Wednesday, December 2, 2015




     
     A few months ago a dear friend who has produced countless musicals told me it was utterly ridiculous to think that anyone could successfully produce “Funny Girl.” He had tried and failed. His contention was that Barbra Streisand had made such an indelible mark with her characterization of Fanny Brice that no actress could ever approach the role and no director could ever create a successful production.

      Director Robert Michael Sanders' casting of Lauren Cora Marsh proves him wrong!

     Ms. Marsh has a certain resemblance to Streisand in her face and figure, but this portrayal of Fanny Brice is one hundred per cent Lauren Cora Marsh. This artist not only makes the role her own. She also delivers the quirky mannerisms and scrappy heartbreaking feistiness of the real Fanny as she electrifies her audience.

     “People,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade” are just a few of the songs you will be treated to by this rising star!

     Keegan Flaugh provides a solid Nicky Arnstein that gives us a resonant voice and confident stage presence which infuses the show with just the right romantic tension. Flaugh delivers “I Want To Be Seen With You” and “You are Woman, I Am Man” with brio.

     Suzanne Connors Nepi gives us a Mrs. Brice that’s a treat to watch.  “Who Taught Her Everything She Knows,”. her duet with James Bloom (Eddie) is a complete delight.

     Linda Suttle imbues Mrs. Strakosh with a lively sense of flip good humor.

     Trent Hines’ music direction yanked this reviewer back to the day he ran home with that original Broadway cast recording on vinyl.
      Director Robert Michael Sanders’ actor-based direction makes the characters really pop!

"Funny Girl"
Previews November 25
Runs Nov. 27 - Jan. 17
A young Jewish singer from the Lower East Side dreams of becoming a Broadway star.
Fri/Sat @ 7:30 p.m.; Sun. @ 2:30 p.m; Thurs., Dec. 31 & Jan. 14 @ 7:30 p.m; Sat. Jan. 16 @ 2:30 p.m.
No performance on December 25
$32 ($28 advance)
303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.Marlowe's Musings

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