|
Funny Girl, the real-life story of comedienne Fanny Brice, retells the quixotic career of arguably the funniest woman ever to grace Broadway's Great White Way.
The musical comedy weaves tales of fierce ambition, unrequited love and the rigors of the star-making machinery—every bit as relevant today as then—into a poignant, often-touching story made famous on the big screen by Barbra Streisand in 1968. In American Musical Theatre San Jose's version opening Sept. 12, Sam Viveroto directs Rachel Ulanet as the multitalented Brice against lavish sets designed by three-time Emmy Award winner Michael Hotopp.
Brice became an icon of the 1930s stage as the front-girl for the splendiferous Ziegfeld Follies. Her career transcended the stage to radio, television and even movies. Hers was the story of a star-struck girl with the determination and moxie to make it big.
But behind the scenes her real life presented a cautionary tale about the high price of ambition.
Beginning with vaudeville in 1910, she segued to the legitimate stage and eventually headlined Florenz Ziegfeld's frenetic Follies. She stayed loyal to the producer for nearly 25 years. She made many films but garnered her largest audience through radio and the earliest days of television.
Twice married and divorced, Brice deftly used humor to conceal the tragic comedy that was her life. She was the archetype of the franchise performer, providing a model for megastars like Streisand, Madonna and even Britney Spears to follow.
While Brice had romantic and professional entanglements, she was definitely a woman who managed her own path to the top.
Funny Girl has many ultimately recognizable songs such as "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade." The Grammy award-winning show was honored for Streisand's recording of "People" and for the original cast album in 1965.
In addition to a cast of local singers and dancers, Funny Girl features many Broadway veterans, including Brad Bradley as Eddy, Mary Ellen Ashley as Fanny's mother and Paul Boesing as Florenz Ziegfeld. Kevin Gray, last seen in AMTSJ's Miss Saigon, returns to San Jose as gambler and first husband Nick Arnstein.
Funny Girl plays at AMTSJ from Sept. 1228 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $44.50$75.50. For more information call 1.888.455.7469 or go to http://www.amtsj.org.
|
