“Funny Girl” Teases First Look Of Lea Michele As Fanny Brice

 

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Lea Michele is well and truly living out her childhood dream and now we’ve got the first look at the talented singer-actress as the one and only Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl.”

Just the other day, Broadway’s “Funny Girl” revealed black-and-white footage, which showed Lea rehearsing for the show along with audio of her singing “I’m the Greatest Star.” 

Fans were quick to share their excitement after getting their first glimpse of Lea in the starring role, with one commenting, “I don’t know how she is as a human being…but definitely SHE is the Fanny Brice I want to see after Barbra!”

 

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Lea will take on the iconic role of Fanny from September, after manifesting the part through performing most of the show’s biggest songs on “Glee.” It was announced in July, that she would replace Beanie Feldstein in the revival. The role, of course, was first made famous on Broadway and on the big screen by Barbra Streisand.

Beanie departed the famous show at the end of July, nearly two months before she was slated to leave, citing the production’s decision to “take the show in a different direction.” But understudy Julie Benko stepped up to perform before Lea takes to the stage in the next couple of weeks.

Former Glee co-star Jane Lynch, who had played the role of “Mrs. Brice,” also announced she was leaving the production early, sending both Julie and Lea her best wishes. 

“I offer a special thanks to my current scene partner Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights,” she said.

 

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After news came out about the casting, Lea took to Instagram to express her excitement saying, “A dream come true is an understatement I’m so incredibly honoured to join this amazing cast and production…”

This will mark Lea Michele’s return to Broadway after leaving Spring Awakening in the spring of 2008, and will also see her reunite with her Tony-winning “Spring Awakening” director Michael Mayer, who not only produces but directs “Funny Girl.” 

It really is a small world!

• Broadway
• First Look
• Funny Girl
• Lea Michele