Lea Michele’s debut as Fanny Brice was a rousing success!
Reports have it that the 36-year-old actress received multiple standing ovations on her first night taking on the iconic role in Funny Girl on Broadway last Tuesday evening (September 6). She stepped into the role for the first time that night, replacing Beanie Feldstein.
Lea was showered with applause, receiving four standing ovations before the end of the first act! She reportedly received her first standing ovation upon her entrance, and then there were at least three more before intermission.
It was a star-studded audience at the August Wilson Theatre watching Lea take the stage for the first time as Fanny, including her Spring Awakening cast mate and BFF Jonathan Groff, Glee creator Ryan Murphy and Harvey Feirstein, who added some new material to the musical revival. Other big names in attendance included Drew Barrymore and Zachary Quinto.
More ovations reportedly followed throughout the night, including one at the final curtain wherein a sobbing Lea and co-star Tovah Feldsuh were handed large bouquets of white roses.
In addition to massive applause, Lea’s performance also elicited some laughs from the audience, particularly when Lea as Fanny declared, “I hadn’t read many books.” The reaction was due to persistent online rumors that lea does not know how to read.
