Producers today offered a first look at Lea Michele, who is rehearsing for the role of Fanny Brice in the current Broadway production of Funny Girl.
Michele landed the role after Beanie Feldstein suddenly announced in July that she was stepping down from the role at the end of the month, amid rumors that former Glee star Lea Michele had already been recruited to replace her. The role, of course, first rose to fame on Broadway and the big screen with Barbra Streisand.
Jane Lynch, who played the role of “Mrs. Brice,” also announced that she was leaving the production early. She wished “Fanny” standby Julie Benko and her former Glee co-star well.
“Special thanks to my current co-star Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights,” Lynch wrote.
Michele begins her run on September 6 while Tovah Feldshuh replaces Lynch at the same time.
You can see footage of Michele rehearsing below.
The role of your life. Lea Michele joins the cast of FUNNY GIRL as Fanny Brice starting September 6th. See you in August Wilson! pic.twitter.com/nQatXGOzee
— Funny Girl on Broadway (@FunnyGirlBwy) August 19, 2022
Funny Girl, which received mixed to negative reviews and no Tony Awards, had a huge hit at the box office in the week leading up to Michele’s announcement.
Given that and the iconic shoes she fills in, a lot depends on Michele’s performance.