By Jason and Alisha Hagey
Broadway at the Eccles glitters with the arrival of Broadway Across America’s Tour of Funny Girl – a musical inspired by the life of Fanny Brice and her relationship with Nick Arnstein. The Eccles Theatre has never been more vibrant and alive than with Funny Girl on its stage. Funny Girl is an irresistible blend of humor, heartache, and unforgettable music that soars from the first note to the final bow. Funny Girl is a love letter to the theatre and a Broadway classic – brought here to Salt Lake City.
Michael Mayer (Director) provides visionary direction, making Funny Girl more than just a revival. In his hands, Funny Girl is a reimagining. From “go,” this production is bursting with fresh energy. Mayer strikes the perfect balance between honoring the musical’s legacy and infusing it with modern sensibilities. Every character – from minor supporting roles to the leading stars – feels fully realized and deeply human. Mayer’s attention to detail, ability to create seamless transitions and intricate staging create an immersive world for Fanny Brice. Mayer propels us into Brice’s world of ambition, love, and self-discovery.
Whether it be her tour de force rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” or her tender delivery of “People,” Hannah Shankman (Fanny Brice) delivers a shining performance. Shankman captures every nuance of Fanny’s transformation from awkward, starry-eyed dreamer to powerhouse Broadway star with the most impeccable timing and vulnerability. Shankman’s voice skyrockets with emotional fire and spellbinding brilliance. She reveals the emotional core of Fanny Brice while reminding us why this role has become the stuff of legend (the role being what shot Barbra Streisand to superstardom).
Shankman isn’t the only person who shines in this production. The supporting cast radiates with thrilling performances. The incomparable Melissa Manchester (Mrs. Brice) perfectly balances maternal wisdom and sharp humor. Manchester delivers a biting wit while grounding the story in emotional authenticity. And though he is a bit of a conman and a gambler, Stephen Mark Lukas (Nick Arnstein) makes Nick as endearing and charming as Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. Lukas’ performance is charismatic and surprisingly mortal – at no time is he a caricature. Instead, Lukas is the perfect balance to Fanny’s bigger-than-life world. Likewise, Izaiah Montaque Harris (Eddie Ryan) is the throughline for Fanny’s life, from childhood to stardom. Harris’ toe taps are mesmerizing, his ability to tap dance is astounding, and he is at his best when he moves his feet.
In numbers like “Henry Street,” “Sadie, Sadie,” and “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat,” the ensemble moves with military precision and enormous gusto. The ensemble infuses vaudevillian joy with dazzling showmanship. They create visually stunning moments and are deeply tied to the narrative, reflecting the story’s emotions. Whenever Jordon Taylor (Ensemble) was dancing, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. There is something special and captivating about her dancing.
However, what truly sets this production apart is the excellent choreography. Ayodele Casel‘s (Tap Choreographer) tap numbers are revelatory; the moves are sharp, energetic, and full of storytelling panache. The modern twists in Ellenore Scott‘s (Choreographer) choreography bursts with freshness. Together, they bring about a vibrant reinterpretation of the style from Broadway’s golden age. The ensemble is what brings their work to remarkable light with a vibrance and enthusiasm that transcends the norm.
Heightening the production, the visual splendor of Susan Hilferty’s (Costume Designer) lavish costumes transports us to the grandeur of early 20th-century New York. Their meticulous attention to detail, from the luxury of the Ziegfeld Follies to the intimate corners of Fanny’s Brooklyn neighborhood, evokes the era’s timeless glamour. David Zinn (Scenic Designer) produces a backdrop world that elicits a sense of every scene, every moment, which is only capitalized further by Kevin Adam’s (Lighting Designer) stunning interplay of light and shadow, which highlights the characters’ emotional arcs. Whether it be the romantic scenes between Fanny and Nick, bathed in soft, golden hues that capture the complexity of their relationship, or the epic fanfare lighting of dramatic Broadway moments, the lighting is paramount.
In the end, Funny Girl at the Eccles is a whirlwind of entertainment and exceptional theatre. This production offers something for everyone: dazzling choreography, emotionally charged performances, intimate moments, and exuberant spectacle. All of these ingredients make for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Funny Girl sparkles and shines as a nod to Broadway and show business.
Zions Bank & Broadway at the Eccles presents: Funny Girl
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Bob Merrill, Book by Isobel Lennart, and Revised Book by Harvey Fierstein
October 8th – October 13th, 2024
Salt Lake City, Utah
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theatre
131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Tuesday-Thursday 7:00pm
Friday 7:30pm
Saturday 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 1:00pm & 6:30pm
Tickets are $49 – $174
Broadway-at-the-Eccles.com
801.355.2787 (ARTS)
Run time: 2 hours and 50 minutes with 1 intermission. The main lobby opens two hours prior to your performance. The auditorium doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance.
For more information, visit https://www.funnygirlonbroadway.com
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Accessibility:
Guests with accessibility questions, or who require additional assistance may email arttix@slco.org or call 801-355-2787.
Assisted listening devices are available at Patron Services. For optimal experience bring your favorite wired headphones.
Accessible Performances:
OPEN CAPTIONED: Saturday at 1:00 PM
During our captioning performances, we offer a screen near the stage that will provide live captions throughout the show. Patrons who are interested in the captioned performance should select seats located at Orchestra Right on the Main Floor (excluding Orchestra Pit seating).
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Friday at 7:30 PM
The spoken narration of the performance’s key visual elements. This option is available on the following performances. Devices are available at the Patron Services window in the main lobby.
ASL INTERPRETED: Thursday at 7:00 PM
American sign language is scheduled upon request. Listed below are our current scheduled performances.
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