It has been announced that the actress will star in the new production of the musical heading to Broadway next year.
Beanie Feldstein is to star as Fanny Brice in Tony Award winner Michael Mayer’s (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Spring Awakening) upcoming production of Funny Girl.
This is the first Broadway revival of Jules Styne and Bob Merrill’s musical since the 1964 production which famously starred Barbra Streisand. Featuring an original book by Isobel Lennart, the story tells the story of Fanny Brice whose talent sees her rise from young Brooklyn music hall performer to star of the stage and her relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein. It includes the songs ‘People’ and ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade.’
In a statement, Beanie Feldstein who made her Broadway debut in the recent revival of Hello, Dolly! said:”The first time I played Fanny Brice was at my third birthday party, in a head-to-toe leopard print outfit my mom made for me. So, it’s safe to say that stepping into this iconic role, on Broadway and not in my family’s backyard, is truly my lifelong dream come true. I am immensely grateful to be able to do so alongside such a remarkable creative team, and cannot wait for audiences to get back in theaters again!”
Michael Mayer directed the London revival of the musical, which was first seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory before transferring to the Savoy Theatre. While the Menier is a producer of the Broadway revival and will feature the revised book by Harvey Fierstein, this production will not be a transfer of the London production.
While casting, theatre and full creative team has yet to be confirmed for the Broadway revival, the production will feature set design by David Zinn, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and tap choreography Ayodele Casel.