FUNNY, FANTASTIC

By Martin Neville - Friday, May 2, 2008

Front, Amanda Barnley as Fanny Brice and Antony Moore as Nick Arnstein. Picture by JENNIFER BURTON.

STAGE REVIEW
CURTAIN Up Amateur Dramatic Society pulled out all the stops to put on a memorable night of songs, colour and dance.
A cast of around 30 performers starred in the musical Funny Girl, which told the moving love story of Fanny Brice and her rise to fame on Broadway.
The musical, made famous through the film version, which featured Barbra Streisand, was set in and around New York City just before and after the First World War, with Fanny shown as a stage-struck teenager.
The semi-biographical plot charted her career and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein.
Stepping into the shoes of Fanny was award-winning actress Amanda Barnley, who rose to the challenge of an extremely demanding role.
Her version of perhaps the musical’s best-known song, Don’t Rain On My Parade, was a triumph and showcased her powerful voice.
Special mention must also go to Anthony Moore, who was a joy to watch as the sophisticated Arnstein.
The show, directed by Mary Harvey, featured a talented cast in fine voice, who brought the razzmatazz of showbusiness to Freshwater Memorial Hall, with excellent musical accompaniment throughout.
With around 16 musical numbers, audiences were treated to an evening’s entertainment, which made a fitting tribute to actress, entertainer, scriptwriter and director Ann Denby, chairman of the society since 1995, who died in March.
The society’s next production is to be a light-hearted play, Sandcastles, by Bob and Trish Larby, at Totland Church Hall, on October 30, 31 and November 1.

FUNNY, FANTASTIC

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