DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Nothing against the orchestra, but it occupies the entire center rear of the Dayton Playhouse stage for "Funny Girl," which opened Friday, May 2.

This is Fanny Brice's show. In this particular case, it's Becky Barrett-Jones' show. She plays Fanny and does so very well.

Director and set designer Chris Harmon, who has mounted a faithful staging of the 1964 musical by Jule Styne, Bob Merrill and Isobel Lenart, could have done worse than give her the entire stage.

That would have deprived us of Jason Collins as Eddie Ryan, Renee Franck-Reed as Mrs. Brice, a lively ensemble including Jennifer Rismiller and Jennifer Wilson, tenor Matt Drozd, Roger Watson as Ziegfeld and Matt Curry as Renaldi. It might also have livened the deliberate pacing.

Things never slow to a crawl with a leading lady who holds attention with voice ("People," "Don't Rain on My Parade") and characterization as a comedian and vaudeville star born to the stage and sure of it.

"Funny Girl" sort of follows her career, but the main story line — spasmodic and less than convincing — has to do with her romance and marriage to gambler and speculator Nick Arnstein (Alex Brundrett). He'd be a fool not to fall for her.

"Funny Girl" will continue through May 18 at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $16 for adults. Call (937) 424-8477.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or

tmorris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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