It was a night of “funny girl” nostalgia indeed, as newcomer, KATERINA MCCRIMMON AS FANNY BRICE, comedienne and vocalist extraordinaire, presented her beautiful performance of this iconic role, gracing the stage at the Ahmanson Theatre. She ‘dazzled’ the crowd, as she began the evening on an upbeat note, singing “I’m the Greatest Star.”And she truly shone bright, amidst her adoring audience, with more than one standing ovation on the evening I attended. Fanny Brice was direct in admitting her ‘relationship with approval,’ aptly winning the hearts of all who heard her. Katerina herself is the quintessential ‘queen of comedy, slapstick, and vocal prowess, and would have fit perfectly in that era. She tellingly states, “Hello gorgeous,” when admiring herself; and “I’m a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls,!” Indicating her uniqueness. Her combination of endearing humor and ability to belt out the high notes stirred our hearts, rallying us together, the main reason audiences attend musical theatre, to begin with. Her renditions of songs, such as “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “People,” and “Who are you Now?” proves McCrimmon’s natural talent as a charismatic singer/performer in her own right. Despite turbulent times and turmoils we face, this impeccable performer captured the essence of cool and calm throughout her show. She, along with the entire talented ensemble, including the impeccable Melissa Manchester, as Mrs. Brice presented an homage/love letter of sorts to New York City, mentioning various hotspots such as the Ziegfeld Follies and the Henry Street. Much like her influencers of yesteryear, (the great Barbra Streisand, and of more recent times, Beanie Feldstein and Lea Michele, Katerina McCrimmon belted her heart out, with one lively arrangement of song and dance, after another. She continued by belting songs and showstopper reprises throughout the show, not letting “anyone attempt to rain on her parade.” Some people are born to perform, and her performance as Fanny Brice equaled (if not exceeded) B’way greats like Barbra, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, and Patti Lupone. Every song she sang comes not only to entertain, but to teach, inspire, and even make us laugh or cry. She and Stephen Mark Lukas, as Nick Arnstein, work in beautiful rhythm together. Timeless, songs with messages still resonating today. Kudos to choreographers Ellenore Scott and Ayodele Casel; and director Michael Mayer.
Go see this iconic theatrical production, if you want a musical with a great book, singing, and staging, all in one.
Funny Girl will be at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. It will play there from May 28-June 9.
http://www.centertheatregroup.org
Bonnie Priever Curtain Up 