Funny Girl @ Playhouse Square

Through March 10, 2024

https://www.playhousesquare.org/

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

FUNNY GIRL is a throwback to the traditional musical.  From the sprightly overture, to the sequential story line, to an I want song (“Who are You Now!), that sets the show’s storyline in action, to the big score which is nicely woven into the storyline, to several hit songs (“People” and Don’t Rain on My Parade”), it is meant to entertain audiences and, in spite of what some will think is a misinterpretation of the role of Fanny, entertain it does. 

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

The question becomes, does Katerina McCrimmon, a Cuban discovery from Miami, sound enough like the Streisand? Does she sound too much like Streisand to the point of imitation? How about comparisons to Lea Michelle, the star from TV's "Glee" who took over the struggling musical revival and reportedly enabled it to turn a profit last year? Well, good news: McCrimmon is a powerful interpretive singer in her own right, and she even manages a convincing Jewish accent that brings back Fanny Brice into focus as well. As for the rest of the musical, it's a joy to hear the complete original score by Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics) in Isobel Lennard's original book (script), tweaked for the latest Broadway revival by Harvey Fierstein.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross

This is a revival that needed to happen. And although it got off to a rocky start on Broadway, Katerina McCrimmon, along with the rest of the talented ensemble, is just the actor to land this version of “Funny Girl” into a brand new spotlight of its own.

To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

In the proud tradition of the Broadway musical, this show has it all and then some. Brassy Ziegfeld Folly numbers, heartfelt romantic ballads, superb dancing numbers with exciting tap routines, flashy costumes, fantastic sets and superb acting makes this must see Broadway musical theater. Don’t let the weather rain (or snow) on your parade. Come on down for an evening of fun and find out what happy people do (hint, they see touring Broadway musicals).

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey

With a few wrinkles, this touring show at Playhouse Square provied a glimpse of what star power looked like about a century ago.

To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Funny Girl, now at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, celebrates vaudeville star Fanny Brice’s rise to fame via the Ziegfeld Follies in the early 1900s. If you have seen the Barbara Streisand film version, you already know the plot and probably have favorite songs.

To see a full review of this show, read Laura's post here or at Cool Cleveland.

Joey Morona

“Funny Girl” is one of those shows whose success hinges on its central performance. The role of Fanny Brice is so powerful that it turned Barbra Streisand into a star and uncanceled Lea Michele. Newcomer McCrimmon absolutely shines on tour, capturing the essence of the character while making it her own with vibrant energy, a powerful singing voice and the comedic timing of a seasoned pro.

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.