By Jeanni Ritchie

Don’t rain on my parade!

 

I find myself often echoing the sentiment of the famous song from Funny Girl as life throws its arrows. It doesn’t seem to help sometimes.

 

I’ve never tried to belt it out in song like Belle Fine did as Fanny Brice in ASH’s production of the famed musical. A voice that powerful can move mountains!

 

Based on the life and career of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice and featuring her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein, Fine and Mikey Wilson (Nick) lead the talented cast through the show that first premiered in 1964.

 

A Broadway revival in 2022 brought back such favorites as People and Don’t Rain on My Parade, performed flawlessly by Fine. It is obvious why the high school senior was a top recruit for campus theaters across the nation.

 

It is true delight to see the show in our town, and as the first show in the newly refurbished ASH auditorium. Directed by Alana Pate and under the musical direction of Aaron Rogers, Funny Girl is a musical you don’t want to miss!

 

Watch for Who Taught Her Everything She Knows by the talented Evie Thompson and Mary Kate Leddy as they take credit for Fanny’s success, as most parents secretly do. Theater can bring out our deepest feelings in humorous ways.

 

The rousing Henry Street number made me wish I’d also been invited to the saloon to welcome Fanny home.

 

ASH Theater’s Funny Girl opened last night and has just three more performances so don’t miss your opportunity to see the show that took a 60-year hiatus from the stage!

 

Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM in ASH’s auditorium at 800 Ola Street, Alexandria.

 

Tickets may be purchased online at www.ashtheatre.com.

 

Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist who believes all words should be put to music and performed onstage. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.