PNC Broadway’s ‘Funny Girl’ Opens at the Benedum (Tues., 1/7/24)

PNC Broadway’s ‘Funny Girl’ contains many popular musical numbers. (Photo courtesy of the production.)

Character-centric, musically adorned, romantic, bold and brash, the one-time smash hit for Barbra Streisand, Funny Girl was revived on Broadway in 2022. It ran a full year and a half with Glee star Lea Michelle replacing the original Beanie Feldstein. Now, on a national tour, the show is welcomed by the Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series for one week at the Benedum, beginning January 7. Hannah Shankman is scheduled to lead a cast including Melissa Manchester and Stephen Mark Lucas.

The story, of course, is about the fortune and fame of one of vaudeville’s great comic performers, Fanny Brice, daughter of saloon owners who quits school to make her name—despite all odds—on the Great White Way. She falls in love with a shady character, Nick Arnstein, who loses money one scheme after another. Fanny, of course, through thick and thin, stands by her man. The biographic plot is grossly fictionalized, but only for the benefit of musical theater lovers who will relish the Jule Styne and Bob Merrill score, including “I’m the Greatest Star,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” and “People.” In fact, the 2022 revival features a much revised book from the original production; Harvey Fierstein has refreshed the plot line, replete with flashbacks and spotlight cameos, to imbue a sentimental angle to the story that first wowed audiences in the ‘60s. Yes, Funny Girl has been around a long time, but it’s no less charming. Fun fact: Streisand recorded the hit song “People” well before the original show even opened on Broadway. Radio airtime garnered her critical acclaim and ensured, at the least, a lively box office.  If you’re interested in doing “What Happy People Do,” tickets may still be available.  (C.P.O)

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