Nashville's FUNNY Fannys: Sondra Morton of Keeping Scores' FUNNY GIRL

 

In the upcoming Keeping Scores' concert version of Funny Girl, set for April 29-May 1 at Boiler Room Theatre, director Scott Logsdon has cast 12 different, yet very funny and somehow uniquely qualified actresses to take on the iconic role of Fanny Brice. First brought to national, then international, acclaim by the legendary Barbra Streisand, the role of Fanny Brice is a coveted role among musical theater performers. Offstage things seem to be going all "Kumbaya" - despite our best efforts to dig up some dirt. Let's face it, you gather all these divas together and there's got to be some turmoil backstage. Right? Today's Fanny kinda scares me, to be honest, and I just want to say right here and now that if I turn up missing after this interview comes to light, check the trunk of Sondra Morton's car. She'll be the brains behind my disappearance (she scares me). Because 

of all that, of course, Sondra is my favorite FUNNY Fanny. Yep, that's exactly what she is... my favorite...scout's honor. Read on...

Where the hell did you come from? I mean, what is your hometown? Born in Lakenheath, England; Lived all over God's Green Earth, and currently in Franklin, Tennessee.

You know, you can answer in complete sentences if you'd like. What song do you sing in Funny Girl in Concert? "Don't Rain On My Parade."

What are your three favorite Nashville stage roles? And please elaborate. Reverend Mother in Nunsense and Nuncrackers; Rita La Porta in Lucky Stiff; and Chick in Crimes of the Heart.

Okay, don't want you to tax yourself too much, Ms. Morton. Who is your comic heroine in film, tv, theater? Sandra Bullock!

Who's your favorite Fanny you're sharing the stage with? And, please, try to scare up some scandal for me. Hmm...not a fair question. I like them all so much! I love watching Bonnie Keen! But Bakari King [Nicky Arnstein] has a nice fanny...does he count?

We'll take it; what's the funniest thing you've ever done? Well, there's a story that once...many years ago, (before I was wizened by the years) that I may have been performing at a Sunday matinee during one of the BRT's Mimosa Sundays. I may have also had too many mimosas. Right before my big solo monologue and number, I turn around to step on the platform to get to my chair and there I went...ass over face into the fireplace while wearing a habit. Talk about a showstopping moment. Everyone was in a fit of hysterics while I (with the help of Daron Bruce) fixed my habit and regained composure. Let's just say: no more Mimosa Sundays for me.

Now that's the kind of story I'm looking for, toots: What's your favorite funny movie? Connie and Carla or Muriel's Wedding.

Really? I love Muriel's Wedding, maybe we're getting somewhere with this interview. What's your favorite funny TV show - and if you say Friends, I swear to God I'll throw up a little bit in the back of mouth? Friends! (or Jerseylicious)

I think you said that on purpose. What's your favorite funny play or musical (if you pick Avenue Q, I'll know y'all must all be drinking grape Kool-Aid at rehearsals?) Avenue Q or When Pigs Fly.

Thank you very much. See you on opening night and try not to suck very much. Thanks Jef! I will try to control my facial expressions, too!

- Funny Girl in Concert. Music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill. Book by Isobel Lennart. Directed by Scott Logsdon. Musical direction by Jamey Green. Choreographed by Laurie Gregoire. Presented by Keeping Scores Concerts at Boiler Room Theatre, Franklin. For reservations, call the box office at (615) 794-7744.

photos by Rick Malkin

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