The classical box-office musical, Funny Girl will be coming to an end sooner than we thought. The production recently shared on their Instagram that the last show will be on September 3rd, and you can get your tickets now.
It’s Been On For Almost A Year
The revival’s first show was in April 2022, first with Beanie Feldstein in the lead role of Fanny Brice; however, the character was re-casted for Lea Michele in September of last year. This marked her return to Broadway after 15 years.
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The Show Will End On September
The sales increased considerably after Michele joined the cast, however, last week, they announced after this year, they won’t continue with the production.
Everyone Wants More Shows
The caption said, “Hey, gorgeous! We’re having so much fun with you on Broadway, we’re sticking around until September 3rd!” While some fans were excited to be going to New York somewhen in the next few months, others asked to film the show before its ending.
Barbra Streisand’s Most Remarkable Role
The show, originally starring Barbra Streisand, follows Fanny Brice, a Broadway star and comedian who struggles with her relationship with businessman, Nicky Arnstein. The 1968 movie adaptation got Streisand her first Oscar and still remains to be one of her most iconic roles.
Michele Was Perfect For The Role
Lea Michele was always wanted by the fans to play the role, as her most famous character, Rachel Berry in Glee , had Fanny Brice as her role model. So everyone thought she was perfect for the character.
They Don’t Have Problems
When the official cast was announced online, Lea Michele was trending, as fans desperately wanted her for the role. However, she supported Feldstein, telling her she was a great star. And later dismissing any rumors of a feud between them.
She’s A Broadway Fan
Feldstein made her Broadway debut in Hello, Dolly! , another classical musical starring Barbra Streisand as the lead role in the film. Feldstein constantly shared her love for Funny Girl, saying it was one of her favorite movies as a child.
People Didn’t Like Beanie
Unfortunately, Beanie received primarily negative reviews, mainly related to her ability to carry such a challenging role. Though critics applauded her ambition, most agreed she was biting more than she could chew.
She Advanced Her Leaving
Still, she had to take some time off the play after she tested positive for COVID. Later she announced her official retirement, saying that her last show would be in September of last year, then changing it to July.
They Took A Different Direction
Her rep said, “the producers decided to take the show in a different direction and end Beanie’s contract on September 25th, six months earlier than anticipated. A month after that decision, Beanie decided it was best for her to leave on July 31st.”
Her Reviews Are Amazing
However, Lea’s took over of the show was a huge success. She had standing ovations after her first show, especially after her version of Don’t Rain On My Parade , her signature song during her time on Glee.
The Box Office Success
In December 2022, the production broke a record, gathering $2M in just a week. Before getting on the stage, Michele told Entertainment Weekly that this experience was like an actual dream.
The Last Show Will Have All The Cast
There was no explanation on why they are ending, but theories are that Lea’s contract will end around that time. Still, all the main actors will be performing in the last show, that includes Michele, Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes, and Tovah Feldshuh.
Funny Girl Will Be Going On Tour
The show is supposed to go on a tour across the US, even though the cast hasn’t been announced yet. The first stop will be in Providence, and they will visit other cities, such as Detroit, Nashville, Las Vegas, and more.
Nobody Likes To Work With Her
Michele has been the center of several controversies over the last few years. She has been repeatedly accused of being a bully on the set of Glee and being a difficult person to work with, even by other former main cast members.
She Regrets Her Behavior
The accusations resurfaced after she was cast for Fanny Brice; however, she apologized for her actions, acknowledging she didn’t act like the most pleasant person. She was also thankful for the opportunity to play what she called “the hardest f****g role in New York.”
Lea Michele Can’t Read?
At the same time, she was the protagonist of a joke turned rumor on TikTok. She was accused of being unable to read, but she owned the story and even made tiktoks about it, like saying she needed to learn to read before Barbra’s autobiography was published.
Her Next Big Step
Despite her departure from the show, we will see more of Michele. She is set to make her solo debut at Carnegie Hall in October as a part of the 2023-2024 season of Broadway stars, including Patti LuPone and Sutton Foster.
What Lea Has To Say
Michele has not said anything about the show’s ending, but she is looking forward to playing at Carnegie Hall, as she said it was another dream of hers.