This December, Kansas City theatergoers are in for a real treat! The beloved musical “Funny Girl” is making its way to the Music Hall, and it’s bringing local acting legend Walter Coppage along for the ride. From December 3 to December 8, audiences will have the chance to experience the magic of Fanny Brice, the vibrant star who captured hearts on and off the stage.
“Funny Girl” is loosely based on the life of the iconic Fanny Brice, who rose to fame with the famous Ziegfeld Follies. If you’re a fan of showbiz classics, you’ll definitely recognize some of the show’s standout tunes like “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” It’s a musical that promises laughter, heart, and maybe even a few happy tears!
Walter Coppage, known for his fantastic performances in regional theater productions, takes on the role of legendary Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld. This opportunity has been a dream come true for him, especially since he’s part of the very first national tour of the show. After kicking off the tour in September 2023, what’s a no-brainer for Coppage was when the chance came for the tour to stop in his hometown.
“I was really hoping that the show would come through,” Coppage expressed with excitement. “It’s a great show, and I’d really like to show it off to KC. So, yeah, very excited.” He’s committed to this amazing role until mid-April 2025, leading to a whopping 19 months on the road!
Being on the tour sounds thrilling, but it can also be quite demanding. Coppage typically juggles eight shows in six days, and after each run, the cast hops on a bus to head to the next city—often leaving little time to recharge. He candidly shared, “This tour life and hotel living is fine, you know. But, boy, I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and having a home-cooked meal.” Doesn’t everyone love the comforts of home?
Walter is not just focusing on performing; he’s also been compiling a list of must-visit spots for his fellow cast and crew members. He’s particularly excited about sharing the local flavor of Kansas City with them, starting with Jack Stack’s BBQ. “Monday night I already have reservations for a bunch of the crew. There are a couple of them that have been there before, and others who have not experienced Kansas City barbecue. So we thought we’d start them off. That way they can experience barbecue every night if they want,” he laughed.
If you’re eager to see “Funny Girl,” the show opens at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3. Here’s a quick rundown of the schedule:
Standard tickets range from $40 to $100, but savvy fans can find verified resale tickets for less through Ticketmaster—so keep an eye out for deals!
Heading to the Music Hall? No need to stress about parking! The Municipal Auditorium Plaza Parking Garage at 201 W. 13th St. connects right to the venue, making it super convenient. There are also surface lots nearby for those preferring different options. Just a heads up—the Barney Allis Plaza Garage is currently closed for construction.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to see Walter Coppage as he shines in “Funny Girl.” It’s bound to be a delightful night filled with fantastic performances and heartwarming music that celebrates one of Broadway’s greatest stars!
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