Broadway talent shines in WVPT's 'Funny Girl'

The West Virginia Public Theatre pulled off another brilliant production last week.

July 10 marked the opening night of the WVPT's performance of "Funny Girl," the famous tale of Zeigfeld Follies star Fanny Brice.

Just like the 1968 film starring Barbara Streisand, the stage production of "Funny Girl" began in Brice's dressing room as she awaits the arrival of her husband Nick Arnstein, who has served an 18 month prison sentence.

Through flashbacks, the story of Brice's rise to fame unfolds. Brice (Jodie Langel) effortlessly transforms into the awkward but lively teenager she once was.

As Langel belts her first solo "I'm the Greatest Star," she grabs the attention of the audience and keeps it throughout her entire performance.

Mrs. Brice is expertly portrayed by Lenora Nemetz. She is simply perfect as Fanny's aggravating nag of a mother. In songs like "If A Girl Isn't Pretty," "Poker Chant" and "Who Taught Her Everything?" Nemetz inflects her shrill tone and accent into every hilarious note.

Though the ensemble of "Funny Girl" gave outstanding performances, Karl duHoffman (Eddie Ryan) and John Antony (Nick Arnstein) were slightly disappointing. While, duHoffman's weak vocals were buried repeatedly, Antony lacked the slick, Casanova quality of Arnstein's character. However, Antony and Langel had fantastic chemistry in their scenes.

Just as the lyrics and music of "Funny Girl" command, Langel keeps the focus on her and her alone. Langel's passionate and arresting performances of the play's most famous numbers "People," "Don't Rain On My Parade" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance" were truly beautiful to behold.

In addition to unbelievably impressive vocal skills, Langel's portrayal of Brice never missed a beat. From a spontaneous young girl to a spirited woman and finally to a strong and seasoned stage professional, Langel gave one of the best theatrical performances West Virginia has seen.

After the show, Langel graciously stopped to answer a few questions.

According to Langel, this was her first visit to West Virginia.

"It's great," Langel said. "The beautiful, rolling hills and everyone is so nice, especially the Applebees waiters," she laughed.

According to Langel, the mountain state is a far cry different from New York.

"At Starbucks in New York they're just like 'What do you want,'" Langel said. "But here it's like 'Hi! Welcome to Starbucks!'"

At first it seemed impossible that this down-to-earth, charming young woman was the same one that just gave a performance worthy of a haughty Broadway diva.

Before she was whisked away for photos, Langel revealed that her favorite "Funny Girl" number is "People."

"I love the dialogue of it and where it's placed in the show," Langel said.

From making her Broadway debut as Cosette in "Les Miserables" to playing Grizabella in "Cats" to singing solo for former President Bill Clinton and publishing her book "Making It On Broadway," Langel continues to lead a fantastic career.

Hopefully this astounding talent will someday return to the West Virginia stage.