Lea Michele has gotten the role of her dreams.
The former Glee and Spring Awakening star is officially going to take on the iconic role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway.
In case you did not know, it was announced a few weeks ago that the show’s star, Beanie Feldstein, who portrayed the coveted role in the first-ever Broadway revival of the beloved musical, would be departing the show in late September.
Just this past weekend, Beanie unexpectedly announced that she would actually be leaving the show almost two months earlier than was originally planned. She cited the show’s decision “to take the show in a different direction” as the reason for her advanced departure.
The casting of Lea was announced by the show’s official Twitter. Her run is set to being on September 6. At the same time, Tovah Feldshuh will take over for Jane Lynch’s role. Following Beanie’s departure, current Fanny stand Julie Benko will take on the role until September 4. Julie will likewise play Fanny every Thursday during Lea’s run.
Back when Glee was airing, Lea’s character Rachel Berry starred in a Funny Girl revival. It was also a known fact that Ryan Murphy, creator of Glee, actually obtained the rights to produce a real-life production of the musical on Broadway many years ago.
Shortly after the announcement of Lea’s casting was made, Lea took to social media to release a heartfelt statement. She wrote on Instagram:
“A dream come true is an understatement.
I’m so incredibly honored to join this amazing cast and production and return to the stage playing Fanny Brice on Broadway.”
