was meant to be, and actress Hannah Shankman, who plays Miss Fanny Brice, has a voice that stuns audiences with depth and consistency, and it would surely make the movie great Barbra Streisa...

"Funny Girl" is good old-fashioned theater the way Broadway was meant to be, and actress Hannah Shankman, who plays Miss Fanny Brice, has a voice that stuns audiences with depth and consistency, and it would surely make the movie great Barbra Streisand, who played the movie role, proud.

Shankman does not stray far from Streisand’s line deliveries and vocal phrasing, without coming off as an imitation. Fanny is still the center of the show, but she no longer monopolizes the evening. As Nick, Stephen Mark Lukas elbows his way into a...

Shankman does not stray far from Streisand’s line deliveries and vocal phrasing, without coming off as an imitation. Fanny is still the center of the show, but she no longer monopolizes the evening. As Nick, Stephen Mark Lukas elbows his way into a couple of Shankman’s numbers, which he delivers with a creamy baritone, though his acting is often on the stiff side. And as Fanny’s pal and booster Eddie Ryan, Izaiah Montaque Harris gets some standout time showing off his considerable tap skill. Perhaps the biggest name in the cast is Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, though she is largely wasted as Fanny’s mother.

Hannah Shankman has the needed pluckiness and resolve to play Fanny. Shankman also possesses a powerful singing voice, and wow, can she hold a note. Unfortunately, sometimes she talks so fast it’s hard to understand what she’s saying. She also la...

Hannah Shankman has the needed pluckiness and resolve to play Fanny. Shankman also possesses a powerful singing voice, and wow, can she hold a note. Unfortunately, sometimes she talks so fast it’s hard to understand what she’s saying. She also lacks the needed stage presence for such a big role, and often just gets lost in the big production numbers.

Shankman’s approach at the Opera House is anything but blasé. A belter par excellence, she delivers the kind of full-throttle performance that captures Fanny’s outsize personality. In the show’s Act One closer, “Don’t Rain on My Parade,”...

Shankman’s approach at the Opera House is anything but blasé. A belter par excellence, she delivers the kind of full-throttle performance that captures Fanny’s outsize personality. In the show’s Act One closer, “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” Shankman virtually rattles the theater’s rafters.

Hannah Shankman delivers on every single count. And she’s surrounded by a strong supporting cast (which includes a 1970s Grammy Award-winning singer), glittery costumes, David Zinn’s beautifully nostalgic backdrops, and terrific dancing choreogra...

Hannah Shankman delivers on every single count. And she’s surrounded by a strong supporting cast (which includes a 1970s Grammy Award-winning singer), glittery costumes, David Zinn’s beautifully nostalgic backdrops, and terrific dancing choreographed by Ayodele Casel and Ellenore Scott.

Hannah Shankman, playing Fanny Brice, gave a stunning portrayal of the role with expert comedic timing balanced with several vulnerable and poignant moments. Her voice powerfully filled the auditorium with those big belting moments the well-known son...

Hannah Shankman, playing Fanny Brice, gave a stunning portrayal of the role with expert comedic timing balanced with several vulnerable and poignant moments. Her voice powerfully filled the auditorium with those big belting moments the well-known songs required, taking us with her on the emotional roller coaster of her story.

At its heart is Fanny Brice, a role demanding razor-sharp comedic instincts and heartrending vulnerability. Hannah Shankman rises to the challenge with remarkable physicality, impeccable timing, and vocal prowess that fills the theater. Petite in sta...

At its heart is Fanny Brice, a role demanding razor-sharp comedic instincts and heartrending vulnerability. Hannah Shankman rises to the challenge with remarkable physicality, impeccable timing, and vocal prowess that fills the theater. Petite in stature yet larger than life, she captures Brice’s self-deprecating wit and aching longing for love. She shines in every number, but “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is an undeniable showstopper, her powerhouse vocals soaring with defiance and determination, bringing the audience to rapturous applause.

Hannah Shankman as Fanny—who, let’s be clear, is no ugly duckling—can S-I-N-G! Holy smokes. From the moment she opens her mouth, she owns the stage with a voice that is powerful, expressive, and downright mesmerizing. Honestly, the story could ...

Hannah Shankman as Fanny—who, let’s be clear, is no ugly duckling—can S-I-N-G! Holy smokes. From the moment she opens her mouth, she owns the stage with a voice that is powerful, expressive, and downright mesmerizing. Honestly, the story could have been nonexistent, and the audience still would have been completely captivated by her vocals alone. But add in her impeccable comedic timing, endearing charm, and emotional depth? She is Fanny Brice, through and through. We loved her!

Hannah Shankman found her own way with her sensational voice and phenomenal stage presence. She can effortlessly belt out the big numbers (“I’m the Greatest Star,” “People,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade”), then will melt your heart with h...

Hannah Shankman found her own way with her sensational voice and phenomenal stage presence. She can effortlessly belt out the big numbers (“I’m the Greatest Star,” “People,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade”), then will melt your heart with her buttery voice (“The Music That Makes Me Dance,” “Who Are You Now?”)."

Fanny was portrayed by Hannah Shankman, a lyric soprano whose lovely looks gave no hint of Fanny Brice’s awkwardly ethnic appearance. She seemed to have difficulty maintaining a New York accent and had a tendency to drop or eliminate or obscure the...

Fanny was portrayed by Hannah Shankman, a lyric soprano whose lovely looks gave no hint of Fanny Brice’s awkwardly ethnic appearance. She seemed to have difficulty maintaining a New York accent and had a tendency to drop or eliminate or obscure the final syllable in many of the lyrics she sang. Both Brice and Streisand made every letter in every word count for the sake of both clarity and comedy. Shankman’s performance left a lot to be desired, although she sang the hell out of every number receiving major ovations for her delivery.

The present tour’s Fanny, Hannah Shankman, is up for the challenge, though. Her soaring pipes, motor-mouth comedy and charm help ground the challenging production. Shankman deftly wields Fanny’s humor as both a strength, like the belly-bouncing s...

The present tour’s Fanny, Hannah Shankman, is up for the challenge, though. Her soaring pipes, motor-mouth comedy and charm help ground the challenging production. Shankman deftly wields Fanny’s humor as both a strength, like the belly-bouncing slapstick in her first performance with the Ziegfeld Follies, and a vulnerability, particularly in the punchlines tearfully delivered as Nick leaves her. She also makes smart vocal choices that side-step Streisand and allow her Fanny to find her own voice.

Shankman in particular deftly maneuvers between Brice’s comedienne nature (always going for the joke) and the more vulnerable moments of the show, which are largely expressed through show-stopping solo numbers. Her surging moment of power is not ev...

Shankman in particular deftly maneuvers between Brice’s comedienne nature (always going for the joke) and the more vulnerable moments of the show, which are largely expressed through show-stopping solo numbers. Her surging moment of power is not even the show’s most notable tune... but the finale, where Shankman channels Brice’s emotional journey throughout the entire show and ends on a note of sheer triumph — and a raised fist.