Review: MISS FANCY Makes History

I have looked forward to seeing MISS FANCY for almost a year. As I said in my interview with playwright and director Daniel Martin, I feel a strong connection to this story. All of us in Birmingham should feel a connection to MISS FANCY. She is the mascot for several businesses in the area and she is a part of our history and our folklore.

Being a research nerd, I was at first amazed at the amount of research I am sure went into the writing of this historical account. And although I was captivated by the stories and facts shared during this production, I was more enthralled by the emotions of the one woman show.

Brittney Michelle Williams, who portrays MISS FANCY, is the star of this musical, one woman show unlike any other. She does an amazing job of keeping the pace up, weaving a tale that is not only funny but heartbreaking.

Singing songs of the era along with storytelling, (World War I until the depression) Ms. Williams does a great job of sharing the touching story of an elephant who gets torn from its mother, abused, sold, loved, celebrated, reviled and sold again.

Accompanied by the incomparable Flannery Miles, the music Martin chose fits the show perfectly and helps to amp up the feelings.

Daniel Martin did an impressive job of conceiving and writing the story, but Ms. Williams also deserves kudos for telling this story so movingly. At the end of the show, as I tried to wipe up the tears, I thought it was just me because of all I have been through lately. I felt rather conspicuous. Then I heard the ladies behind me sniffle. I looked around and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Now don't get me wrong- I laughed a lot, enjoyed the music and was engrossed in the storytelling, but in the end, the sadness in Ms. Williams voice as she sang "We'll Meet Again" brings the show to an overwhelming end.

My only criticism would be that with all of the lovely lighting throughout the show, we lost Ms. Williams in the dark when she sang her final song while shaking hands with the people in the front row. I could hear her sadness, but wish I could have seen her better.

I know there are big shows going on around town right now, but I would like to ask you to give a smaller theatre that is producing original works a shot. It may not be as flashy, but if you want good storytelling, meaningful content and an emotional night of theatre, Theatre Downtown and the lovely MISS FANCY is the ticket!

Go to www.theatredowntown.org or call 205-565-8838 for more information and tickets. MISS FANCY runs from September 15- October 1.

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