Funny Girl Revival Makes its Way to the Hobby Center

On August 20th, the hit broadway musical Funny Girl finally made its way to Houston’s Hobby Center. Filled with hilarious jokes, a bittersweet love story and a stunning cast, the broadway hit had the audience on their feet for a standing ovation.

In this bittersweet, classic musical drama, the ambitious and driven young Fanny Brice, portrayed by Katerina McCrimmon, is working her way to stardom using her vocal and comedic talents with the support of her loving mother, Rose Brice, portrayed by Melissa Manchester, neighborhood. With the help of theater impresario Florenz Ziegfeld, portrayed by Walter Coppage, Fanny finally starts to make a name for herself, but her relationship with a suave, businessman, Nick Arnstein, portrayed by Stephen Mark Lucas, leads her on a whole new road.

Barbara Streisand, (original Fanny Brice), left big shoes to fill; the role of Fanny Brice is no small task. However, McCrimmon blew the audience away with her flawless vocals and perfect punchlines. If her vocals weren’t enough, her acting skills left the audience in tears at some points of the show. You really feel this woman live her extraordinary, complicated life. During the second act, McCrimmson serves us heartbreak and joy in a bittersweet ending. 

Melissa Manchester (Rose Brice) astounded the crowd with her performance as well. Manchester is a delight to watch, and ironically, she was even considered for the part of Fanny one point. Stephen Mark Lukas‘ (Nick Arnstein) remarkable voice is perfection along side Fanny, but also dark when he needs to be. Each of these leads seamlessly switches between a carefree comedy and a dramatic monologue with so much emotion. It made the story the focus rather than the latest portrayal of “Fanny Brice.”

The production was full of colorful costumes and many moving parts. From stunning tap numbers to kick-lines, the ensemble practically stole the spotlight when they came on stage. Susan Hilferty’s incredibly detailed costumes, and the beautiful set design from David Zinn is unlike any other. It’s a wonder this show didn’t return to Broadway sooner.

Check out more of Coog Radio’s coverage of the Hobby Center’s productions here and make sure the catch the next show, All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.