Just Too Funny - by Annika Malchow

 Just Too Funny

The show Funny Girl is a vibrant one full of odes to classic broadway, but also an interesting modern sort of undertone that sets it apart from other broadway shows. From the beginning, Fanny Brice believes herself unpleasant to look at but incredibly talented. She climbs the ladder of material success and finds the man of her dreams. Through the second act, her marriage falls apart as her wealth overtakes all marital strife which ultimately results in her marriage ending. By the end, Fanny realizes her true beauty, shown by her bright attitude and shining red flapper. This show is truly one to behold with its incredible visual effects, awe inspiring cast, and nuanced plot.

From the backdrops, to the scene transitions, to the lighting effects, Funny Girl exhibited captivating visuals. The scene changes were incredibly clever, incorporating dance and dialogue. Each backdrop was intricately beautiful with little hidden details that brought it to life, such as a pretty landscape out a window or the signage of the train depot. Not to mention, the lights. The lighting effects are a major highlight that reflect every mood and inflection portrayed by the actors. There are certain times that lights show shadowing effects or color coordination with certain themes. For instance, any time money is brought up, the lights shine green. One small downside of the overall effects was the volume during songs. There are certain times when the orchestra or singer, sometimes both, are a little too loud, making the show feel noisy rather than artistic. Other than that, Funny Girl is so sensorily stimulating in the best way.

As with any Broadway show, the cast is expected to be exceptional, and this show exceeds that. There are various times when the cast reveals their prowess like  the captivating and exciting tap dancing numbers, enthralling vocals of Fanny, and the spot-on character portrayal. Every song Fanny sang, the more impressed I was, which really is saying something. To consistently be shocked and inspired from hearing the same person is a feat not many have proven to be successful at, but Katerina McCrimmon playing Fanny pulled it off.

Funny Girl also provides a very interesting plot with notable themes. There are some moments where the show appears misogynistic and generally not accepting of Fanny, but somehow she manages to overcome these ideas. At one point, love interest Nick Arnstein exclaims that if his and Fanny’s marriage “doesn’t happen my way, it doesn’t happen at all.” This line initially strikes an overpowering male chord, but just as soon as he says it, Fanny makes the marriage happen her way. Additionally, Fanny always defies the odds of other people’s ideas of who is beautiful and worthy. As she proves her worth time and time again, she still feels less superior than her other counterparts, but even she changes her own mind by the end of the show. She demonstrates feminism in a quiet way that can only be seen as admirable.

The show Funny Girl is a show of incredible effects, talent, and plot. From its beginning to the end, it remains enthralling to all who watch. Despite its moments of unnecessary loudness and old fashioned dialogue, it truly is a show that will resonate with the audience long after it is over, and I feel all the more lucky having seen it myself. Funny Girl, it’s just too funny.