Philly Audiences Eagerly Await the Dazzling Return of "Funny Girl" on Broadway

The Broadway revival of the beloved musical "Funny Girl" is set to captivate audiences in Philadelphia, making its highly anticipated debut in the City of Brotherly Love. Featuring a talented cast, including a Philadelphia native, the production promises to transport theatergoers on a journey of laughter, heartbreak, and the pursuit of dreams.

Prepare to be Enchanted by the Timeless Tale of Fanny Brice's Rise to Stardom

A Homecoming for a Philly Native

The upcoming performances of "Funny Girl" at the Academy of Music will hold a special significance for one member of the cast – Sean Seamus Thompson, a Philadelphia native who attended Temple University and launched his acting career in the city. Thompson, who is part of the ensemble and serves as an understudy for several major roles, is thrilled to return to the stage where he has witnessed countless shows over the years."I used to live two blocks from the Academy of Music, so it's like going home," Thompson expressed. "Honestly, I've seen a million shows there. I've got a lot of history with the Academy and with the theater community in Philly, obviously. I can't wait to see everybody."

A Fresh Take on a Classic Story

The musical comedy "Funny Girl" is a semi-biographical tale based on the life and career of legendary comedian Fanny Brice, who defied the naysayers and achieved her dreams of becoming a star. The production features a mix of flashy dance scenes, tap numbers, and iconic songs such as "Don't Rain On My Parade," "I'm the Greatest Star," and "People.""A lot of people probably know the movie," Thompson said, referring to the 1968 film adaptation starring Barbra Streisand. "So you can expect the classic story of Fanny Brice and her coming of age story and coming into fame, but with a fresh take and a fresh eye on it. It has a contemporary sort of zing to it."

A Talented Cast Brings the Story to Life

The cast for the Philadelphia shows boasts a talented lineup, including rising star Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice and Grammy Award-winning artist Melissa Manchester as Mrs. Brice. Thompson praised the performances, particularly McCrimmon's rendition of the show-stopping ballad "The Music That Makes Me Dance.""Katerina McCrimmon, who plays Fanny Brice, is truly amazing, and I don't know if I've ever heard a voice like hers," Thompson said. "When she sings 'The Music That Makes Me Dance' at the end of the show, which is a big, old-timey ballad that she's just belting in the rafters, it's really incredible. The applause usually lasts a full minute."

A Homecoming for a Philly Native

For Thompson, the opportunity to perform in his hometown holds a special significance. He grew up in Mayfair and honed his acting and musical theater skills throughout his academic journey, from school plays in first grade to productions at Temple University, where he studied theater and English."I used to live two blocks from the Academy of Music, so it's like going home," Thompson said. "Honestly, I've seen a million shows there. I've got a lot of history with the Academy and with the theater community in Philly, obviously. I can't wait to see everybody."Thompson's professional acting career began in Philadelphia with the Wilma Theater, which recently won a regional theater Tony award, before he made the move to New York City. Now, he's thrilled to return to the stage where he has so many cherished memories."I know it's July in Philly, and everyone's trying to go down the shore, but we're playing. So, come downtown, come to Center City, and see us before you go back down the shore," Thompson encouraged.