FANNY BRICE: THE REAL FUNNY GIRL
REVISITED -- A REVIEW

Despite sold out performances of the world premier of “Fanny Brice: The Real Funny Girl” at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre November 10-22, the production had some flaws. It began very slow, but then Marya Grandy began singing. At first, she was stunning, nearly brilliant. Later, there were worrisome moments, but in the end she had the audience laughing, crying and applauding. Then, they told their friends and more came to see what this Fanny Brice musical was all about. The staging was fine, the sets were adequate and the story followed the not so perfect life of Fanny Brice as it really was, as well as the glorious moments during her career on Broadway, in the Ziegfeld follies, film, then television. David Bell wrote this play with music especially for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. For that accomplishment, we feel it had merit and it was enjoyable, except for the parts that were slow moving.. Credit goes to Andrew Kato, artistic director at The Maltz, for having a “risk-taking” approach to this show, for in and unto itself, the production was successful and as Kato said later - this show will have a life of its own at other regional theatres.” The most entertaining and rousing moment in the show was a comedy dance routine with Grandy and Frank Kocyp, who played the role of Florenz Ziegfeld. With a bit of tap, soft shoe and would be ballet attempts, the routine was thoroughly entertaining and sidesplitting. The end result, we feel, is that the original show was another feather in the theatre’s cap for bringing unknown plays and other productions to the local stage and making them successful. That’s what theatre is all about.

ATLANTIC THEATER TO PRODUCE MIXED
ARRAY OF HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Atlantic Theater will present numerous events during the holiday season including two entirely different versions of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” It all begins with a comedy show for the entire family on December 5, followed by the theater’s own production of the Dickens favorite, “A Christmas Carol,” December 11-13. Atlantic producers will move their next show to the Eissey Campus Theater at Palm Beach Community College, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, December 19-20, when “The Mixed Nutcracker” will be produced. In this modern setting of the classic story, instead of getting a nutcracker, Clara receives her first pair of pointe shoes which sets her off on a quest to become the best dancer in New York City. The show includes Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap and traditional ballet. December 18-23, The Atlantic will present The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen Guild Dramatic Society production of “A Christmas Carol.” This unorthodox version of the classic story is off beat and comedic.

The holiday presentations conclude with a New Year’s Eve Joe Comedy Experience. The Jove will offer a fresh alternative to the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be a blend of improvisation, sketch and musical comedy combined with audience participation. Tickets for all the productions may be purchased at The Atlantic Theater, in Jupiter West Plaza, or by calling 575-4942. FREE LECTURE FOR FILM BUFFS TO HIGHLIGHT HITCHCOCK’S “THE 39 STEPS” COMING TO THE MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE A free