Many of us have previously been touched by this classic Broadway musical and film. Now we are fortunate to have the opportunity to experience it at the Segal Centre. The very talented cast, ensemble, creative team and awesome six piece live orchestra bring it to new heights right here in Montreal.
The story is about an odd, confident and very talented girl who asserts herself to reach for the sky and succeeds to become a famous Ziegfeld Follies performer.
From the moment I was introduced to Fanny Brice, played by the extraordinary Gabi Epstein, she worked her way into my heart with her zany antics and lovely voice singing familiar tunes like “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade”. Lines like “Pate becomes chopped liver” gave her a special Jewishy bagel appeal. Minutes before I was thinking to myself that the Barbara Streisand performance would be a very hard act to follow and I was pleasantly surprised!
As the audience is being seated the cast is busy doing warm ups on stage as if they were back stage at the Follies. The set is basic but highly effective. The backdrop is a huge mural of Fanny’s face. Huge rolling racks are constantly on the move redefining the stage. Skillful use of a follow spotlight adds to the show biz image. Well designed costumes contribute greatly and the creative use of white sheer animates the wedding that takes place. While Fanny and her beau Nicky sang “You are Woman, I am Man” they did an unusual and impressive choreography on two rolling chairs.
Funny Girl is a spectacular start for the Segal Centre 2015-2016 season.
Now extended to November 8, 2015
Don’t miss it!
YouTube Video Promo :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=ULOjFJgJJMw
Ticket info :
https://tickets.segalcentre.org/TheatreManager/1/login&event=1118&lang=en
