First-ever tour of this Broadway musical brings beloved Kansas City actor back home
Fanny Brice is coming to Kansas City, and she’s bringing local acting legend Walter Coppage with her.
Brice, of course, is the heart and soul of the musical “Funny Girl,” which will play Dec. 3-8 at the Music Hall as part of the PNC Broadway in Kansas City’s 2024-25 season. Coppage plays legendary Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld in the first-ever national tour of the Broadway show.
The tour began in September 2023, and Coppage had signed on for a yearlong leg. The second leg includes a stop in Kansas City, so his decision to remain with the tour was a no-brainer.
“I was really hoping that the show would come through,” he said. “It’s a great show, and I’d really like to show it off to KC. So, yeah, very excited.”
Coppage is committed to “Funny Girl” through mid-April 2025, which will mark 19 months on the road. The cast occasionally gets a week off, but he has been away from his Kansas City home for as long as 16 weeks in a stretch.
The schedule typically includes doing eight shows in six days, Tuesday through Sunday, in one city, then traveling to a new city on Monday and doing it all over again.
“This tour life and hotel living is fine, you know,” Coppage said. “But, boy, I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and having a home-cooked meal. It’s the comforts of home. When you’re on the road this long, oh, those things are so sweet.”
He has begun compiling a list of recommendations for other members of the cast and crew of places to go and things to do while in Kansas City.
“Monday night I already have reservations for a bunch of the crew at Jack Stack’s,” Coppage said. “There’s 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.”
“Funny Girl” is loosely based on the real-life Brice, who became a sensation with the Ziegfeld Follies. Like the famous movie starring Barbra Streisand, the Broadway revival features the songs “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and “People.”
Coppage, known for his roles in the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” and countless other local productions, had never appeared in a musical before this one. As Ziegfeld, he doesn’t sing or dance, however.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan to go see the play.
When and where will ‘Funny Girl’ run?
The show will open at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. Other show times at the 2,363-seat Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-6, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8.
How much does it cost?
Standard tickets range from $40 to $100, although verified resale tickets are available for less through Ticketmaster.
Where can I park?
The Municipal Auditorium Plaza Parking Garage at 201 W. 13th St., with entrances on Wyandotte and Central streets, connects to the Music Hall and other Convention Center facilities. Surface lots nearby also are available. The Barney Allis Plaza Garage is closed for construction.
Where can I get more information?
