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What Funny Girl’s Izaiah Harris Hopes the Audience Will Experience as Show Runs in Spokane

Incredible tap dancer and performer, Izaiah Montaque Harris, is in Spokane as Eddie Ryan in the Broadway musical “Funny Girl” running now through Oct. 6. at the First Interstate Center for the Arts. Harris plays friend and supporter of lead role Fanny Brice, a performer turned comedy star in the show. “This production of ‘Funny Girl' was an undeniable treat for both die-hard theatergoers and newcomers alike,” Trending Northwest's founder, Erin Peterson, said of the show after attending on opening night.

And it isn't too late to purchase tickets, but hurry, they are selling out fast!

I caught up with Harris last week as he was wrapping up the show in Seattle. We chatted about how he landed the role and what he feels is next for him.

Funny Girl the Musical Broadway Spokane

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What & Who Inspired Harris Along the Way

Harris, known for his incredible tap dance skills, started dancing when he was just 5-years-old. His mother, Florence, was his first instructor. “She really pushed me,” Harris recounted. He got into singing and acting alongside tap growing up in Chicago, and wanted to continue to develop skill in all three, though he gravitated towards tap.

Harris attended Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts). He moved to New York in 2021 shortly after the peak of the pandemic where he says there is a “resurgence of tap.” Harris auditioned for “Funny Girl” but didn't get a callback for three months. “I was just living my life. I didn't expect to get a callback at that point.” Well, he did. Harris was performing in Ayodele's New York City Center show “Artists at the Center” when he received the news.

Funny Girl's Izaiah Montaque Harris

Harris told me he was inspired by musicals “The Sound of Music” and “Rent” early on in life. As he grew, he loved the hit-show “Who's Line is it Anyway?” and the impromptu nature of performing. Harris is also a huge fan of Michael Bublé, who he said he hopes to meet one day. “And if I do, I hope he's kind. That's the impression I want to leave when people meet me,” Harris shared.

It's Not About What You do, But Who You Are

Harris has performed in close to 400 shows of “Funny Girl” since landing the role. When asked how he connects to his role as Eddie James, Harris shared that it's easy, since he is already a supporter of people and their dreams and dedicated to the success and wellbeing of those around him.

Eddie James is no different than Izaiah Harris in that they both hope to be the thing that inspires those around them to be exactly who they were meant to be. When I asked Harris what's next after “Funny Girl,” he said he's, “just continuing to be the best version of myself, and to keep getting better.”

So there really is no “arriving,” according to Harris. Though grateful and blown away by the opportunity he's been given, he feels that it, and any other that may come his way, are not the end game. “There is always room to improve,” Harris says, in both skill and personal development.

As for how it feels to be on stage, Harris shared that he's thinking of the audience. He hopes that their experience is much more than watching a good performance, that the heart behind each performer is revealed. Harris hopes that those sitting in the audience will be inspired by more than what he's doing, but by what they see they can become, too.

I checked back in with Harris after his first two shows in our city. He said “the whole aura of Spokane is so heartwarming and memorable,” and that “it feels like a home away from home.”

Craft Hair Studio Spokane

More About ‘Funny Girl'

Some of Harris' recent achievements and career highlights include being one of NY City Center’s Artists at the Center (as mentioned) and alumni of Jacob's Pillow. He's performed in “Riverdance,” “The Tap Dance Kid,” “After Midnight,” now “Funny Girl” and more. Harris won a BTA Award for Outstanding Actor and a Jeff Award for Best Ensemble and is a member of MADD Rhythms. You can follow him on Instagram @ _izaiahharris.

According to New York's Theatre Guide, “Funny Girl is based on the true life story of Fanny Brice, a showgirl in Florenz Ziegfeld's Ziegfeld Follies revue.” The musical opens at the peak of her fame. Through a series of flashbacks, Fanny recounts her life up until the moment, how she settled into comedy and the romance and drama she encountered along the way. “Funny Girl” originally premiered on Broadway on March 26, 1964 at the Winter Garden Theatre and ran for three years. It was resurrected in 2022 based off a revised book by Tony-winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein.

“It was DARLING!” Trending Northwest founder, Erin Peterson, shared after seeing the musical on opening night.

“The Spokane production of ‘Funny Girl' brought a delightful throwback to old Hollywood, with the lead's incandescent portrayal of Fanny Brice shining throughout. Imagine Rachel Brosnahan crossed with a Disney princess—that’s the energy and charm she delivered, paired with a powerful voice that had both clarity and control,” Erin shared.

“From the opening scene, the pacing was snappy, though at times you wished for just a second more to savor a glance or a clever line. The dancing, especially the tap numbers, was exceptional, breathing extra life into the already energetic show. The entire cast gave consistently solid performances, contributing to a polished and immersive experience. Glittering costumes added to the spectacle, transporting the audience into the glamorous world of early 20th-century showbiz, all while hitting the classic notes of heartache and unrequited love.”

You don't wanna miss this! Get your tickets today. Good luck to Harris and the crew, and all the love from the Trending Northwest team.

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