A shakeup in the cast of Broadway’s "Funny Girl.”
Actress Beanie Feldstein, who plays the lead, Fanny Brice,
announced Sunday she is leaving the musical comedy on July 31, nearly two
months ahead of schedule. Former "Glee" actress Lea Michele will replace her Sept. 6.
Lea Michele (left) and Beanie Felstein (right) - photo via AP
Fanny standby actress Julie Benko will play the role between Feldstein and Michele's runs.
Feldstein posted on Instagram the production's decision to take
the show in a different direction prompted her to make the difficult decision.
The first-ever Broadway revival of "Funny Girl” opened in
April and garnered some negative reviews, with a number of critics believing
Feldstein is miscast in the role created nearly 60 years ago by Barbra
Streisand.