PROVIDENCE – Providence College’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Film presents the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Funny Girl, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill, based on the book by Isobel Lennart.
Funny Girl is directed by Professor Mary G. Farrell and choreographed by guest artist and Providence College alumna Sandra Colavolpe. Musical direction is by David Harper, coordinator of Vocal Studies at Providence College.
In Funny Girl, vaudeville performer Fanny Brice tells her life in flashback, beginning when she was an awkward but aspiring teenager struggling to find work. She eventually lands her first role, and then quickly moves on to become a comedic star with celebrity status. But her private life takes a more sober turn as her handsome lover, and later husband, involves her in his less-than-successful business ventures, and Fanny must choose between the man she loves and her livelihood on the stage. Funny Girl was nominated for 8 Tony Awards in 1964, and when made into a film four years later, it garnered eight Academy Award nominations as well. Notable songs include “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “People,” and “You are Woman.”
Scenic design is by guest artist Michael Micucci, whose most recent work for Providence College was this fall’s Noises Off. Costumes are designed by resident artist David Costa-Cabral, associate professor in the Department of Theatre, Dance and Film. Lighting design is by guest artist Katherine C. Abernathy, whose work was seen in Agnes of God in the Angell Blackfriars Theatre. Funny Girl will open with three performances on the weekend of April 4 and follow with three performances on the next weekend, April 11.
The box office for Smith Center is located at the main entrance, and is now open for ticket sales Monday-Friday, 1:30-5:00 p.m., and one hour prior to performances. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone with a credit card by calling 401-865-2218. Ticket prices are $11, $8 (senior citizen) and $5 (student).
For more information concerning the Department of Theatre, Dance and Film season, call 401-865-2218 or visit the website at www.providence.edu/theatre.
