Diablo Theatre Co. Presents FUNNY GIRL In Concert August 27-29

As a summer extra, the Diablo Theatre Company will present a semi-staged concert version of " Funny Girl," the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy that starred Barbra Sreisand and introduced a score that includes the standards "People" and "Don't Rain On My Parade," for four performances beginning August 27.

The show will be presented in the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek at 8 p.m. on August 27, 28, and 29 and 2 p.m. on August 29. Tickets ($21-$44) are on sale at the center (925) 943-7469, www.lesherartscenter.org. More information is available at www.dloc.org.

Performers from throughout the East Bay will join the Diablo Theatre Company (formerly DLOC, Diablo Light Opera Company) orchestra on stage for "Funny Girl." The musical is a semi-biographical story based on the adventurous life of the celebrated comedienne Fanny Brice, the famed star of vaudeville, Broadway, films and radio.

Two actors will play the role of Fanny. Chelsea Nenni, who has performed with the Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre, 42nd Street Moon, and Festival Opera, will appear as Fanny in her younger years.

Jessica Fisher will play the more mature Fanny. She has performed with the Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Alameda Civic Light Opera, and San Francisco's Beach Blanket Babylon.

Samantha Samuels, whose career includes singing engagements in popular cabarets across the country and internationally, will portray Brice's mother.

Peter Budinger will play the role of Nick Arnstein, Fanny's husband. He has appeared in productions at 42nd Street Moon and Masquers Playhouse.

Eric Neiman, who has performed with the Diablo Theatre Company in such shows as "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "The King and I," and "BIG," is making his directorial debut with the company in "Funny Girl." Cheryl Yee Glass, the company's resident music director, will conduct an 18-piece orchestra on stage.

Other songs in the show include "I'm the Greatest Star," "The Music That Makes Me Dance," "Who Are You now?" and "You Are Woman, I Am Man."

Following 1,348 performances on Broadway, " Funny Girl" was made into a movie that also starred Streisand. It earned her an Oscar.

"Funny Girl" is another in a "classics in concert" series presented by the Diablo Theatre Company. Last year the company presented "Brigadoon" to sold-out audiences.

Diablo Theatre Company's next major production is Leonard Bernstein's "On The Town," opening September 11 at the Lesher Center for 13 performances.

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