BWW Reviews: BroadHollow's FUNNY GIRL at the BayWay

Hello, Gorgeous! I was very happy to see the musical Funny Girl was part of BroadHollow's winter/spring season. A pop culture staple, this is a show theatre enthusiasts should see. BroadHollow's production at their BayWay Theatre runs through March 2nd and continues to their Elmont location starting March 16th.

The story, of course, follows the life of Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice portrayed by the fabulous Long Island theatre vet Kim Dufrenoy. Mrs. Dufrenoy made a great Fanny Brice. In particular, her performances of "People", "My Man", and the iconic "Don't Rain On My Parade" were among the audience favorites. Fanny actually tells the story in flashback highlighting (to use the term loosely) her times with husband Nick Arnstein portrayed by Kim's actual husband, the show's director, and another fantastic Long Island theatre vet, Chris Dufrenoy.

Though very talented, it was the rest of the company had a few awkward moments. Granted it was opening weekend, but it seemed at times there was too much concentration on either what they were doing and/or what was next and it made the performance a little bumpy. The Dufrenoy's had me believing the whole time they were Fanny and Nick, but the rest of the company lost their characters at some points.

Impressive were the scene changes. Many kudos to Bob Butterley for great sets from Fanny's house to the rail road station to Fanny's dressing room, everything looked beautiful. Also on point was the band lead by Musical Director Gerald Kirby. The five person orchestra sounded great as they went through each of the 17 iconic numbers.

BroadHollow's incarnation of Funny Girl is well done and boasts a talented company. Additionally, you simply can't go wrong with the Dufrenoys at the helm. A great show, wonderful cast, and the spacious BayWay Theatre make for a wonderful evening of theatre.

Funny Girl is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company at the BayWay Theatre through March 2nd continuing to their Elmont location on March 16th. Book by Isobel Lennart, Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Bob Merrill, Directed by Chris Dufrenoy, Musical Direction by Gerald Kirby, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Lighting Design by Meghan Santelli, Costume Design by Jason Allyn, Choreography by David Hoffman, Stage Manager is Matt Rosenberg.

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