Segal Centre Opens its 2015-16 Theatre Season with FUNNY GIRL

The Segal Centre opens its 2015-16 Theatre Season with FUNNY GIRL, a celebrated musical about the public triumphs and private struggles of 1920's stage star, Fanny Brice. Powerhouse performer Gabi Epstein steps into the role of Fanny Brice, joined by a stellar 18-person cast. Featuring sensational production numbers, including the show-stopping songs "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade," this wonderfully extravagant yet intimate story is brought to life on the Segal stage, from October 11 - November 1, by visionary director Peter Hinton. Funny Girl is presented with the generous support of Delmar and Muse Entertainment.

FUNNY GIRL dives into the dazzling world of showbiz and offers up the gripping rags-to-riches story of reallife stage sensation, Fanny Brice. Set in and around New York City, before and after WWI, and celebrating a woman who flouted Broadway's beauty standards with spunk, subversive wit, and irrepressible pizzazz, FUNNY GIRL also probes the darker sides of fame, examining the sacrifices we make for success and the sometimes self-destructive lure of romance. Though the original 1964 stage production and subsequent 1968 film propelled Barbra Streisand to instant stardom, the musical that commemorates the history and glamour of the Ziegfeld Follies is rarely revived. The Segal Centre's revisionist revival, from the thrilling imagination of Director Peter Hinton, will revel in all that was lovely and lavish about Broadway and vaudeville's finest hour, but also explore the complexities of the performer's soul and the costs we all incur for being "people who need people."

Peter Hinton directs an 18-member cast, featuring Gabi Epstein, Corrine Koslo, John Ullyatt, Lorne Kennedy & Kyle Golemba. Eric Abel, Chris Barillaro, Jenni Burke, Michael Challenger, Nicko Giannakos, Alexia Gourd, Will Lamond, Danette MacKay, Adele MacKenzie, George Masswohl, Kathleen McAuliffe, Felicia Shulman, Amanda Struthman round off this dream cast. The creative team includes Allen Cole (Musical Direction), Nick Burgess (Associate Musical Director) Dayna Tekatch (Choreography), Michael Gianfrancesco (Set & Costumes), Bonnie Beecher (Lighting), and Peter Balov (Sound). Artistic Director of the Segal Centre, Lisa Rubin, says, "50 years after its original production we are ecstatic to bring this legendary musical to our stage. Audiences will get a glimpse into the world of Fanny Brice like they've never seen before. We are thrilled to welcome this incredible creative team and cast, and especially Gabi Epstein whose voice had me nearly fall off my chair at her audition. With an extraordinary creative team, an all-star Canadian cast, and with Peter Hinton at its helm, the reimagining of this classic tailored to fit the Segal stage will surprise, delight and move audiences of all ages."

Performances begin October 11th and run through November 1st. Tickets range from $32 - $64and can be purchased by calling 514.739.7944 or online at www.segalcentre.org.

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