MUSICAL | 'Funny Girl: The Musical in Concert'
Walking into the concert hall of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, there was a discernible buzz of anticipation in the air. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra were presenting 'Funny Girl: The Musical in Concert' with a stellar cast of Australian divas, including Michala Banas, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Casey Donovan, Virginia Gay, Dami Im’ and Megan Washington. Paired with the musical accompaniment of the SSO, the anticipation was understandable.
The program revealed that there were a total of 12 principle cast members listed for the role of Fanny Brice. Would this be like a musical theatre lottery of sorts? Will there be only one principal cast member for this show, with the remaining listed cast members performing on the other nights?
Our questions were soon answered as all twelve Fanny Brice cast members appeared on stage to rapturous applause. Adding to the already impressive list of Aussie heavyweights were Verity Hunt-Ballard, Maggie McKenna, Zahra Newman, Caroline O’Connor, Queenie van de Zandt, and Trevor Ashley, who each enjoyed their introductory moment in the spotlight, wearing breathtaking gowns by boutique designer Lucy Laurita.
With a cast carefully selected for their prior theatrical, acting and singing experiences, it was exciting to see twelve outstanding performers in their element and under one roof. Fronted by conductor Vanessa Scammell for the SSO, the night was only just ramping up.
Kicking off was the quintessential musical theatre great Caroline O’Connor, who took us on a musical journey through chapters of the life of American stage legend Brice. Clever use of designated stage areas meant that the show worked around the assembled SSO. Minimal staging props meant the focus was on the cast while still allowing the audience to enjoy the sight of the SSO - a refreshing change to the norm, where the music ensemble is secreted away below the stage or behind the stage backdrop.
Portraying a young star struck teenage Brice was Maggie McKenna - a stand-out performer who belted out 'I’m the Greatest Star', and she wasn’t wrong.
Following was one-time Australian Idol contestant Casey Donavon, who blew the audience away with her stage presence and enchantingly strong voice, which was perfectly suited to the soulful 'Cornet Man', accompanied by a dancing ensemble who dazzled with a Bob Fosse-esque tribute.
Michaela Banas performed largely in an acting capacity rather than a singing role, which weaved in a comedic and clever handover from Trevor Ashley who, true to form, wowed in performing 'His Love Makes Me Beautiful'.
Queenie Van De Zant was stunning and surely gave the audience (as well as this reviewer) goosebumps with her sublime rendition of 'People'. It was also thrilling to see genuine glances of joy between SSO musicians throughout the number.
Virginia Gay delivered a refreshing element of truth and relatability in her portrayal as Brice.
Making a special appearance while taking a small hiatus from her role in 'The Book of Mormon' was the supremely talented Zahra Newman. With her a powerful stage presence, Newman captivated the audience attention each time she took the stage.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte brought a stoic dignity to her role, capturing the time in Brice's life when she was balancing success with motherhood and marital struggles.
Dami Im was, as expected, glamorous and empathetic, accurately conveying the sense of struggle and heartbreak that Brice endured for many years.
Of particular note is the sort of musical passing of the relay baton, whereby each scene transitioned seamlessy between Brice actresses.
'Funny Girl: The Musical in Concert' was a violet and blue-hued spectacular that was superbly presented with The SSO.
With The SSO continuing to expand their concert horizons, music lovers are urged to join in the journey. With upcoming shows including 'Disney in Concert: Mary Poppins', the 'Star Wars' and 'Harry Potter' series performed orchestrally by the SSO, there is certainly something for all ages and interests to enjoy.
Visit the Sydney Symphony Orchestra official site HERE.
#JoanneStaarr #joannestaarr #editorbelindapearce #SydneyOperaHouse #SydneySymphonyOrchestra #FunnyGirlTheMusicalinConcert #MichalaBanas #NatalieBassingthwaighte #CaseyDonovan #VirginiaGay #VerityHuntBallard #ZahraNewman #CarolineOConnor #QueenievandeZandt #MeganWashington #TrevorAshley #DamiIm #MaggieMcKenna #VanessaScammell #FunnyGirl #FannyBrice #LucyLaurita #CornetMan #BobFosse #HisLoveMakesMeBeautiful #People #TheBookofMormon
