Lea Michele in ‘Funny Girl’ on Broadway.Photo:Theo Wargo/Getty
Theo Wargo/Getty
Lea Micheleis feeling “overwhelming emotions” ahead of herFunny Girlcurtain call.
On Sunday, the actress, 37, shared a lengthy messageon her Instagram, toasting her time as Fanny Brice in the Broadway musical before her last performance at the August Wilson Theatre this weekend.
“The role of a lifetime. For the past year,” Michele began her post, which was broken up into two slides and shared alongside an image of her in the role of Brice. “I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice on the August Wilson stage. An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
“I’ve always felt a deep love and connection to this story, and to Fanny, a remarkable woman who relentlessly blazed a trail in the entertainment industry. Somehow her essence has continuously been there serving as inspiration and motivation throughout the most pivotal corners of my life,” she added.
“From watchingFunny Girlfor the first time while I was inSpring Awakening,to singing the songs onGleeas Rachel Berry, to performing in front of Barbra Streisand at Music Cares, to holding my newborn son in my arms when I learned this spectacular show would be returning to Broadway, to sitting in the audience for the first time, completely unsure of what the next few months of my life would become.”
Lea Michele shares message ahead of final ‘Funny Girl’ performance.Lea Michelle/Instagram
Lea Michelle/Instagram
Michele then took a moment to reflect on where the role has brought her today, to “the final curtain close of what was a truly exceptional chapter of my life.”
“Fanny Brice has been [a part] of my career from the very beginning and no words can describe what it has meant for me to play this role on Broadway and make it my own,” Michele wrote. “This experience has been filled with some of the most incredible accomplishments and challenging moments that I have such deep appreciation and gratitude for.”
“I owe it all to our talented cast and hardworking crew,” she added.
“Because of you, I’ve learned the true importance of connection, community, and fun! And I am damn proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. To every single person who came to see our show: Your support, enthusiasm, applause, and standing ovations have brought me to tears more times that I can count. I am forever grateful.”
Lea Michele reflects on ‘Funny Girl’ ahead of final performance.Lea Michelle/Instagram
Michele first took on the role of Brice in September 2022, taking over fromBeanie Feldsteinwho portrayed Brice from April 2022. The musical, which hasset box-office records, features popular tracks “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and"People."
In a conversation withLive with Kelly and Ryanin March this year, Michele said that she initially signed on toFunny Girluntil June 2023, but extended her stay because she was having “the time of her life.”
“To my unbelievable husband Zandy and my son Ever, you are my rocks and I will continue to thank you from the bottom of my heart every day,” she wrote.
“I’m carrying all these overwhelming emotions with me as I end an unbelievable chapter of my life. Broadway has changed my life in the most unforgettable ways and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of its remarkable history. Thank you all for allowing me to share this journey with you. I cannot wait to see what’s next.”
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As for her next steps, Michele revealed in an Instagram Q&A in July thatshe’ll be taking some timeto focus on her 3-year-old son Ever. “Lots and lots of snuggles with this guy and some good family time… Then back to work!!!” Michele wrote when asked what she’d be up to when the musical closes.
“I love a good getaway with my boys,” she shared of her favorite thing to do with her family. “Of course, just being home together on the couch is great but getting to show Ever new places is so much fun.”
source: people.com
