Film historians, critics and cineastes have heralded 1939 as the greatest year for Hollywood films. It was the year that saw the release of such classics as “Gone with the Wind,” “Stagecoach,” “Love Affair,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Young Mr. Lincoln” and “Wuthering Heights.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg
But what about Broadway? A case can be made for 1964, which saw the debuts of three musicals that became classics: “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Broadway was changing in the 1960s. Oscar Hammerstein II died in 1960; Irving Berlin’s last show was the disappointing 1962 “Mr. President”; and Cole Porter, who died in 1964, hadn’t had a musical on Broadway since the 1950s. Sixty years ago, a group of young talented composers and lyricists were the toast of the Great White Way.
Like Jerry Herman. He was all of 30 when “Milk...
But what about Broadway? A case can be made for 1964, which saw the debuts of three musicals that became classics: “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Funny Girl” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Broadway was changing in the 1960s. Oscar Hammerstein II died in 1960; Irving Berlin’s last show was the disappointing 1962 “Mr. President”; and Cole Porter, who died in 1964, hadn’t had a musical on Broadway since the 1950s. Sixty years ago, a group of young talented composers and lyricists were the toast of the Great White Way.
Like Jerry Herman. He was all of 30 when “Milk...
- 2/1/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Harmony, the Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman musical that opened in November to good reviews that never translated to big audiences, will play its final performance at the Barrymore Theatre on Sunday, February 4.
Producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief made the announcement this evening. At the time of its closing, Harmony will have played 24 previews and 96 regular performances. The musical began previews October 18 and opened November 13.
Directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, Harmony tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a German vocal group that achieved international fame and success in the 1920s and ’30 but were all but wiped from history by the Nazis. At the peak of its career, the group sold millions of records, made dozens of films and played to sold-out venues around the world.
With a score by Manilow and book and lyrics by Sussman, Harmony stars Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, Allison Semmes,...
Producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief made the announcement this evening. At the time of its closing, Harmony will have played 24 previews and 96 regular performances. The musical began previews October 18 and opened November 13.
Directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, Harmony tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a German vocal group that achieved international fame and success in the 1920s and ’30 but were all but wiped from history by the Nazis. At the peak of its career, the group sold millions of records, made dozens of films and played to sold-out venues around the world.
With a score by Manilow and book and lyrics by Sussman, Harmony stars Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, Allison Semmes,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s new musical Harmony debuted on November 13 after previews began on October 18 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
The musical is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Warren Carlyle, who is known for his work on The Music Man and Hello, Dolly!
Set in Berlin in 1927, Harmony tells the true story of The Comedian Harmonists, a group of talented young men who form an ensemble group. Their rise to fame is extraordinary as they sell millions of records, star in major films and perform in renowned theaters worldwide. However, by 1935, they mysteriously vanished from the spotlight. Harmony explores the peculiar disappearance of the group.
The production boasts a sensational cast of Broadway favorites, including Sierra Boggess, known for her performance in The Phantom of the Opera, Julie Benko from Funny Girl and Chip Zien, known for his role in Into the Woods.
In 1997, a world premiere...
The musical is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Warren Carlyle, who is known for his work on The Music Man and Hello, Dolly!
Set in Berlin in 1927, Harmony tells the true story of The Comedian Harmonists, a group of talented young men who form an ensemble group. Their rise to fame is extraordinary as they sell millions of records, star in major films and perform in renowned theaters worldwide. However, by 1935, they mysteriously vanished from the spotlight. Harmony explores the peculiar disappearance of the group.
The production boasts a sensational cast of Broadway favorites, including Sierra Boggess, known for her performance in The Phantom of the Opera, Julie Benko from Funny Girl and Chip Zien, known for his role in Into the Woods.
In 1997, a world premiere...
- 11/20/2023
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Broadway loves a recognizable name, a famous band or singer that can fuel a jukebox musical on nostalgia and familiar tunes. To its credit, Harmony isn’t that.
If you’ve heard of the Comedian Harmonists, it’s likely that you’ve either seen Harmony or heard about it. Maybe you’re among the countless Barry Manilow fans who follow his every move (and he’s been trying to move with Harmony for decades). But otherwise, chances are good that you don’t know the Harmonists.
And exactly why you don’t know the Harmonists is the most intriguing aspect of Harmony, the new musical directed by Warren Carlyle opening on Broadway tonight. A Berlin-based vocal and comedy group of the 1920s and ’30s, the Comedian Harmonists were hugely popular, successful and famous in their day, selling millions of records, appearing in dozens of films and selling out major venues across the world,...
If you’ve heard of the Comedian Harmonists, it’s likely that you’ve either seen Harmony or heard about it. Maybe you’re among the countless Barry Manilow fans who follow his every move (and he’s been trying to move with Harmony for decades). But otherwise, chances are good that you don’t know the Harmonists.
And exactly why you don’t know the Harmonists is the most intriguing aspect of Harmony, the new musical directed by Warren Carlyle opening on Broadway tonight. A Berlin-based vocal and comedy group of the 1920s and ’30s, the Comedian Harmonists were hugely popular, successful and famous in their day, selling millions of records, appearing in dozens of films and selling out major venues across the world,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Joanna Merlin, whose acting career stretched from Broadway (she was the original Tzeitel in Fiddler On The Roof), film (she played the dance teacher Miss Berg in Alan Parker’s 1980 film Fame) and TV (Law & Order: SVU‘s Judge Lena Petrovsky on dozens of episodes) has died. She was 92.
Her death was announced on the Instagram page of the New York University Tisch Graduate Acting Program, where Merlin had been on the faculty since 1998.
“Joanna was an actress, master Chekhov teacher, and former casting director for Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory,” the NYU message said, adding, “Joanna will be deeply missed at Grad Acting, by the Chekhov community, and by the many people she touched through her artistry.”
As a casting director, Merlin was involved in numerous landmark Broadway productions written by Stephen Sondheim. She was, for many years, Harold Prince’s go-to casting director.
A...
Her death was announced on the Instagram page of the New York University Tisch Graduate Acting Program, where Merlin had been on the faculty since 1998.
“Joanna was an actress, master Chekhov teacher, and former casting director for Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Bernardo Bertolucci, and James Ivory,” the NYU message said, adding, “Joanna will be deeply missed at Grad Acting, by the Chekhov community, and by the many people she touched through her artistry.”
As a casting director, Merlin was involved in numerous landmark Broadway productions written by Stephen Sondheim. She was, for many years, Harold Prince’s go-to casting director.
A...
- 10/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Major film and TV productions are currently on hold due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but the New York theater scene is still as active as ever. A new Broadway season is upon us, and there are five musicals set to open this fall. Will they contend at next year’s Tony Awards? Below, we give you a preview of the plot of each musical as well as the awards history of its author, cast and creative teams, plus the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.
“Merrily We Roll Along”
The first Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s 1981 musical adaptation of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart‘s 1934 play spans three decades in the entertainment industry and charts the relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two friends — writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. The original production directed by Hal Prince only ran for 16 performances,...
“Merrily We Roll Along”
The first Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s 1981 musical adaptation of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart‘s 1934 play spans three decades in the entertainment industry and charts the relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two friends — writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. The original production directed by Hal Prince only ran for 16 performances,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Update, with additional box office figures: Lea Michele treated the final-night audience of Broadway’s Funny Girl to an extra song Sunday, performing “My Man,” popularized by Fanny Brice in 1921 but not included in the musical’s original score.
Michele performed the song – omitting, as did Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film version, the infamous “he beats me too” introductory verse used by Brice and Billie Holiday – after Sunday’s curtain call. (Watch it below.)
After thanking the audience, cast and crew profusely, Michele said, “If you know me then you will know that this is the hardest song I’ve ever sung and I want to give it to you” just before launching into “My Man.”
Although she didn’t explain the “hardest song” reference, Glee fans will remember that Michele’s character Rachel Berry sang the song in a 2011 episode over a montage of the actor Cory Monteith’s Finn character.
Michele performed the song – omitting, as did Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film version, the infamous “he beats me too” introductory verse used by Brice and Billie Holiday – after Sunday’s curtain call. (Watch it below.)
After thanking the audience, cast and crew profusely, Michele said, “If you know me then you will know that this is the hardest song I’ve ever sung and I want to give it to you” just before launching into “My Man.”
Although she didn’t explain the “hardest song” reference, Glee fans will remember that Michele’s character Rachel Berry sang the song in a 2011 episode over a montage of the actor Cory Monteith’s Finn character.
- 9/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Funny Girl has recouped its capitalization costs on Broadway, producers said Monday.
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
- 8/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sierra Boggess will reprise her role as ‘Mary’ in the Broadway production of Harmony, the new musical by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman that premiered Off Broadway last spring.
The Broadway staging is set to begin previews Wednesday, October 18, at the Barrymore Theatre ahead of an official opening night on Monday, November 13.
Producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief made the casting announcement today.
Boggess is best-known for originating the role of ‘Ariel’ in The Little Mermaid on Broadway in 2007 and her multiple appearances as ‘Christine Daaé’ in The Phantom of the Opera.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to Broadway in Harmony,” said Boggess. “I think the telling of this story is so deeply important and I’m honored to bring ‘Mary’ to life in this long-awaited Broadway debut for the show. I’ve been lucky to be a part of the process for many years in...
The Broadway staging is set to begin previews Wednesday, October 18, at the Barrymore Theatre ahead of an official opening night on Monday, November 13.
Producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief made the casting announcement today.
Boggess is best-known for originating the role of ‘Ariel’ in The Little Mermaid on Broadway in 2007 and her multiple appearances as ‘Christine Daaé’ in The Phantom of the Opera.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to Broadway in Harmony,” said Boggess. “I think the telling of this story is so deeply important and I’m honored to bring ‘Mary’ to life in this long-awaited Broadway debut for the show. I’ve been lucky to be a part of the process for many years in...
- 6/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Julie Benko, who has built a devoted following as the Funny Girl understudy and alternate Fanny Brice, will originate her first Broadway role this fall in the new musical Harmony by by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman.
Benko will play the role of Ruth, producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief announced today. The production will begin previews at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre on Wednesday, October 18, ahead of an official opening night on Monday, November 13.
“It is rare to be offered the chance to be part of a Broadway show that resonates so deeply on both personal and political levels,” Benko said in a statement. “I’m so proud to be a part of Harmony and tremendously grateful to Barry, Bruce, Warren, Ken, and the entire team for entrusting me with Ruth’s story. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with the brilliant company this Fall.
Benko will play the role of Ruth, producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran and Garry Kief announced today. The production will begin previews at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre on Wednesday, October 18, ahead of an official opening night on Monday, November 13.
“It is rare to be offered the chance to be part of a Broadway show that resonates so deeply on both personal and political levels,” Benko said in a statement. “I’m so proud to be a part of Harmony and tremendously grateful to Barry, Bruce, Warren, Ken, and the entire team for entrusting me with Ruth’s story. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with the brilliant company this Fall.
- 6/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele has tested positive for Covid again, and will be out of Broadway’s Funny Girl until Tuesday, May 23, the production announced today.
Julie Benko will play the role of Fanny Brice until Michele returns.
The positive Covid test is the second for Michele, who missed more than a week of shows last September for the same reason.
Despite Benko’s solid audience reviews, the production traditionally experiences steep declines at the box office whenever Michele is absent for vacations or other reasons. Since Michele took over the role from Beanie Feldstein last fall, Funny Girl has been one of Broadway’s highest-earners: Last week, the show grossed a strong $1,637,625.
Funny Girl closes on Broadway Sept. 3.
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A post shared by Funny Girl on Broadway (@funnygirlbwy)...
Julie Benko will play the role of Fanny Brice until Michele returns.
The positive Covid test is the second for Michele, who missed more than a week of shows last September for the same reason.
Despite Benko’s solid audience reviews, the production traditionally experiences steep declines at the box office whenever Michele is absent for vacations or other reasons. Since Michele took over the role from Beanie Feldstein last fall, Funny Girl has been one of Broadway’s highest-earners: Last week, the show grossed a strong $1,637,625.
Funny Girl closes on Broadway Sept. 3.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Funny Girl on Broadway (@funnygirlbwy)...
- 5/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele has shared a new update on her 2-year-old son Ever’s condition after he was taken to hospital earlier this week.
The “Funny Girl” star took to her Instagram Story on Sunday to send a message to fans following a brief break from Broadway.
Read More: Lea Michele Says Son Ever Is Coming Home Soon, Shares Pic From His Hospital Bed After ‘Scary Health Issue’
“I’m back at ‘Funny Girl’ tonight. I’m really happy to be back,” she said. “It’s been a really long week, and we’re still not out of the woods completely with our son. But he’s headed in a good direction, and we’re really, really grateful.”
Michele continued, “I have a cold just I think from not sleeping at all this past week. But I’m really happy to be back with my ‘Funny Girl’ family. And I just...
The “Funny Girl” star took to her Instagram Story on Sunday to send a message to fans following a brief break from Broadway.
Read More: Lea Michele Says Son Ever Is Coming Home Soon, Shares Pic From His Hospital Bed After ‘Scary Health Issue’
“I’m back at ‘Funny Girl’ tonight. I’m really happy to be back,” she said. “It’s been a really long week, and we’re still not out of the woods completely with our son. But he’s headed in a good direction, and we’re really, really grateful.”
Michele continued, “I have a cold just I think from not sleeping at all this past week. But I’m really happy to be back with my ‘Funny Girl’ family. And I just...
- 3/26/2023
- by Sarah Curran
- ET Canada
Lea Michele‘s 2-year-old son, Ever, is on the mend. The 36-year-old Broadway star took to her Instagram Stories on Friday to share an update on her little boy’s condition as well as her return to her leading role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
“Thank you for all your well wishes this past week,” Michele captioned a photo of a sleeping Ever in his hospital bed. “We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
Read More: Lea Michele Says She Reached Out To ‘Glee’ Co-Stars After Bullying Backlash
Michele shares Ever with husband Zandy Reich.
The update comes just two days after Michele initially posted that Ever had been admitted to the hospital “with a scary health issue.”
At the time, she apologized for having to miss performances of Funny Girl,...
“Thank you for all your well wishes this past week,” Michele captioned a photo of a sleeping Ever in his hospital bed. “We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
Read More: Lea Michele Says She Reached Out To ‘Glee’ Co-Stars After Bullying Backlash
Michele shares Ever with husband Zandy Reich.
The update comes just two days after Michele initially posted that Ever had been admitted to the hospital “with a scary health issue.”
At the time, she apologized for having to miss performances of Funny Girl,...
- 3/25/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Lea Michele took to Instagram to let her fans know that she will be missing her Funny Girl lead performance because her 2-year-old son, Ever Leo Reich, has been hospitalized.
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“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today. We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for,” Michele wrote in an Instagram Story on Wednesday, where she shared a picture of them in the hospital. “I’m so sorry. Please send us some love and strength,” the former Glee star said, apologizing to her fans for her absence from the evening performance.
The Broadway show also shared an update on its Instagram, announcing that “Lea Michele will be out of both the matinee and evening performance today, Wednesday, March 22,” and that she will be replaced...
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today. We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for,” Michele wrote in an Instagram Story on Wednesday, where she shared a picture of them in the hospital. “I’m so sorry. Please send us some love and strength,” the former Glee star said, apologizing to her fans for her absence from the evening performance.
The Broadway show also shared an update on its Instagram, announcing that “Lea Michele will be out of both the matinee and evening performance today, Wednesday, March 22,” and that she will be replaced...
- 3/25/2023
- by Nicky Kashani
- Uinterview
Lea Michele will be back as Fanny Brice in Broadway’s Funny Girl tomorrow after missing shows this week due to an unspecified health issue that required the hospitalization of her two-year-old son.
In an Instagram Story post today, Michele wrote, “Thank you for all your well wishes this past week. We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
On Wednesday, Michele posted on Instagram that she would miss performances this week due to her son’s “scary health issue.”
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.” Julie Benko filled in during Michele’s absence.
Michele and husband Zandy...
In an Instagram Story post today, Michele wrote, “Thank you for all your well wishes this past week. We are taking our boy home from the hospital soon. Thank you to all the amazing doctors and hospital staff. I will be back to the @FunnyGirlBwy stage this weekend.”
On Wednesday, Michele posted on Instagram that she would miss performances this week due to her son’s “scary health issue.”
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.” Julie Benko filled in during Michele’s absence.
Michele and husband Zandy...
- 3/24/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele will miss upcoming performances of Funny Girl because of an unspecified “scary health issue” affecting her 2-year-old son, Ever Leo Reich.
The news was announced Wednesday by the former Glee star on her Instagram account, and show producers confirmed there as well.
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote in the caption. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.”
Below the picture, she added, “I’m so sorry. Please send us some love and strength.”
The producers were more specific.
“Lea Michele will be out of both the matinee and evening performance today, Wednesday, March 22,” their statement said. “Julie Benko will be your fabulous Fanny!”
Michele and husband Zandy Reich are the child’s parents.
The Funny Girl box office has been linked to Michele.
When...
The news was announced Wednesday by the former Glee star on her Instagram account, and show producers confirmed there as well.
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote in the caption. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.”
Below the picture, she added, “I’m so sorry. Please send us some love and strength.”
The producers were more specific.
“Lea Michele will be out of both the matinee and evening performance today, Wednesday, March 22,” their statement said. “Julie Benko will be your fabulous Fanny!”
Michele and husband Zandy Reich are the child’s parents.
The Funny Girl box office has been linked to Michele.
When...
- 3/23/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Funny Girl, Broadway’s riches-to-rags-to-riches smash hit, will close on Sunday, Sept. 3, with stars Lea Michele, Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes and Tovah Feldshuh extending their planned runs to see the show through to its final date.
The announcement was made today by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
When Funny Girl plays its final performance at the aon Sept. 3, it will have played 599 performances and 30 previews.
The closing will mark the end of one of Broadway’s more tumultuous – and successful – productions of recent years. The first Broadway revival of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill 1963 musical that made a star of Barbra Streisand (on both the stage and in the 1968 film adaptation) opened in April 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Jane Lynch as her mother. Though the revival initially proved popular with audiences and Feldstein fans, lukewarm (at best) reviews and a shut-out at the Tony Awards prompted...
The announcement was made today by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
When Funny Girl plays its final performance at the aon Sept. 3, it will have played 599 performances and 30 previews.
The closing will mark the end of one of Broadway’s more tumultuous – and successful – productions of recent years. The first Broadway revival of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill 1963 musical that made a star of Barbra Streisand (on both the stage and in the 1968 film adaptation) opened in April 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Jane Lynch as her mother. Though the revival initially proved popular with audiences and Feldstein fans, lukewarm (at best) reviews and a shut-out at the Tony Awards prompted...
- 3/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele will play Fanny Brice through the end of Funny Girl’s run on Broadway.
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A busy week on Broadway saw three official openings (including the Take Me Out return) and three additions to the line-up of previewing productions, with grosses for the 34-show roster jumping by 8 over the previous week.
Attendance for the week ending Nov. 13 was up 11 to 272,232.
Starting with the openers, all critically well-received: Kimberly Akimbo at the Booth took in 491,165 and filled 94 of seats; Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & the Pool played to 92 of capacity at the non-prof Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont, grossing 290,305 for seven performances; and Take Me Out took 457,404, filling 56 of seats at the Schoenfeld. (Note: opening night weeks include press and other comps).
New to the roster were a trio of productions that began previews:
A Christmas Carol, starring Jefferson Mays – as all the characters – began previews at the Nederlander ahead of a Nov. 21 opening, grossing 165,804 for seven performances, with attendance at 93. Look for receipts...
Attendance for the week ending Nov. 13 was up 11 to 272,232.
Starting with the openers, all critically well-received: Kimberly Akimbo at the Booth took in 491,165 and filled 94 of seats; Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & the Pool played to 92 of capacity at the non-prof Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont, grossing 290,305 for seven performances; and Take Me Out took 457,404, filling 56 of seats at the Schoenfeld. (Note: opening night weeks include press and other comps).
New to the roster were a trio of productions that began previews:
A Christmas Carol, starring Jefferson Mays – as all the characters – began previews at the Nederlander ahead of a Nov. 21 opening, grossing 165,804 for seven performances, with attendance at 93. Look for receipts...
- 11/15/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lea Michele dropped by The Tonight Show to promote the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
The 36-year-old Glee alum sat down with host Jimmy Fallon on Friday to discuss her starring role as Fanny Brice in the critically acclaimed theater production and later delivered a mesmerizing performance of the Funny Girl number “People.”
“I’ve been wanting to come back to Broadway for so many years, I was gone for 15 years, Spring Awakening was the last show I did,” Michele said. “To be back and to be in the show that I’ve loved for so many years, but I’m such a fan of this production. Incredible cast. Incredible score.”
After months of hype, the curtain went up on Michele’s stint as the Funny Girl lead on Sept. 6. She took over from standby Julie Benko, who had performed the role since...
Lea Michele dropped by The Tonight Show to promote the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
The 36-year-old Glee alum sat down with host Jimmy Fallon on Friday to discuss her starring role as Fanny Brice in the critically acclaimed theater production and later delivered a mesmerizing performance of the Funny Girl number “People.”
“I’ve been wanting to come back to Broadway for so many years, I was gone for 15 years, Spring Awakening was the last show I did,” Michele said. “To be back and to be in the show that I’ve loved for so many years, but I’m such a fan of this production. Incredible cast. Incredible score.”
After months of hype, the curtain went up on Michele’s stint as the Funny Girl lead on Sept. 6. She took over from standby Julie Benko, who had performed the role since...
- 10/1/2022
- by Mitchell Peters, Billboard.com
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lea Michele joined TikTok!
The actress created her first video by using none other than a viral sound about her, which seems to be the result of a quarantine activity since Michele is currently recovering from Covid-19.
Read More: Lea Michele Receives 4 Standing Ovations In Triumphant ‘Funny Girl’ Debut On Broadway, Takes Emotional Curtain Call
She tested positive for the virus last weekend after performing only four shows in Broadway’s “Funny Girl”. For the past week, her standby Julie Benko has stepped into the lead role until Michele returns to the stage at New York City’s August Wilson Theatre on Sept. 20.
The trend originated from TikToker Daniel Beoni who previously shared his “Rachel Berry at the Super Bowl” video. The clips sees him dressed up as Michele’s “Glee” character Rachel who dramatically performs the “Funny Girl” song “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, which Michele famously sung on the show.
The actress created her first video by using none other than a viral sound about her, which seems to be the result of a quarantine activity since Michele is currently recovering from Covid-19.
Read More: Lea Michele Receives 4 Standing Ovations In Triumphant ‘Funny Girl’ Debut On Broadway, Takes Emotional Curtain Call
She tested positive for the virus last weekend after performing only four shows in Broadway’s “Funny Girl”. For the past week, her standby Julie Benko has stepped into the lead role until Michele returns to the stage at New York City’s August Wilson Theatre on Sept. 20.
The trend originated from TikToker Daniel Beoni who previously shared his “Rachel Berry at the Super Bowl” video. The clips sees him dressed up as Michele’s “Glee” character Rachel who dramatically performs the “Funny Girl” song “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, which Michele famously sung on the show.
- 9/17/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Even with a Covid-shortened performance schedule, Lea Michele’s star turn in Funny Girl was serious business last week, with box office for the musical revival more than doubling from the previous week.
For the week ending September 11 — Michele’s first week as Fanny Brice — Funny Girl grossed 1,639,212, a dramatic upturn from the previous week’s 659,874 and a significant improvement over even the 1.3 million high averages of original star Beanie Feldstein’s early weeks last spring.
‘Funny Girl’: Lea Michele Gets Four Standing Ovations – By Intermission; Jonathan Groff, Ryan Murphy Among The Gleeful Crowd
Next week’s grosses report should provide yet another facet to Michele’s box office impact: She’s out of the production this week due to a positive Covid test. Deadline hears there were a significant number of ticket exchange requests last weekend.
Still, even with Michele’s curtailed performance schedule, Funny Girl filled 96 of its seats for the week, compared to the 70-80ish percentages of recent weeks.
In fact, Funny Girl was one of few Broadway shows that didn’t take a big, post-Labor Day Holiday hit last week. Total grosses for the 19 shows on the boards totaled 20,638,554, a 19 drop from the previous tourist-heavy week. The drop in receipts also reflects a slightly slimmer roster: 19 shows compared with the previous week’s 21 – and one of the missing was the mega-bucks earner The Music Man, on a scheduled hiatus while star Hugh Jackman makes the film festival rounds with Florian Zeller’s The Son. (The other now-gone show was Billy Crystal’s Mr. Saturday Night.)
Producers for The Music Man announced today that the show will close this January 1 with Jackman’s departure.
Other shows that did well last week were a couple of about-to-close productions: Come From Away, which closes October 2, filled 99 of its seats for a 781,173 take, while Dear Evan Hansen, closing September 18, was a sellout, grossing 1,050,167.
Other top earners in the 1M+ range were Aladdin, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Mj, Moulin Rouge, Six, The Lion King and Wicked. Into the Woods, now with a stellar replacement cast, grossed 1,044,801, a noticeable drop from the previous week’s 1.8M.
Coming weeks will see significant activity on the roster: September alone will see previews begin for Cost of Living, Leopoldstadt, 1776, Death of a Salesman, The Piano Lesson and Topdog/Underdog, with more to come later this fall.
Season to date, Broadway has grossed 449,823,161, with total attendance of 3,501,670 at about 86 of capacity.
The 19 productions reporting figures on Broadway last week were Aladdin, Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Funny Girl, Hadestown, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Into the Woods, The Kite Runner, The Lion King, Mj, Moulin Rouge!, The Phantom of the Opera, Six, A Strange Loop and Wicked.
All figures courtesy of the Broadway League.
For the week ending September 11 — Michele’s first week as Fanny Brice — Funny Girl grossed 1,639,212, a dramatic upturn from the previous week’s 659,874 and a significant improvement over even the 1.3 million high averages of original star Beanie Feldstein’s early weeks last spring.
‘Funny Girl’: Lea Michele Gets Four Standing Ovations – By Intermission; Jonathan Groff, Ryan Murphy Among The Gleeful Crowd
Next week’s grosses report should provide yet another facet to Michele’s box office impact: She’s out of the production this week due to a positive Covid test. Deadline hears there were a significant number of ticket exchange requests last weekend.
Still, even with Michele’s curtailed performance schedule, Funny Girl filled 96 of its seats for the week, compared to the 70-80ish percentages of recent weeks.
In fact, Funny Girl was one of few Broadway shows that didn’t take a big, post-Labor Day Holiday hit last week. Total grosses for the 19 shows on the boards totaled 20,638,554, a 19 drop from the previous tourist-heavy week. The drop in receipts also reflects a slightly slimmer roster: 19 shows compared with the previous week’s 21 – and one of the missing was the mega-bucks earner The Music Man, on a scheduled hiatus while star Hugh Jackman makes the film festival rounds with Florian Zeller’s The Son. (The other now-gone show was Billy Crystal’s Mr. Saturday Night.)
Producers for The Music Man announced today that the show will close this January 1 with Jackman’s departure.
Other shows that did well last week were a couple of about-to-close productions: Come From Away, which closes October 2, filled 99 of its seats for a 781,173 take, while Dear Evan Hansen, closing September 18, was a sellout, grossing 1,050,167.
Other top earners in the 1M+ range were Aladdin, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Mj, Moulin Rouge, Six, The Lion King and Wicked. Into the Woods, now with a stellar replacement cast, grossed 1,044,801, a noticeable drop from the previous week’s 1.8M.
Coming weeks will see significant activity on the roster: September alone will see previews begin for Cost of Living, Leopoldstadt, 1776, Death of a Salesman, The Piano Lesson and Topdog/Underdog, with more to come later this fall.
Season to date, Broadway has grossed 449,823,161, with total attendance of 3,501,670 at about 86 of capacity.
The 19 productions reporting figures on Broadway last week were Aladdin, Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Funny Girl, Hadestown, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Into the Woods, The Kite Runner, The Lion King, Mj, Moulin Rouge!, The Phantom of the Opera, Six, A Strange Loop and Wicked.
All figures courtesy of the Broadway League.
- 9/13/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Don’t let it rain on your parade if you haven’t been able to get tickets to see Lea Michele in the 2022 revival of Broadway’s Funny Girl. Michele’s September 6 debut date almost entirely sold out after the house had played to 65 capacity, and despite Michele’s abrupt performance cancellations due to testing positive Covid-19, ticket prices continue to soar for her return. So what is it about her casting that’s made the show’s popularity increase, and why is it so controversial?
The revival opened on...
The revival opened on...
- 9/12/2022
- by Sage Anderson
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
Lea Michele will miss several performances of Funny Girl on Broadway after testing positive for Covid-19 a few days into her run.
The Glee star took over the lead role in the revival on Sept. 6, a little more than a month after Beanie Feldstein departed the production. On Sept. 10, Michele posted on Instagram that she was showing “early signs” of Covid-19, after receiving an inconclusive test result, and would miss both Saturday performances. A later test confirmed her diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, I have officially tested positive for Covid. In following production protocol I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” Michele wrote on Instagram. “Thankfully staying home today and catching this early protected so many members of our company from being exposed.”
Michele will return to the show on Sept. 20, according to the production.
Julie Benko, who has been slated to play the role...
Lea Michele will miss several performances of Funny Girl on Broadway after testing positive for Covid-19 a few days into her run.
The Glee star took over the lead role in the revival on Sept. 6, a little more than a month after Beanie Feldstein departed the production. On Sept. 10, Michele posted on Instagram that she was showing “early signs” of Covid-19, after receiving an inconclusive test result, and would miss both Saturday performances. A later test confirmed her diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, I have officially tested positive for Covid. In following production protocol I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” Michele wrote on Instagram. “Thankfully staying home today and catching this early protected so many members of our company from being exposed.”
Michele will return to the show on Sept. 20, according to the production.
Julie Benko, who has been slated to play the role...
- 9/12/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Less than a week into Lea Michele’s run in Funny Girl, the actress has been forced to miss the next 10 days of performances after testing positive for Covid-19.
Michele — who made her debut as Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, replacing Beanie Feldstein in the revival — initially dropped out of her Saturday performance after she exhibited symptoms related to Covid-19, despite an inconclusive test. By Sunday, Michele revealed she had “officially tested positive.”
“In following production protocol I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” Michele wrote in her Instagram stories.
Michele — who made her debut as Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, replacing Beanie Feldstein in the revival — initially dropped out of her Saturday performance after she exhibited symptoms related to Covid-19, despite an inconclusive test. By Sunday, Michele revealed she had “officially tested positive.”
“In following production protocol I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” Michele wrote in her Instagram stories.
- 9/11/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Update: Lea Michele confirmed today that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and will be out for a longer period than initially stated.
The former Glee star posted the news via her Instagram Story, citing “production protocols” that will see her sidelined from Broadway’s Funny Girl.
“Unfortunately, I have officially tested positive for Covid. In following production protocols, I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” wrote Michele. “Thankfully staying home today and catching this early protected so many members of our company from being exposed. Funny Girl has been and still is tackling a tremendous wave of Covid with close to a dozen company members currently out.”
She added, “We are almost on the other side of this and our swings and understudies are doing such an incredible job to keep our show on its feet.”
Earlier: Lea Michele is canceling some of her Funny Girl performances, citing...
The former Glee star posted the news via her Instagram Story, citing “production protocols” that will see her sidelined from Broadway’s Funny Girl.
“Unfortunately, I have officially tested positive for Covid. In following production protocols, I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” wrote Michele. “Thankfully staying home today and catching this early protected so many members of our company from being exposed. Funny Girl has been and still is tackling a tremendous wave of Covid with close to a dozen company members currently out.”
She added, “We are almost on the other side of this and our swings and understudies are doing such an incredible job to keep our show on its feet.”
Earlier: Lea Michele is canceling some of her Funny Girl performances, citing...
- 9/11/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway gave Billy Crystal a fine send-off last week, with the star’s Mr. Saturday Night musical grossing more than 1 million during its final week of performances. That number – 1,014,614, to be precise – is a big jump over the show’s weekly box office takes in recent months. About 98 of seats at the Nederlander Theatre were filled for Crystal’s goodbye week.
Overall, Broadway box office for 21 shows was up about 8 for the week ending Sept. 4, likely due to Labor Day Holiday tourists and some last-chancers hoping to see shows like Mr. Saturday Night before the onslaught of new fall arrivals.
In all, the 21 productions grossed a total of 25,329,740, with attendance of 194,473 reflecting a 5 bump over the previous week.
Another especially impressive performer was Mj, with the Michael Jackson musical breaking its own house record (for the fifth time) at the Neil Simon Theatre by grossing 1,762,559. The musical filled all of its seats.
Overall, Broadway box office for 21 shows was up about 8 for the week ending Sept. 4, likely due to Labor Day Holiday tourists and some last-chancers hoping to see shows like Mr. Saturday Night before the onslaught of new fall arrivals.
In all, the 21 productions grossed a total of 25,329,740, with attendance of 194,473 reflecting a 5 bump over the previous week.
Another especially impressive performer was Mj, with the Michael Jackson musical breaking its own house record (for the fifth time) at the Neil Simon Theatre by grossing 1,762,559. The musical filled all of its seats.
- 9/6/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers offered a first look today at Lea Michele rehearsing the role of Fanny Brice for the current Broadway production of Funny Girl.
Michele got the part after Beanie Feldstein suddenly announced in July that she was stepping away from the part at the end of the month amidst rumors that the former Glee star Lea Michele had already been recruited to replace her. The role was, of course, first made famous on Broadway and on the big screen by Barbra Streisand.
Jane Lynch, who had played the role of “Mrs. Brice,” also announced she was leaving the production early. She wished “Fanny” standby Julie Benko and her former Glee co-star well.
“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,” wrote Lynch.
Michele begins her run on September 6, with Tovah Feldshuh replacing Lynch at the same time.
Michele got the part after Beanie Feldstein suddenly announced in July that she was stepping away from the part at the end of the month amidst rumors that the former Glee star Lea Michele had already been recruited to replace her. The role was, of course, first made famous on Broadway and on the big screen by Barbra Streisand.
Jane Lynch, who had played the role of “Mrs. Brice,” also announced she was leaving the production early. She wished “Fanny” standby Julie Benko and her former Glee co-star well.
“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,” wrote Lynch.
Michele begins her run on September 6, with Tovah Feldshuh replacing Lynch at the same time.
- 8/19/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with Lynch Playbill comments: Jane Lynch will depart Broadway’s Funny Girl even earlier than expected, producers announced Tuesday. The former Glee actor will end her run as “Mrs. Brice” on Sunday, August 14, several weeks earlier than the Sept. 4 date most recently announced.
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch is an Emmy nominee in the Best Comedy Guest Actress category for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday,...
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch is an Emmy nominee in the Best Comedy Guest Actress category for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Jane Lynch will depart the Broadway production of Funny Girl earlier than previously announced.
The actor and comedian, who had been playing Mrs. Brice, mother to the show’s lead, Fanny, will now end her run on Aug. 14 due to a planned vacation. The production had previously said that Lynch would end her run after the Sept. 4 performance.
Lynch had already scheduled a vacation starting Aug. 15, with a planned return on Aug. 23, but was then set to leave the show on Sept. 1 to attend the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, the production said Tuesday. The producers agreed to let Lynch depart the show ahead of her vacation, rather than return for one week of performances.
“With my long-planned vacation on the books and then the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony … I will take my final curtain call on August 14,” Lynch said in the press release.
Jane Lynch will depart the Broadway production of Funny Girl earlier than previously announced.
The actor and comedian, who had been playing Mrs. Brice, mother to the show’s lead, Fanny, will now end her run on Aug. 14 due to a planned vacation. The production had previously said that Lynch would end her run after the Sept. 4 performance.
Lynch had already scheduled a vacation starting Aug. 15, with a planned return on Aug. 23, but was then set to leave the show on Sept. 1 to attend the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, the production said Tuesday. The producers agreed to let Lynch depart the show ahead of her vacation, rather than return for one week of performances.
“With my long-planned vacation on the books and then the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony … I will take my final curtain call on August 14,” Lynch said in the press release.
- 8/9/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lea Michele has opened up about remembering late “Glee” co-star and former boyfriend Cory Monteith almost a decade after his passing. Monteith died in 2013 of a drug overdose, and the hit high school TV series dedicated a tribute episode, titled “The Quarterback,” to the actor.
During Michele’s ongoing concert series “An Evening with Lea Michele: Life in Music” tour, Michele recently performed the song she had chosen to remember Monteith with: Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” Michele sang the ballad for the first time since 2013, performing it on July 20 to an audience at City Winery in Washington, D.C.
While it was “wild and hard” to perform the track, Michele shared that “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy asked her to choose a song for her character Rachel to sing to honor Finn (Monteith) in the tribute episode. “I don’t even remember what I was listening to at the time.
During Michele’s ongoing concert series “An Evening with Lea Michele: Life in Music” tour, Michele recently performed the song she had chosen to remember Monteith with: Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” Michele sang the ballad for the first time since 2013, performing it on July 20 to an audience at City Winery in Washington, D.C.
While it was “wild and hard” to perform the track, Michele shared that “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy asked her to choose a song for her character Rachel to sing to honor Finn (Monteith) in the tribute episode. “I don’t even remember what I was listening to at the time.
- 7/26/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Beanie Feldstein will miss this weekend’s performances of Broadway’s Funny Girl due to a case of tonsillitis and being “extremely contagious.”
Feldstein’s standby Julie Benko will perform as Fanny Brice this weekend.
“You just gotta laugh at a certain point,” Feldstein says in an Instagram video posted this afternoon. “When it rains it pours on your old pal Beanie.”
In the video, Feldstein says she has just gotten back from an appointment with her ear-nose-and-throat doctor and, on doctor’s orders, will not be able to take the stage until antibiotics render her non-contagious.
“The last thing I would want on this earth is to get people I love sick,” she says, “and I’m just not allowed to go on stage through the weekend.”
Feldstein, whose recent announcement that she would leave the show for good on July 31 prompted a torrent of headlines – which only increase...
Feldstein’s standby Julie Benko will perform as Fanny Brice this weekend.
“You just gotta laugh at a certain point,” Feldstein says in an Instagram video posted this afternoon. “When it rains it pours on your old pal Beanie.”
In the video, Feldstein says she has just gotten back from an appointment with her ear-nose-and-throat doctor and, on doctor’s orders, will not be able to take the stage until antibiotics render her non-contagious.
“The last thing I would want on this earth is to get people I love sick,” she says, “and I’m just not allowed to go on stage through the weekend.”
Feldstein, whose recent announcement that she would leave the show for good on July 31 prompted a torrent of headlines – which only increase...
- 7/15/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Contrary to internet rumors and some published reports, producers of Broadway’s Funny Girl say they were not “blindsided” by star Beanie Feldstein’s Sunday night Instagram post announcing her early departure.
Using wording similar to that in Feldstein’s post, producers and Feldstein’s representative have released a joint statement saying that producers had “decided to take the show in a different direction” when they ended Feldstein’s contract on September 25 rather than early 2023 as initially planned. Producers were “aware of and in support of” Feldstein’s decision to leave even earlier (on July 31).
As Deadline has reported, Funny Girl, which received mixed to negative reviews and no Tony Awards, has taken a significant hit at the box office in recent weeks.
Last month, producers announced that both Feldstein and co-star Jane Lynch would be exiting the show on September 25 (Lynch had always been expected to leave at that...
Using wording similar to that in Feldstein’s post, producers and Feldstein’s representative have released a joint statement saying that producers had “decided to take the show in a different direction” when they ended Feldstein’s contract on September 25 rather than early 2023 as initially planned. Producers were “aware of and in support of” Feldstein’s decision to leave even earlier (on July 31).
As Deadline has reported, Funny Girl, which received mixed to negative reviews and no Tony Awards, has taken a significant hit at the box office in recent weeks.
Last month, producers announced that both Feldstein and co-star Jane Lynch would be exiting the show on September 25 (Lynch had always been expected to leave at that...
- 7/14/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
News of Lea Michele’s upcoming arrival in Broadway’s Funny Girl will certainly hand the musical a revival in advance ticket sales, welcome news for producers who saw last week’s box office continue its recent downward pivot. The musical, currently starring Beanie Feldstein (who has missed some recent performances) played to houses only 65 full during the week ending July 10.
That number compares to the previous week’s 75 , and the box office grosses tell a similar story: For the week ending July 10, Funny Girl grossed 708,862, a 34,351 drop from the previous week’s 743,213
Feldstein announced Sunday night that she’d be leaving the show two months early, with July 31 her final date. Michele takes over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept.
That number compares to the previous week’s 75 , and the box office grosses tell a similar story: For the week ending July 10, Funny Girl grossed 708,862, a 34,351 drop from the previous week’s 743,213
Feldstein announced Sunday night that she’d be leaving the show two months early, with July 31 her final date. Michele takes over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept.
- 7/12/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with Michele comment & Glee video As expected, or at least widely rumored, Lea Michele is Broadway’s new Funny Girl, taking over the coveted role of Fanny Brice from the departing Beanie Feldstein. Tovah Feldshuh will take the role of Mrs. Brice after Jane Lynch leaves the production.
Michele, best known as a star of TV’s Glee and Broadway’s Spring Awakening, and Feldshuh will join Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre beginning Tuesday, September 6. Ramin Karimloo will continue as Nick Arnstein, as will Tony nominee Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan. Producers confirmed the casting today.
“A dream come true is an understatement,” Michele wrote on Instagram. “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.” (Watch Michele’s performance on Glee of Funny Girl’s “People” below.
Michele, best known as a star of TV’s Glee and Broadway’s Spring Awakening, and Feldshuh will join Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre beginning Tuesday, September 6. Ramin Karimloo will continue as Nick Arnstein, as will Tony nominee Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan. Producers confirmed the casting today.
“A dream come true is an understatement,” Michele wrote on Instagram. “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.” (Watch Michele’s performance on Glee of Funny Girl’s “People” below.
- 7/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Glee‘s Lea Michele is heading to Broadway this fall as the actress steps into the lead role of Funny Girl. The performer will replace current star Beanie Feldstein beginning Tuesday, September 6 at the August Wilson Theatre on West 52nd Street in New York City. Michele will appear seven days a week as Fanny Brice, and joining her onstage as Mrs. Rosie Brice will be actress Tova Felshuh. This current revival production of Funny Girl began previews in March 2022 and officially opened in April of this year. Feldstein will step down from her role as Fanny on July 31 with Julie Benko stepping in from August 1 through September 5 until Michele’s debut. (Credit: Bruce Glikas/WireImage) Michele is best known for playing Rachel Berry in Fox‘s musical dramedy Glee which aired on Fox from 2009 to 2015. Her other television credits have included Scream Queens and The Mayor. The actress’s most...
- 7/11/2022
- TV Insider
No one’s going to rain on Lea Michele’s parade anymore: she’s the new Funny Girl. On Monday, the Broadway show announced that Michele will take over the starring role of Fanny Brice from Beanie Feldstein starting Sept. 6.
The news comes after Feldstein pulled out of the show earlier than anticipated following subpar critical reactions, especially regarding her performance. Feldstein’s last show is set for July 31. From that date until Sept. 4, her understudy Julie Benko will perform as Fanny, before Michele takes over.
Emmy Award-nominee Lea Michele...
The news comes after Feldstein pulled out of the show earlier than anticipated following subpar critical reactions, especially regarding her performance. Feldstein’s last show is set for July 31. From that date until Sept. 4, her understudy Julie Benko will perform as Fanny, before Michele takes over.
Emmy Award-nominee Lea Michele...
- 7/11/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Following the news that Beanie Feldsteinis leaving the Broadway revival of Funny Girl two months early, it was announced that Lea Michele has been cast as her replacement. Michele, who previously starred in the original cast of Spring Awakening, will take over the lead role as Fanny Brice. Michele will formally take over the role starting Sept. 6, while current standby Julie Benko...
- 7/11/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Rachel Berry finally gets her big “Funny Girl” moment.
Lea Michele, whose “Glee” character Rachel dreamed of playing Fanny Brice on Broadway in the role originated by Barbra Streisand, will officially star in the dramedy musical starting August 1. Michele takes over for Beanie Feldstein, last seen on Broadway in the Tony-winning “Hello, Dolly!”
Michele will take over the role of Fanny Brice on September 6. Until then, Feldstein’s understudy Julie Benko will perform from August 2 through September 4 and every Thursday beginning on September 8.
Fellow “Glee” alum Jane Lynch, who previously announced she would be playing the role of Brice’s mother Rose Brice through September 25, will now exit the musical prior to Michele joining. Lynch’s final performance will be on September 6; she will be replaced by Tovah Feldshuh (“Yentl”).
“Booksmart” star Feldstein was supposed to exit the musical on the same September date, but she issued a statement via...
Lea Michele, whose “Glee” character Rachel dreamed of playing Fanny Brice on Broadway in the role originated by Barbra Streisand, will officially star in the dramedy musical starting August 1. Michele takes over for Beanie Feldstein, last seen on Broadway in the Tony-winning “Hello, Dolly!”
Michele will take over the role of Fanny Brice on September 6. Until then, Feldstein’s understudy Julie Benko will perform from August 2 through September 4 and every Thursday beginning on September 8.
Fellow “Glee” alum Jane Lynch, who previously announced she would be playing the role of Brice’s mother Rose Brice through September 25, will now exit the musical prior to Michele joining. Lynch’s final performance will be on September 6; she will be replaced by Tovah Feldshuh (“Yentl”).
“Booksmart” star Feldstein was supposed to exit the musical on the same September date, but she issued a statement via...
- 7/11/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It’s official: Lea Michele‘s Funny Girl dream has at long last been realized.
The Glee grad, who famously played Fanny Brice in Fox’s show within a show, will lead the Broadway revival this fall, the production announced Monday.
More from TVLineSpring Awakening Cast Reunites for Tony Awards Performance: Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff and More -- WatchGlee Returning to Streaming Via Hulu and Disney+ -- Find Out WhenSpring Awakening Reunion Concert to Be Chronicled in HBO Documentary
She succeeds current star Beanie Feldstein, who was initially set to depart the show on Sunday, Sept. 25. But over the weekend,...
The Glee grad, who famously played Fanny Brice in Fox’s show within a show, will lead the Broadway revival this fall, the production announced Monday.
More from TVLineSpring Awakening Cast Reunites for Tony Awards Performance: Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff and More -- WatchGlee Returning to Streaming Via Hulu and Disney+ -- Find Out WhenSpring Awakening Reunion Concert to Be Chronicled in HBO Documentary
She succeeds current star Beanie Feldstein, who was initially set to depart the show on Sunday, Sept. 25. But over the weekend,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Click here to read the full article.
Lea Michele has been tapped to replace Beanie Feldstein in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, producers said Monday.
Michele will take over the title role of Fanny Brice from Feldstein, who departs the show July 31.
Meanwhile, Tovah Feldshuh has been cast as Jane Lynch’s replacement. Lynch will continue to play Mrs. Brice, Fanny’s mom, through Sept. 4.
Fanny Brice standby Julie Benko will perform the title role from Aug. 2-Sept. 4 and on Thursdays starting Sept. 8; Jared Grimes and Ramin Karimloo will continue in their roles as Eddie Ryan and Nick Arnstein, respectively.
The news comes a day after Feldstein announced in an Instagram post that she would be departing the show July 31, earlier than anticipated. Last month, producers said she and Lynch would be departing their roles Sept. 25 instead of at year’s end, which had originally been expected.
In her post,...
Lea Michele has been tapped to replace Beanie Feldstein in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, producers said Monday.
Michele will take over the title role of Fanny Brice from Feldstein, who departs the show July 31.
Meanwhile, Tovah Feldshuh has been cast as Jane Lynch’s replacement. Lynch will continue to play Mrs. Brice, Fanny’s mom, through Sept. 4.
Fanny Brice standby Julie Benko will perform the title role from Aug. 2-Sept. 4 and on Thursdays starting Sept. 8; Jared Grimes and Ramin Karimloo will continue in their roles as Eddie Ryan and Nick Arnstein, respectively.
The news comes a day after Feldstein announced in an Instagram post that she would be departing the show July 31, earlier than anticipated. Last month, producers said she and Lynch would be departing their roles Sept. 25 instead of at year’s end, which had originally been expected.
In her post,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beanie Feldstein announced tonight that she’ll depart the starring role of Broadway’s Funny Girl even earlier than previously announced: Her last performance in the show will be July 31.
“Playing Fanny Brice on Broadway has been a lifelong dream of mine,” Feldstein posted on Instagram tonight, “and doing so for the last few months has been a great joy and true honor. Once the production decided to take the show in a difference direction, I made the extremely difficult decision to step away sooner than anticipated. I will never forget this experience and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every single person who came to the August Wilson for the love and support you have shown me and our amazing cast and crew. The people I have had the great joy of bringing Funny Girl to life with every night, both on and off the stage,...
“Playing Fanny Brice on Broadway has been a lifelong dream of mine,” Feldstein posted on Instagram tonight, “and doing so for the last few months has been a great joy and true honor. Once the production decided to take the show in a difference direction, I made the extremely difficult decision to step away sooner than anticipated. I will never forget this experience and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every single person who came to the August Wilson for the love and support you have shown me and our amazing cast and crew. The people I have had the great joy of bringing Funny Girl to life with every night, both on and off the stage,...
- 7/10/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with Beanie Feldstein statement: Funny Girl stars Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch will depart the productionl on September 25, producers announced today.
In a tweet, the show addressed the return of Feldstein following a week off after testing positive from Covid, then announces the September departure.
“Beanie returns tomorrow!,” the tweet says. “14 weeks left to see Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch now through September 25th. Stay tuned for additional casting news to join Ramin Karimloo & Jared Grimes and the company of Funny Girl.”
Feldstein subsequently posted a message on Instagram, writing, in part, “September 25th will be my last show as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. I’ll never be able to find the words that could even begin to explain what the experience has been to me….I gave and will continue to give this show all of me. I am immensely proud to be a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls.
In a tweet, the show addressed the return of Feldstein following a week off after testing positive from Covid, then announces the September departure.
“Beanie returns tomorrow!,” the tweet says. “14 weeks left to see Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch now through September 25th. Stay tuned for additional casting news to join Ramin Karimloo & Jared Grimes and the company of Funny Girl.”
Feldstein subsequently posted a message on Instagram, writing, in part, “September 25th will be my last show as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. I’ll never be able to find the words that could even begin to explain what the experience has been to me….I gave and will continue to give this show all of me. I am immensely proud to be a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls.
- 6/15/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Beanie Feldstein To Miss Week Of ‘Funny Girl’ Performances After Testing Positive For Covid – Update
Update, June 8 Beanie Feldstein will be out of Funny Girl at least through the end of this week. In a tweet late last night, her “Fanny Brice” standby Julie Benko, wrote, “Hi all! I’m confirmed to be on for Fanny through the end of this week (Sunday 6/11). See you at the August Wilson, gorgeous… and feel better Beanie!”
Earlier this week, Feldstein posted an Instagram video announcing that she’d tested positive for Covid and would be quarantined, missing an undetermined number of performances.
Hi all! I’m confirmed to be on for Fanny through the end of this week (Sunday 6/11). See you at the August Wilson, gorgeous… and feel better Beanie! https://t.co/nGBZum9S4S
— Julie Benko (@JujujulieBee) June 8, 2022
Previous, June 7 No word yet on when Broadway’s Funny Girl star Beanie Feldstein will return to the show after testing positive for Covid.
Feldstein announced on...
Earlier this week, Feldstein posted an Instagram video announcing that she’d tested positive for Covid and would be quarantined, missing an undetermined number of performances.
Hi all! I’m confirmed to be on for Fanny through the end of this week (Sunday 6/11). See you at the August Wilson, gorgeous… and feel better Beanie! https://t.co/nGBZum9S4S
— Julie Benko (@JujujulieBee) June 8, 2022
Previous, June 7 No word yet on when Broadway’s Funny Girl star Beanie Feldstein will return to the show after testing positive for Covid.
Feldstein announced on...
- 6/8/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Funny Girl star Beanie Feldstein has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss a string of the Broadway show’s performances, the actress shared on Monday.
In a brief Instagram video message, Feldstein shared her diagnosis and announced her absence. “I just found out that I tested positive for Covid so, unfortunately, I’m going to be out of the show for a little while to keep everybody safe,” Feldstein said.
It’s unclear how many performances the actress, who confirmed she is vaccinated and boosted, will miss. But the Funny Girl lead said she “cannot wait to get back on stage very soon.” In the meantime, standby Julie Benko will step into the leading role of Fanny Brice.
“I’m very grateful to not be feeling too bad,” she added. “I’m just really bummed to not be seeing everyone at the theater.
Funny Girl star Beanie Feldstein has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss a string of the Broadway show’s performances, the actress shared on Monday.
In a brief Instagram video message, Feldstein shared her diagnosis and announced her absence. “I just found out that I tested positive for Covid so, unfortunately, I’m going to be out of the show for a little while to keep everybody safe,” Feldstein said.
It’s unclear how many performances the actress, who confirmed she is vaccinated and boosted, will miss. But the Funny Girl lead said she “cannot wait to get back on stage very soon.” In the meantime, standby Julie Benko will step into the leading role of Fanny Brice.
“I’m very grateful to not be feeling too bad,” she added. “I’m just really bummed to not be seeing everyone at the theater.
- 6/7/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Broadway’s upcoming revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch, Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes has completed casting, with Peter Francis James, Ephie Aardema, Debra Cardon and Toni Dibuono among those joining the cast.
The complete casting was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani. The complete creative team also was announced, including Susan Hilferty as costume designer, Kevin Adams as lighting designer and Brian Ronan as sound designer.
Rehearsals for the musical are expected to begin today, with previews set to start Saturday, March 26, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24.
The Jule Styne/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical, directed by Michael Mayer will star the previously announced Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice and Grimes as Eddie Ryan.
The newly announced cast includes Peter Francis James (Hillary and Clinton) as Florenz Ziegfeld,...
The complete casting was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani. The complete creative team also was announced, including Susan Hilferty as costume designer, Kevin Adams as lighting designer and Brian Ronan as sound designer.
Rehearsals for the musical are expected to begin today, with previews set to start Saturday, March 26, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24.
The Jule Styne/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical, directed by Michael Mayer will star the previously announced Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice and Grimes as Eddie Ryan.
The newly announced cast includes Peter Francis James (Hillary and Clinton) as Florenz Ziegfeld,...
- 2/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani announcedthe complete cast and creativeteam for the highly anticipated new Broadway production of Funny Girl. Previously announced Beanie Feldstein, Tonyand Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo, Jeff Award winner Jared Grimes, and five-time Emmy Award winner JaneLynch will be joined by Peter Francis James as Florenz Ziegfeld, Ephie Aardema as EmmaMrs. Nadler, Debra Cardona asMrs. Meeker, Toni Dibuono as Mrs. Strakosh, Martin Moran as Tom Keeney, Julie Benko as Fanny Brice Standby.
- 2/7/2022
- by Marissa Tomeo
- BroadwayWorld.com
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