There’s only one “Funny Girl,” there’s only one Fanny Brice, and there’s only one Barbra Streisand and any person stepping into her shoes is bound to come up short. That was the case at the media preview of the National Touring Company revival of the Broadway classic now on stage at the Fox Theatre.
Katerina McCrimmon told Rough Draft’s Sammie Purcell in an earlier interview that she was not trying to be Barbra Streisand, the iconic star of the 1964 Broadway play and 1968 film. Granted she’s got the lungs and the sass of Streisand, but she failed to command the stage like her famous predecessor.
McCrimmon as Fanny is a loud, take-charge character who makes a lot of noise, as per her role. She proposes! She negotiates! She quits the show! The only thing missing is the presence needed to hold the stage beyond voice and attitude.
There are some very successful scenes. At a Ziegfeld Follies production, Fanny – uncomfortable with the role of blushing bride – comes on stage dressed in white with an exaggerated baby bump, driving the point home that she will get laughs her way.
Fanny falls in love with debonair scoundrel Nick Arnstein (played nicely by Stephen Mark Lukas). While his voice blended perfectly with hers, the lack of physical chemistry between them makes one wonder how a street-smart gal like Brice could ignore all the obvious warning signs.
One sloppy scene, with Fanny as a soldier singing “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat” with the ensemble, had audience members wondering if the missteps were intentional or a continuation of Fanny’s personal tragedy. A confusing dream sequence brings to the stage a swan, flapper, tap dancer, nosy neighbor, and others as Fanny’s life apparently flashes before her eyes. Maybe?
Despite that, there are some real highlights in the performances, the choreography, and the staging. Fanny’s long-suffering best friend Eddie Ryan (played by Izaiah Montaque Harris) is perfection in both his unwavering devotion to her and his scene-stealing tap dancing throughout the play.
Famed Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester, as Fanny’s mother, provides believable comic relief, as well as a perfect vocal match to McCrimmon during several duets, especially “I’m the Greatest Star.” Manchester’s Brooklyn accent is dripping with sarcasm, just the way it oughta be.
Fanny’s costumes successfully turn from frump to fabulous throughout the show. The stage lighting and backdrops moved flawlessly between sets, and the orchestra deserved its own standing ovation.
Is it fair to compare this “Funny Girl” to Barbra Streisand? No, but we will. Sometimes you’re a bagel on a plate of onion rolls.
Region Bank Broadway in Atlanta’s presentation of “Funny Girl” continues at the Fox until Aug. 4. For tickets and more details, visit this link.
