Maggie McKenna to play a young Fanny Brice in upcoming musical
MAGGIE McKenna was still 30 years from being born when Barbra Streisand won an Oscar for playing Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. So it’s only fitting she will play a young Brice in the upcoming musical.
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MAGGIE McKenna was still 30 years from being born when Barbra Streisand won an Oscar for playing Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
But when the rising stage star’s mum — Kath & Kim’s Gina Riley — made her watch it as a young girl, it left a lasting impression.
“I just remember watching Barbra Streisand and thinking she’s so funny but she’s so authentic,” she said.
“I aspired to be her, she doesn’t fit the status quo of what a leading lady is and I love that.”
It’s only fitting then that McKenna, 21, will play a young Brice in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Funny Girl — The Musical in Concert at the Opera House later this month.
The Muriel’s Wedding The Musical star will join 10 other leading ladies, Natalie Bassingthwaighte among them, as they perform the familiar songs from the Hollywood classic to mark its 50th anniversary.
Bassingthwaite was also a big fan of the original movie and would sing Don’t Rain On My Parade at all of her early auditions.
“To relive that moment in such a glorious place like the Opera House … it’s a bit of a dream come true really, one of those pinch me moments,” she said.