‘Funny Girl’ on Broadway: Everything You Need To Know

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Set your sights on the charismatic wonder of Funny Girl on Broadway! The iconic 1964 musical is making its way back to the Broadway stage after almost 60 years. Here is everything we know about Funny Girl, now on Broadway. 

What is Funny Girl about? 

Funny Girl is a semi-autobiographical story on the life of Broadway star Fanny Brice and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. The show is set in New York City before and after World War I, as Fanny reflects on her life with Nick, which is told in a series of flashbacks. 

Ray Stark, Fanny Brice’s son-in-law, produced the 1964 musical. It starred Barbra Streisand as Fanny, Sydney Chaplin as Nicky, Kay Medford as Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Danny Meehan as vaudeville dancer Eddie Ryan. The show was nominated for 8 Tony Awards and the soundtrack was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

Barbra Streisand went on to star in the movie musical adaptation in 1968 with Omar Sharif. William Wyler directed the film. In 1975, Barbra once again played Fanny Brice in a sequel to the called Funny Lady. This movie followed a fictionalized account of Fanny in her later years of life and her marriage to songwriter Billy Rose (played by James Caan).

Funny Girl has performed on National Tours, the West End, and Australia. This is the second time the musical has been on the Broadway stage since 1968.   

Who is starring in Funny Girl on Broadway?

Reports surfaced in August 2021 that Booksmart and Impeachment: American Crime Story star Beanie Feldstein will be playing Fanny Brice.

In a statement released by The New York Times, Beanie shared her gratitude and excitement for this opportunity.

“The first time I played Fanny Brice was at my third birthday party, in a head-to-toe leopard print outfit my mom made for me. So, it’s safe to say that stepping into this iconic role, on Broadway and not in my family’s backyard, is truly my lifelong dream come true.”

Ramin Karimloo is currently playing the role of Nicky Arnstein. The Broadway and West End actor has starred as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, and Bolshevik General Gleb Vaganov in Anastasia, among others.

“He is one of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with,” Beanie Feldstein says to The Washington Post about Ramin. “This is a story of a real marriage. There’s a real trust and connection that we have to build. Then you have to meet him — and any thought or anxiety melts.”

The Iran-born Canada-raised actor channels authenticity when performing as gambler Nicky Arnstein. “I think he certainly loves Fanny,” Ramin says about the relationship between Fanny and Nicky. “She’s his true love. She’s everything he doesn’t have in life. His facade is there, but she can be his foundation.”

Jane Lynch and Jared Grimes are also a part of the Funny Girl cast. Jane is playing Mrs. Brice while Jared is playing the role of Eddie Ryan.

Michael Mayer is directing the revival with a revised script by Broadway star Harvey Fierstein.

Fans react to the Funny Girl on Broadway revival 

When news dropped about the casting for the revival, fans had plenty of opinions to share. Many expressed their love for Beanie Feldstein and their anticipation of seeing her step into the iconic role of Fanny Brice.

Several social media users shared their support for Jane Lynch joining the cast too. The actress is most known for her role as the conniving and hilarious Sue Sylvester on Glee.

Fans also voiced their excitement for Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes.

When to see Funny Girl on Broadway

Funny Girl is currently in previews at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City; the show will officially open on April 24, 2022. 

Don’t rain on the parade and find tickets to see Funny Girl on Broadway today!

‘Funny Girl’ on Broadway: Everything You Need To Know