Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»News»Lea Michele Takes Over as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” on Broadway
    Lea Michele, "Glee" Fox
    News

    Lea Michele Takes Over as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” on Broadway

    Heath AndrewsBy Heath AndrewsJuly 13, 20223 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    Controversial casting decisions are a dime a dozen, but sometimes one comes along that really makes you stop and say, “…wait what?” While we’ve perhaps grown more used to that happening in television and film, this news serves as a reminder it happens on stages, too. Evidence of this reared its head recently when the already struggling Broadway revival of “Funny Girl” lost their lead actress Beanie Feldstein (“Booksmart,” “Impeachment: American Crime Story“) months before her planned departure. That itself was cause for concern.

    But then the production decided to replace her with former “Spring Awakening” star Lea Michele.

    Official “Funny Girl” 2022 playbill

    The musical is based on the life of Fanny Brice, a female performer on radio, film, television and theater who worked her way up from burlesque shows to being a star on one of the most popular radio programs in the country, “The Baby Snooks Show.” In 1964, “Funny Girl” debuted on Broadway with Barbara Streisand taking on the role of Brice. It was well enough received to score 8 Tony nominations that year. Though it didn’t win any of them, the film version became a smash hit, and earned Streisand an Oscar for Best Actress in 1968.

    Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky, “American Crime Story” FX

    None of this praise continued with the 2022 revival of the musical, which has been consistently getting at best, mixed reviews. The Guardian criticized lead actress Feldstein for not having a powerful enough voice for the material. This was reflected in the Tony Awards, as the production only scored one nomination for featured actor, Matt Doyle. Additionally, box office figures have fallen since the awards, with some shows only playing to 75% capacity.

    Feldstein took to Instagram to reveal she’d be departing the production in July, which is 2 months earlier than her planned departure.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Beanie Feldstein (@beaniefeldstein)

    She states the production was trying to take the show in a “different direction.” It’s anyone’s guess as to what that might mean. It could mean cast changes, alterations to the book, dropping certain numbers, rearranging them; who knows? One thing is clear though, Feldstein doesn’t agree with where things are going, and wants out. But in terms of replacing her in a musical that is already struggling, should the producers really have decided to go with Lea Michele?

    Beanie Feldstein in “Funny Girl” [BroadwayDirect]

    Michele faced heavy scrutiny in 2020 when several former “Glee” cast members came forward to declare how awful it was to work with her. Michele was accused of racist behavior and creating a toxic work environment. Since then she hasn’t had any major acting credits to her name. This would effectively be her most high profile role in the last two years. But even if Michele should be given a chance at redemption, is that really going to help this production? We know that Lea Michele can sing and act, her career is clear evidence of that, on stage and off. Would the public embrace seeing her again? What would the other cast members have to say about working with her? Has her attitude legitimately changed towards others?

    Lea Michele, “Glee” Fox

    Live theater isn’t exactly a stranger to diva-type personalities. Feldstein was originally supposed to stay with the production until September 25th, but Michele will take her place on September 6th. It’ll be interesting to see if the novelty of Michele’s return to Broadway will cause an uptick in sales, or if her reputation will precede her and further torpedo an already sinking ship.

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleWeird Laws In Italy: Fines for Wearing Flip-Flops, Bikinis
    Next Article Benefits of Automated Webinar for Your Company
    Heath Andrews

    Heath Andrews has been a student of pop culture ever since he found himself to be the only student in 3rd grade who regularly watched "Get Smart" on Nick-At-Nite. Ever since then he's been engrossed in way too much media with a growing collection of music, books, comics, TV on DVD box sets, and a video game collection that could rival a brick and mortar store. Prior to writing for Nerdbot he's written for Review You, MyAnimeList, and various advertising companies. Since 2016 he's run his own YouTube channel under the moniker of The Critical Android where he livestreams video games and uploads podcasts about pop culture and Frasier.

    Related Posts

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    HBO Max is Coming Back. Again. For Some Reason.

    May 14, 2025

    “The Story of Spinal Tap” Book Coming Ahead of Sequel Film!

    May 13, 2025
    Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary talking Mickey popcorn bucket

    Disneyland Reveals TALKING Mickey Mouse Popcorn Bucket

    May 13, 2025

    “The Accountant 2,” “Fight or Flight,” “The Surfer” and More! [Review]

    May 10, 2025

    How to Use Tetris for PTSD Recovery: A Science-Backed Guide

    May 7, 2025
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews
    Sesame Street

    “Sesame Street” Finds New Home at Netflix, Will Remain on PBS

    May 19, 2025

    “28 Days Later” Returns to Theaters For One Night Only

    May 19, 2025
    Poker play. Chips and cards on the green table

    Online Poker Tournaments’ Excitement Stems From Strategy And Rivalry

    May 19, 2025

    How Do You Get to Shibuya Sky and What Should You Expect?

    May 19, 2025

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    HBO Max is Coming Back. Again. For Some Reason.

    May 14, 2025

    “The Story of Spinal Tap” Book Coming Ahead of Sequel Film!

    May 13, 2025
    Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary talking Mickey popcorn bucket

    Disneyland Reveals TALKING Mickey Mouse Popcorn Bucket

    May 13, 2025

    “28 Days Later” Returns to Theaters For One Night Only

    May 19, 2025

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    Ralph Fiennes to Play President Snow in “Sunrise on the Reaping”

    May 16, 2025
    “Passion of The Christ,” 2004

    Mel Gibson’s “Resurrection of the Christ” Gets Title Treatment

    May 15, 2025
    Sesame Street

    “Sesame Street” Finds New Home at Netflix, Will Remain on PBS

    May 19, 2025

    Ryan Kiera Armstrong is the Slayer for “Buffy” Revival

    May 15, 2025

    Michael J. Fox Makes Acting Return in “Shrinking” Season 3

    May 15, 2025

    Marvel Television Releases First Trailer for “Ironheart”

    May 14, 2025

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    “The Accountant 2,” “Fight or Flight,” “The Surfer” and More! [Review]

    May 10, 2025

    “Friendship” The Funniest Movie I Couldn’t Wait to End [review]

    May 3, 2025

    “Thunderbolts*” Surprisingly Emotional Therapy Session for Anti-Heroes

    May 3, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts

    None found

    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.