‘Who are you now?’ ‘Funny Girl’ and a Broadway revival’s identity crisis
After decades of false starts and rumored stars, a highly anticipated revival of Funny Girlfinally arrives on Broadway. Beanie Feldstein steps into the role of comedian and stage star Fanny Price, made famous by she-who-must-not-be-named.Joined by Jane Lynch as her mother with a perfectly timed double-take, and Ramin Karimloo, her leading man with a flashy six-pick and a voice more appropriate for that French revolution musical, this Funny Girl fails to grow up.
Director Michael Mayer’s bubbly and well-intentioned attempt to make the musical resonate with 21st-century audiences lands a few punchlines, but the overall effect is as fleeting as the cast’s New York accents.Funny Girl comes from a long lineage of biopic musicals that struggle to cast their subjects in any other hue except the spotlight.
And despite Feldstein’s best efforts, audiences are still left wondering why the star of stage and screen remained so enamored of Nick Arnstein (Karimloo), a known gambler.
Longtime friend and choreographer Eddie Ryan (Jared Grimes) is waiting in the wings (when he’s not tearing up the stage with spectacular tap-dancing), but Brice only has eyes for Arnstein.Packed with memorable songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, such as “People,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” and “The Music That Makes Me Dance,” the score is a substantial lift for its leading lady.
