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Now that plot has turned into reality. Find out about how Michele will take on the lead role in the Broadway show. And learn why she faces a backlash on Twitter. Get ready to find out about Lea’s dream come true of becoming (literally) the greatest star below!
Lea Michele: ‘I’m The Greatest Star!’
Rachel Berry would break into song at the news that went viral on social media: Lea Michele will star in Broadway’s “Funny Girl.” But the chance results from an unfortunate situation involving the current actress in the role. Per Variety, Lea Michele will replace Beanie Feldstein in the Broadway revival.
Beanie’s exit announcement on Sunday night named July 31 as her departure date. But that date noticeably occurs two months before her planned exit. However, she linked her premature departure to the producers’ desire to seek a new direction. Michele previously sparked rumors that she would replace Feldstein.
And now all that gossip comes true. On September 6, Lea will take on the iconic role of Fanny Brice. Until then, the understudy Julie Benko will take on the title role. And the cast will undergo another change involving a Glee star. Jane Lynch, who portrays Fanny’s mother Mrs. Brice, will make an early departure. On September 6, Jane will exit and Tovah Feldshuh (“Yentl”) will step in. Rumors swirled, however, that Jane exited early to avoid Lea.
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Lea Michele Yearned To Star In ‘Funny Girl’
Both on “Glee” and in real life, Lea Michele has shared her love for and desire to star in “Funny Girl.” But Lea’s reputation for creating a challenging environment for co-stars has haunted her. As a result, Twitter lit up with comments. Some even recalled how the TV show portrayed Michele’s character Rachel Berry as difficult.
However, as Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) famously stated on “Glee” about Rachel, “She may be difficult. But boy, can she sing!” And Lea herself has confessed her desire to appear on Broadway in a revival of the show that made Barbra Streisand famous.
For instance, on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” a fan asked if she would ever star in “Funny Girl.” And Lea promptly admitted, “I really hope so. We were thinking of doing it right after ‘Glee,’ but I did a lot of the songs from ‘Funny Girl’ on ‘Glee’ so it felt like a little soon,” she pointed out. “But I feel really ready to do it now, so maybe we could do it soon.”
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And now that time has come. “A dream come true is an understatement,” shared Michele on social media. “I’m so incredibly honored to join this amazing cast and production and return to the stage playing Fanny Brice on Broadway. See you September 6th.”
Tell us what you think. How do you predict Lea Michele will do starring in the revival of “Funny Girl” on Broadway? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.
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