Christina Bianco Funny Girl (Paris)

I know itll never happen, but this is the kind of performance I would hope to see in a Broadway FUNNY GIRL. She transitions from older to younger to older Fanny in a very plausible and seamless manner. In The Greatest Star Bianco cycles through a range of different characters to hilarious comedic effect. Her quirky antics and small stature service the character very well, but when called upon she is an absolute powerhouse and tears through the room with a ferocious Dont Rain On My Parade, which is set up in an oddly de ja vu/familiar way to Everythings Coming Up Roses (Ive never seen Funny Girl on stage before). Speaking of de ja vu, the whole thing including her hair does have an uncanny feel that I am watching a young Bernadette Peters in her prime attempt the role. However, overall it felt like a celebration of a time when it was more celebrated to be a leading female with quirky antics and unique vocals, rather than the mould of clean, pop belting that has riddled the landscape of leading female roles in the last decade or two.

After a devastating final scene and reprise of Dont Rain On My Parade, all I could do is tear up and wish that this performance could make it to Broadway and win her a Tony. The amazing thing about an unknown is you watch them become a star on stage. If Idina or whoever performs this role, well be winking and nudging during Greatest Star because they already are a star.

As for the show itself, nothing can save this turd of a book ESPECIALLY that awful second act. But it doesnt matter. It is what it is.

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I had posted a video from a French TV show of her performing, just minutes before you posted here. I agree. Christina Bianco would be my choice for "Funny Girl".

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