By Hollie Harris
In this fabulous theatrical revival of Funny Girl, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill, it’s easy to get carried away into the world of Fanny Brice.
Funny Girl is the story of Fanny Brice (Michelle Lamarca), the lively Brooklyn joker who’s intricate tangle of competing emotions are covered up with a big, bright, Broadway smile.
One moment, she’s pulling an impressively elastic series of funny faces. The next, she’s singing a feeling-drenched rendition of People, tears cascading down her cheeks.
For rising vaudeville star Fanny, comedy is a mask and entertaining the audience is a way to deny personal pain. Even with tears in her eyes, Michelle is ready with a grin and a wink, pointedly making a performance out of Fanny’s real life. Whether stinging from rejection or overwhelmed by lust, this leading lady always pleases the punters.
The songs, are Styne’s well-known melodies, Don’t Rain on My Parade, Who Are You Now? Director Ian Mackeller’s production dazzles, embracing the humour of the show and taking the audience on a brilliant ride through Fannys eyes.
Ian Mackeller has been actively involved within the entertainment industry (television and theatre) his entire career, as an actor/vocalist, composer/lyricist, director and producer. He has penned two stage musicals (book/music/lyric/director) with both productions enjoying professional theatre seasons. Ian has been Festival Director for NOOSA alive! (Formerly Noosa Long Weekend Festival) for 10 years and has enjoyed a long association with Noosa
Arts Theatre, performing and directing in numerous productions for more than a decade. He appeared as Fagan in last year’s production of Oliver.
Come along and be dazzled – Funny Girl opens April 18.
Cut price preview April 18 at 7.30pm
Evenings: April 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. May 2, 3, 4, 5 at 7.30pm
Matinees: April 21, 22, 28, 29 at 2pm
Adults $38 | Concession $33
Member/Group $31 | U18 $28
163 Weyba Road, Noosaville
Tickets Tuesday to Friday 10am to 2pm; 5449 9343; www.noosaartstheatre.org.au
