Broadway hit Funny Girl – The Musical will be staged at the Fugard Theatre from Tuesday April 18.
The semi-biographical musical, based on the life and career of Broadway star, film actress and comedienne Fanny Brice, features some of the most iconic songs in film and theatre history, including People and Don’t Rain On My Parade.
It tells the fascinating and bitter-sweet story of Fanny Brice whose vocal talents and comedic ability see her rise from a Brooklyn music hall singer to Broadway star, and her tempestuous relationship with gambler Nick Arnstein.
A stellar all-South African cast has been secured for this iconic production that first opened on Broadway on March 26 1964 at the Winter Garden Theatre and enjoyed a recent sold-out revival season on the West End at the Savoy Theatre.
The original book was written by Isobel Lennart, music composed by Jule Styne and lyrics written by Bob Merrill.
Taking the lead role in this production will be Ashleigh Harvey (Death of a Colonialist, Bash) an actor, singer, voice over artist, producer and writer.
Harvey’s leading man is Clyde Berning (The Great Gatsby, Hamlet, Strangers on a Train) as Nick Arnstein.
Funny Girl – The Musical was arguably Barbra Streisand’s big break through when she played the lead role in the original production.
The same production was nominated for eight Tony Awards and the cast recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004. A film adaptation of the musical was released in 1968 starring Streisand, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as well as the Golden Globe, alongside Omar Sharif.
Funny Girl runs from Tuesday April 18 with performances from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm and on Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm. Ticket prices range from R130 to R350. Book at Computicket or the Fugard’s box office on 021 461 4554.
Residents say no to crèche