Hey Mr. Arnstein, here they are!
Five-time Emmy-winning actress Jane Lynch is joining the cast of the new Broadway revival of the classic musical Funny Girl. She joins the previously announced Beanie Feldstein, who will be playing Fanny Brice, along with Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes.
Lynch is going to be playing Mrs. Rosie Brice, the mother of Feldstein's Fanny.
"I grew up to the Broadway cast album of Funny Girl," Lynch said. "My mother and I knew every breath of that record and would sing it together at the top of our lungs. I am thrilled beyond words to be playing Fanny's mother on Broadway. And somewhere in heaven my mom is asking 'Who taught her everything she knows?'"
Lynch famously played cheerleader-coach-turned-principal Sue Sylvester in Ryan Murphy's Glee, which also starred Lea Michele as Rachel Berry, who's entire dream revolved around playing Fanny in a Broadway revival of Funny Girl. If only Rachel could see Coach Sue now.
Entertainment Weekly also got a first look of Feldstein as the legendary Brice, and she looks MARVELOUS. She's got huge shoes to fill, as the role was originated by the legendary Barbra Steisand, but if anyone can do it, it's Feldstein. This is sure to be a must-see show once Broadway comes back.
"Beanie Feldstein, Beanie Feldstein, what a beautiful, beautiful name!" director Michael Mayer said to EW. "And what a fabulous Fanny Brice she will be: she's delightfully funny, warm, intelligent, a charming singer and dancer, and truly a 'bagel on a plate full of onion rolls!' I'm beyond excited to collaborate with Beanie as we bring this iconic musical back to Broadway where it belongs."
Feldstein is currently starring in Impeachment: American Crime Story as Monica Lewinsky, opposite Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp. That show airs new episodes every Tuesday on FX.
The production of Funny Girl will be the first time the 1964 musical has had a Broadway revival, and Harvey Fierstein is on board to revise the book. Funny Girl will begin performances Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the August Wilson, followed by an official opening on Sunday, April 24, 2022.
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