In the musical “Funny Girl,” vaudeville legend Fanny Brice lands her first big break after talking her way into an audition for the famed impresario Florenz Ziegfeld. Against all odds, she proves that she is, without a doubt, “the greatest star,” to invoke the lyrics from one of the show’s signature tunes. The original Broadway production in 1964 would set its own star, one Barbra Streisand, on a similar trajectory.
In many ways, out actor Stephen Mark Lukas can relate. Lukas joined the company of the Broadway revival of “Funny Girl” when it opened in March 2022. He understudied leading man Ramin Karimloo, who played Nick Arnstein, Fanny’s husband. Yet for the first year of the show’s run, Lukas spent most of his time waiting in the wings.
“I ended up going on for a weekend last February, around the time when they were casting the national tour,” Lukas told PGN. “It’s an example of being in the right place at the right time in show business. From there, I got the offer to do the tour.”
Since last September, Lukas has been playing Nick in the road company, crossing the country from Hartford to San Francisco. The tour arrives in Philadelphia as part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s 23/24 Broadway Series for a two-week engagement at the Academy of Music beginning July 16.
“It’s a treat to do the role full-time,” Lukas said. “I loved performing as Nick on Broadway opposite Lea Michele and Julie Benko, and now it’s been great to share the stage with our Fanny, Katerina McCrimmon.”
In bringing the show to audiences all over, Lukas observed a similarity with the material from the show. “When you’re touring regionally, you get to see how different audiences respond,” he said. “Physical spaces also change the energy. Our show is set largely in vaudeville theaters. We have been privileged to play many of the Orpheum Circuit theaters where Fanny Brice herself performed. That definitely brings a different energy to the show itself.”
Although “Funny Girl” is considered a classic musical, this revival represents the first major production to reach Broadway since the original debuted. Although many cite the long shadow of Streisand’s performance for this delay, it is clear to Lukas that the material resonates as clearly as ever with the public.
“Doing this revival has been very illuminating to see how the audience responds to the story,” Lukas said. “It’s an emotionally charged story, a classic example of rags-to-riches, and the story of a woman having to contend with the difficulties of her marriage. It’s also the story of a woman who learns how to stand in her power. She is convinced of her own special ability and what she can share with the world. She’s told no over and over again, that she doesn’t look right, but the heart of her story is about embracing her authenticity. That resonates with all types of audiences, especially women.”
The musical doesn’t always portray Nick in the most positive light.
“The character of Nick [in the musical] is very different from how he was in real life,” Lukas said. “People love to say that he gambled away her money, but that never happened. At the heart of the character, there is really a love for Fanny. In some ways their marriage is difficult and unsavory, but it’s informed by the real story. Nick is really the foil that allows Fanny to get where she’s going.”
Lukas is looking forward to performing in Philly for the first time.
“I’ve been here several times,” he said. “It’s a beautiful city, and I’m so excited to be here during the summer. And I’m really excited to play the Academy, which very much fits into the world of our show!”
“Funny Girl” will play as part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s 23/24 Broadway Series for a two-week engagement July 16-28 at the Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ensembleartsphilly.org.