In the world of Broadway and pop culture, the phrase “Lea Michele Funny Girl” continues to hold weight—referring to actress-singer Lea Michele’s acclaimed turn as Fanny Brice in the revival of Funny Girl. The most recent updates confirm that Michele’s Broadway run has ended, and she is now pivoting toward new projects and performances.
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Broadway Run & Closing
Michele officially took over the lead role of Fanny Brice on Broadway on September 6, 2022, replacing Beanie Feldstein. Under her tenure, the revival of Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre saw a box-office resurgence. The production closed on September 3, 2023, after 599 performances (including previews). Michele publicly marked her departure with a heartfelt Instagram essay.
Critical & Commercial Reception
When Michele stepped into the role, many critics noted a turning of fortunes for the revival, which had begun with mixed reviews. By the time she settled into the part, reviewers praised her performance as a strong and charismatic lead. The cast recording featuring Michele was released digitally on November 18, 2022, then physically on January 20, 2023, and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Cast Albums chart.
Why It Mattered
Funny Girl has long been associated with Barbra Streisand—it launched her career on Broadway in 1964. Michele’s casting had added meta-interest, as her legacy on the TV series Glee had referenced the musical. For many fans and theatre-goers, her performance represented a full-circle moment.
Current & Upcoming Projects
Although Michele’s time with Funny Girl has concluded, she is far from stepping off stage. She is set to perform songs from Funny Girl, as well as hits from Glee and her solo career, on a North American tour in 2025. She also has been cast in the upcoming Broadway revival of Chess, playing Florence Vassy beginning October 15, 2025, with an official opening on November 16 at the Imperial Theatre in NYC.
Legacy & Takeaways
- Michele’s run in Funny Girl reaffirmed her Broadway credentials and offered a high-profile stage return after TV success.
- The revival’s closure in 2023 underscores the reality of even well-received shows needing an end date.
- Her upcoming tour and next Broadway show suggest that Funny Girl is part of a broader career arc, not an endpoint.
What Fans Are Saying
Broadway insiders noted that Michele’s entry into Funny Girl helped lift the show’s box office and critical standing. Meanwhile, some former Glee co-stars remain distant: actor Chris Colfer stated he would not be seeing Michele in Funny Girl, adding: “I can be triggered at home.” Others lauded her performance. One theatre-goer wrote:
“Funny Girl with Lea is one of my top 2 musicals I’ve ever seen in 30+ years of theater going.”
And another:
“Her version of Nobody’s Side is incredible. Brought the house down.”
What This Means for U.S. Audiences
For American theatre followers, Michele’s stint in Funny Girl is significant both culturally and commercially. Her transition from television to leading Broadway musicals reflects trends of performers crossing mediums. The cast album topping the charts demonstrates strong audience engagement. With her upcoming tour and Broadway return, U.S. fans have multiple opportunities to see Michele live, including interpretations of her Funny Girl material.
In Summary
The key phrase “Lea Michele Funny Girl” represents much more than a show title—it encapsulates a moment in Michele’s career where stage, story and fan expectations converged. While the Broadway revival has ended, its impact remains. With new live performances and future Broadway roles, Michele continues to build on the momentum she gathered during Funny Girl.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lea Michele’s post-Funny Girl journey and feel free to share your thoughts below.