Last Friday, Broadway’s “Funny Girl” officially released the first footage of Lea Michele as Fanny Brice. By the looks of the black and white teaser, Lea Michele seemed to have practicing for the show alongside singing “I’m The Greatest Star”.
Lea Michele Sarfati was born in the Bronx, New York to Edith Thomasina (Porcelli), a nurse, and Mark David Sarfati, a delicatessen owner-turned-real estate agent. Her mother is of Italian descent (from Rome and Naples), and her father is of Sephardi Jewish ancestry (from Turkey and Greece). Lea was raised Catholic in Tenafly, New Jersey and graduated from Tenafly High School.
Michele is expected to embrace the lead role of Fanny Price beginning September 6 at the August Wilson Theatre. After great manifestation for the part through performing the show’s biggest song on Glee, it was made clear in July that Lea Michele would replace Beanie Feldstein in the revival.
Beanie Feldstein quitted “Funny Girl” on July 31, about two months before she was asked to leave. She stated the production’s decision to “take the show in a different direction.”
Reunion With Some Old Folks
Before Michele would take on the role of Brice, understudy Julie Benko will continue to star as Brice. Michele’s Glee co-star Jane Lynch, who plays the role of Brice’s mother, also departed from the show early. However Michele is still expected to reunite with her “Spring Awakening” director Michael Mayer. Mayer not only directs but also produces “Funny Girl”.
“A dream come true is an understatement,” Mayer wrote in an announcement on his Instagram handle. “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.”
“Funny Girl” will also cast Jared Grimes, Tovah Feldhsuh and Ramin Karimloo. Tickets are already on sale for Michele’s “Funny Girl” but do remember to take a look at your budget first. Prices have already surged as high as $2,500. Although the aforementioned price will be for the prime seats.
