(Review) “Funny Girl” at DPAC: Katrina McCrimmon As Fanny Brice Was The ‘Greatest Star’ Of The Night

DURHAM, NC – “Funny Girl” is a Broadway classic that has come to Durham Performing Arts Center from Nov. 7-12. Before “Wicked” or “Hamilton” there was Barbra Streisand drawing in crowds with her captivating voice and her portrayal of the comedic character Fanny Brice: a go-getter who chased everything from fame to heartbreak. 

It truly is a hard act to follow, even decades later.

“Funny Girl” is set in New York in the 1910s, where a young Fanny Brice is chasing her dream of becoming famous. With help from her friend Eddie Ryan, Mrs. Brice, and love interest Nick Arnstein, Fanny accomplishes her dreams but not without seeing the downsides to fame and fortune as well. 

Katrina McCrimmon (Fanny Brice) did the role justice, making the role her own. McCrimmon did not try to be a Streisand or Lea Michele Fanny, she decided to be a McCrimmon Fanny, and it showed on and off stage. Her authenticity, energy, and powerful vocals during iconic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People” helped take the audience on a journey through Fanny Brice’s evolution over the years. Even during intermission, the crowd could not stop talking about McCrimmon’s performance. She truly was the ‘Greatest Star’ of the night. 

The rest of the cast helped to deliver a glamorous and modern “Funny Girl.” Izaiah Montaque Harris (as Eddie Ryan) earned applause with his solo tap-dancing numbers and his supportive attitude toward Fanny onstage, even if his character’s motives were slightly romantic. Melissa Manchester (as Mrs. Brice) shows love towards the audience and Fanny Brice as she supports her dreams and helps her through her struggles in the second act as Fanny’s life takes a turn. Even when it seems Fanny has forgotten her, Mrs. Brice still cares but partners with Eddie to sing “Who Taught Her Everything She Knows?” to share that Fanny’s theater skills came from them.

Stephen Mark Lukas (as Nick Arnstein) helped progress the show forward with numbers like “I Want to Be Seen with You” and “You Are Woman, I Am Man.” Nick Arnstein brings out the best and worst in Fanny throughout the musical with his dashing smile and bad gambling habits. Depending on the scene, the audience was either in awe of the two or could cut the tension with a knife. Either way, Lukas gave a great performance. 

Most people are not overly fond of musical theatre, so they may not realize the difficulties and stress of having a part in this show along with being compared to people who starred in it decades ago. But the cast, especially McCrimmon, gave the audience a show worthy of seeing. No one is raining on their parade. I would give “Funny Girl” 4 out of 5 stars.