Funny Girl coming soon to Greenville's Peace Center. Hear from the star of the show.
In a mesh of comedy and theatre dressed up as a musical, the North American tour leg of Funny Girl will arrive to Greenville's Peace Center for eight shows from Oct. 31 through Nov. 5.
Tickets are available between $50 - $109 and can be found on the Peace Center website or at the theatre's box office.
The 30-city tour began on Sept. 9 and features protagonist Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice in her ascension to Broadway stardom. The original 1964 Funny Girl musical score written by Jule Styne was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is also responsible for the emergence of Barbara Streisand, who starred in the first Broadway musical.
The 2023 adaptation headed for Greenville will host the musical that combines a story of artistic passion, love and a girl destined for bright lights, as she is accompanied by principal actor, and best friend to Fanny Brice, Izaiah Montaque Harris who plays the role of Eddie Ryan.
"Excitement is through the roof. This show is the most exciting thing I have ever done in my life," said Harris, the Chicago-born tap dancer and actor. "Everyone is getting better and better with every show. We're excited to get to show Greenville.
In this theatre, Harris' Jacob's Pillow tapdancing prowess is on full display as traditional musicals hardly highlight tap dance, yet are fit for the calling in his role as Eddie Ryan.
Here are a few tidbits and what to expect from Funny Girl, and Harris' outlook on the upcoming show in Greenville:
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Get to know Izaiah Montaque Harris, who plays Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl
Q: What is your theatre background and how did you get involved in the theatre industry?
A: I grew up in Chicago and moved to New York two years ago after graduating from Columbia College in Chicago. I was determined to make it work, even if I had to work at a movie theatre, I just wanted to do it. Jason Samuels Smith connected me with the team putting on Midsummer Night's Dream and I've been hard at work since.
Q: Who is Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl the musical, and how do you connect to this character?
A: He is Fanny Brice's best friend, a person that sees her as a star in the world of entertainment. He gives her that belief. Eddie Ryan serves as a choreographer for Fanny, and as she auditions for shows throughout, they both rise to stardom, together. Eddie Ryan has his own talent, which is tap dance, an art he has practiced since childhood, and that resonates directly with who I am as a person and artist.
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Q: What are you looking forward to the most about venturing around Greenville?
A: I'm interested in finding great places to eat while in Greenville. While in Detroit, I fell in love with Joe Louis Southern Kitchen and in Memphis, I couldn't get enough of the Garden Brunch Cafe.
Q: What is Funny Girl about, and why should people see this specific musical?
A: This show is about the belief in oneself and how falling in love can affect your career and vice versa. Also, with so many characters (archetypes), you can see the diversity and amazing talent we have in this show. The acting is truthful and for anyone who loves a good story and good talent, it's one of the most relatable musicals I've ever done.
– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Funny Girl coming soon to Greenville's Peace Center. What to know.
