“Funny Girl,” a musical with tales of humble beginnings and the struggles of life as a big star, was performed downtown at the Spokane First Interstate Center for the Arts during the first week of October.
“Funny Girl” is an energetic show filled with multiple extravagant dance numbers, lively costuming and countless comedic scenes and dialogue. Set in the early 1900s, it tells the biographical story of Fanny Brice, a jewish woman pursuing a career as a performer. Throughout the show, Fanny faces many challenges, including the struggles of becoming a star and not having the same movie star looks as the other famous female performers around her.
It was the first show to specifically star a Jewish woman and tell the story of a Jewish woman. Through a mix of comedic storytelling and a dramatic score, it portrays the story of using talent rather than beauty to succeed.
This particular tour is a revival of the original breakout Broadway show that opened in 1964 starring Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice. This revival is an opportunity for longtime fans to see the show in person after so long.
Alan Larsen, an audience member, said he has been highly anticipating this show making its way to Spokane.
“I’m excited to just see it. I’ve heard a lot about it,” Larsen said before the performance began. “It’s a show that’s been around forever and finally seeing the whole story with its iconic songs is going to be great.”
Audience member Shannon Powell brought her granddaughter to “Funny Girl” to experience the show together for the first time.
“We’ve never seen ‘Funny Girl’ before, but it seems really upbeat and empowering,” Powell said. “The story seems like something we would both like. We’re really excited to see it.”
For some, going to the theater is something used to bond with loved ones. Powell said that going to the theater is the perfect opportunity to dress up, go out and spend quality time with her granddaughter. These shows allow for unique memories to be made with those they came with.
“The theater is really special for us,” Powell said. “I’ve been bringing my oldest granddaughter to shows since she was two years old. We come here at least once a year, but we try to go to all of them together.”
While others are still making those bonds, the musicals themselves are what they are really there for. Larsen said he loves theater so much that he will go to any show no matter what it is when offered a ticket.
“My good friend ended up with an extra last minute ticket and of course I said yes. I only know bits and pieces about “Funny Girl,” but I’m still super excited,” Larsen said.
Whether fans are revisiting a beloved classic or seeing it for the first time, the rival of “Funny Girl” has different appeals for everyone in attendance. Larsen described it simply as having a timeless storyline mixed with good music that pretty much anyone would enjoy.
Mackenzie Estep is a staff writer.
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