'Doors Do Open,' Says 'Funny Girl' Ensemble Member Joel Douglas as Tour Lands in Boston

There may be names above the title, but it takes an ensemble to make a Broadway musical successful. There is even a classic show – "A Chorus Line" – that brings them to a forefront for the entire evening. But in most classic shows, they remain in the background, playing multiple roles and offering support that makes the show something special, especially with those big dance numbers.

They also are a rite of passage for performers with big Broadway dreams, who join shows, either in New York or on tour, to hone their craft. Meet Joel Douglas, a young performer currently part of the national tour of the recent Broadway revival of "Funny Girl," which is currently in Boston at the Citizens Opera House through February 16. With his striking good looks, Douglas could easily have pursued a career as a model; but instead chose musical theater, attending the prestigious Boston Conservatory at Berkelee and appearing in numerous regional theaters before joining the national tour of "Funny Girl."

A bit about "Funny Girl": When the show had its world premiere at the nearby Shubert Theatre in 1964, Barbra Streisand was a niche recording artist with one Broadway role to her credit; but composer Jule Styne believed the role would make her a star; and it did, though the tryout was grueling and it was said Eydie Gorme was waiting in the wings to replace her. Streisand triumphed as Fanny Brice, who rise from appearing in vaudeville in the Lower East Side to the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway is chronicled in the musical, as well as her doomed relationship with a handsome gambler Nicky Arnstein.

Streisand was so identified with the role that it took nearly half a century before it was revived with comic actress Beanie Feldstein as Brice. But reviews were tepid and the show, despite a revised book by Harvey Fierstein, appeared doomed to failure. But when Lea Michele, long identified with the show from her years from "Glee," stepped in, its fortunes turned around. She received Streisand-sized raves and put the show in the black. Now on tour, it stars big-voiced Hannah Shankman as Fanny, with the role of her mother played by pop star Melissa Manchester.

"Hannah is a marvelous Fanny Brice. She brings great intelligence, humor and authenticity to the role, and she's a terrific singer. I've had the pleasure of seeing her rousing theatergoers to their feet for a year now, and I am delighted that new audiences across America will also revel in her performance as she takes on the role full time," said Michael Mayer, the Tony-winning director who helmed this production.

EDGE speaks to the talented Joel Douglas about what he loves about being part of the "Funny Girl" cast, how the show speaks to today's audiences, and his Taco Bell connection.

EDGE: Please introduce yourself.

Joel Douglas: My name is Joel Douglas. I am in the "Funny Girl" ensemble, and I play John, the stage manager for Mrs. Brice.

EDGE: Do you have any history with "Funny Girl?"

Joel Douglas: No, I auditioned for the show and saw it on Broadway in New York. Thankfully, I could also see the national tour in St. Louis before I joined, and of course, I watched the movie.

EDGE: Could you talk briefly about how you came to the show?

Joel Douglas: Seeing the show in New York and St. Louis, I knew the overall vibe and how special it would be to be a part of it. In New York, there are auditions called Open Calls. It's called an Equity course, also an ECC that I attended. After three callbacks, I was to be offered a contract.

EDGE: What has it been like performing on your 1st national tour?

Joel Douglas: It has honestly been my dream since I was little. I wanted to tour the country or do a production that would take me to places. It's been a dream. It's fun to see not only the United States but also so many different types of people in the audience. This is this production's first national tour, so the majority of what we're presenting to the audience is a direct version that was on Broadway. Also, to put a smile on people's faces in such a crazy time right now is great. Going to the theater and seeing such a show as "Funny Girl," which is truly musical comedy heaven, will be a fun experience for all.

EDGE: As part of the ensemble, tell us what that entails.

Joel Douglas: The ensemble plays a big part in the show. It helps to convey the world that these characters were living in. We create the world that the principals, Fanny and Nick, are living in, and the changes in their lives. At first, we are showing how Fanny grew up on Henry Street, then we show how she moved up in the world when we are dancers in the Ziegfeld Follies. We play many different parts throughout the show, which is an amazing experience. So, we basically are there to help build and support the worlds that we're just trying to tell.

EDGE: "Funny Girl" first opened on Broadway in 1964. What is the show's message, and how does it resonate with today's audiences?

Joel Douglas: The show's message is about believing in yourself. That's what I take away from it. Fanny Brice was a real Jewish woman who loved what she did. She loved comedy, but no one truly believed in her. The message is if you love something and you believe that you can and/or should be doing it, keep going until someone says yes. Doors do open. At some point in our lives, we've all been told no, or we've all been discouraged because no one believes in us. For me, Fanny is an excellent representation of believing in yourself and going until you succeed no matter what.

EDGE: Fanny Brice is such a larger-than-life character. What did you learn about yourself from being a part of this show?

Joel Douglas: Being a musical theater artist is a very challenging field. We get a lot of no's. There's a saying that you get one yes for every 100 no's. I've learned that I am good enough because I believe I'm good enough. I have learned so much about myself being a part of this company. This is my first time touring in the US and leaving my home base. I've learned that I can make a home wherever I am. I've learned how incredibly special this experience is and that if you genuinely believe in yourself and keep going, you will achieve your dreams.

Watch Hannah Shankman sing "Don't Rain on my Parade" from "Funny Girl"

EDGE: As a graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, what does it feel like returning to Boston?

Joel Douglas: I was thinking about that last night. I was texting Michelle Chassé, the head of the dance musical theater department. Knowing that I get to return to where I studied while doing what I studied is so special and incredible. I remember seeing shows like "Moulin Rouge" at the same place where we will be performing, and dreaming of the day that I would be up on that stage is a dream come true. I am excited that I get the chance to go back to my school and speak with the current students. It is awesome and getting to see many of my teachers who believed in me even before I truly believed in myself will be a special moment.

EDGE: Do you have a dream role?

Joel Douglas: I've always been a dancer, and the idea of dancing in the ensemble is a special job, so I wouldn't say that I have a dream role, but I believe a dream role is important to have. There are things I want to achieve in my career, but honestly, if I get to dance for the rest of my life, I will be happy. The wonderful part of being in an ensemble is you share so many different roles and so many different experiences on stage.

One of the fun parts about musical theater is that every time I step on a stage, I become a new person. However, a dream role of mine would be Frank Abagnale Jr. in "Catch Me If You Can." Also, I wish someday to be Fanny Brice, but I think everyone wants that role.

EDGE: I love that your resume lists Taco Bell Connoisseur as a special talent. Explain.

Joel Douglas: It's funny that you mentioned that because this is the same conversation brought up in my audition. I put it on my resume as a conversation starter; it's something I'm passionate about outside of musical theater. During the Pandemic, I graduated from school in 2020. Unfortunately, I was in my last semester of school when the pandemic hit, so I went home and continued school virtually. I am the type of person who has to do something every day, so I got a job at Taco Bell, and I worked the drive-through and three days in because they were short-staffed, they offered me a manager role. I put Taco Bell Connoisseur on there because I learned many things while I was there. I do love Taco Bell. I have t-shirts and all kinds of stuff, and it's a gimmick that Joel loves Taco Bell. So, I think it's a great conversation starter, and I really do enjoy Taco Bell.

"Funny Girl" continues through February 16 at the Citizens Opera House, 539 Washington Street, Boston, MA. For further information, visit the Broadway in Boston website. For more information on the "Funny Girl" tour, visit the show's website

And check out these pics from Joel Douglas's Instagram: