Last week, “Funny Girl” lit up the Ahmanson stage with a stunning blend of talent and nostalgia. Katerina McCrimmon’s portrayal of Fanny Brice is a tour de force, her powerful voice resonating with passion and humor, imbuing the character with remarkable depth and authenticity. Her interpretation offers a refreshing departure from previous renditions, arguably delving closer to the essence of the real Fanny Brice than even Streisand’s, and marked a victory over others that have been brutally panned recently.

The narrative unfolds with Fanny’s determined ascent in show business, defying conventional beauty standards with her famous quote, “a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls.” Yet, through her persistence and talent, she climbs the ranks of vaudeville, buoyed by characters like the enamored tap-dancer Eddie Ryan (Izaiah Montaque Harris) and catching the eye of impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (Walter Coppage). Fanny’s tumultuous romance with the suave gambler, Nick Arnstein (Stephen Mark Lucas), forms the emotional core of the narrative, marked by highs and lows, climaxing in his arrest and imprisonment. However, Fanny remains unwavering in her dedication to her career, never sacrificing her sense of humor, showcasing her resilience, and cementing her status as a comedic icon.

McCrimmon’s portrayal of Fanny Brice is a tour de force…arguably delving closer to the essence of the real Fanny Brice than even Streisand’s, and marked a victory over others that have been brutally panned recently.

Despite our familiarity with Streisand’s iconic interpretations (and for some even Diana Ross’), McCrimmon’s retain an original and captivating quality, allowing the audience to forget those other legendary voices — no small achievement. From the poignant “The Music That Makes Me Dance” to the iconic “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” her performance garnered thunderous applause, not just for her singing but also for her impeccable comedic timing, which had the audience “doubled in half.”

Lukas’s portrayal skillfully captures the allure of the risk-taking, handsome husband, avoiding clichés and enhancing the poignancy of their doomed relationship. Grammy Award-winner Melissa Manchester’s portrayal of Mrs. Brice adds a delightful charm and authenticity, paying homage to the archetype of the Jewish mother who provides unwavering support and lives vicariously through her daughter. The ensemble cast, including characters like her card-playing girlfriends, Mrs. Strakosh (Eileen T’Kaye) and Meeker (Cindy Chang), infuse the show with humor and warmth, evoking the vibrant atmosphere of Brooklyn’s tight-knit community.

The opulent set design by David Zinn and vibrant costumes by Susan Hilferty transport the audience to the glamorous era of the Ziegfeld Follies, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. Under the direction of Michael Mayer, this touring production of the 2022 Broadway revival enriches the vibrant theater scene of Los Angeles, captivating aficionados of theater and pop music alike. And with McCrimmon’s stellar performance, it’s evident that LA has triumphed over Broadway in this rendition of “Funny Girl.”

— Victor Riobo

“Funny Girl” runs through April 28th at the Ahmanson Theatre. For more information, please check out: www.centertheatregroup.org