Jane Lynch Says Lea Michele Will Make 'Funny Girl' 'Her Own': 'So Glad She's Getting the Opportunity'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jane Lynchis looking forward toLea Michele’s version ofFunny Girl.

Michele has a previous connection toFunny Girl. Not only has she been outspoken about her love for Barbra Streisand — who originated the role in 1964 — but herGleecharacter Rachel Berry played the role of Brice in a fictional revival of the show, singing many of the musical’s iconic songs on the Fox series including “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

In an interview withDeadlineTuesday about her outstanding guest actress in a comedy Emmy nomination forOnly Murders in the Building, Lynch, 61, addressed the casting news. She said she and her formerGleecostar “have been in touch about it.”

“You know, it was just a really strong idea to have Feldshuh and Lea premiere together. That’s the only reason [we won’t appear together]. I adore her,” she said of Michele. “She’s just going to take this show and make it her own.”

Added Lynch, “I’m so glad she’s getting the opportunity in real life to do the show and not just onGlee.”

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On Instagram, Michele, 35,sharedher excitement in joining the musical this fall: “A dream come true is an understatement. 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.”

Additionally, Feldshuhwrote, “Thrilled to be with the brilliant deserving Lea Michele in this new journey!”

Feldstein, 29,opened the revival back in Apriland announced in June that she would be leaving the show on Sept. 25, but revealed on Instagram Sunday night that she would be departing early after “the production decided to take the show in a different direction.” Her final performance will now be on July 31.

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“Playing Fanny Brice on Broadway has been a lifelong dream of mine, and doing so for the last few months has been a great joy and true honor,“wroteFeldstein. “Once the production decided to take the show in a different 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 bringingFunny Girlto life with every night, both on and off the stage, are all remarkably talented and exceptional humans and I hope you continue to join them on Henry Street after I depart on July 31st.”

source: people.com