Omaha Performing Arts brought a spectacular show to the Orpheum Theater Tuesday night, framed by red curtains and Broadway lights. The show inspired by the life of American comedian, singer, and actress Fanny Brice was played out on stage in “Funny Girl.” This musical is a bittersweet story of romance, heartbreak, and humor.
Hannah Shankman played Fanny, and led the stellar cast with charm, perfectly injecting humor into the right moments. Her voice soared alongside leading man Stephen Mark Lukas, who played Fanny’s enchanting love interest Nick Arnstein, and the couple’s performances were flawless. The ensemble also stood out for their vocal and dancing talent. A particular highlight came with the tap dancing features. Izaiah Montaque Harris, as dance director and Fanny’s advocate Eddie Ryan, led the dancing brought the audience back to vaudeville with amazing footwork that was pleasing to the eye and the ear.
What was not pleasing to the ear, however, was the sheer volume of the music and vocals. There were some clear technical difficulties occurring, with one actress’ microphone not on, and the others being much too loud. Portraying Fanny Brice, a character who is already loud—“a natural hollerer,” as she put it—did not help this situation.
Other than the technical issues, “Funny Girl” was a memorable performance with a talented cast that had the audience laughing out loud—“in stitches” as Fanny more than once said—and on their feet when the curtain fell.
