ForLea Michele, having the opportunity to play Fanny Brice onBroadwayisn’t about the potential awards buzz.
“You might think that’s the biggest piece of bulls— that I’m going to say to you all day,” Michele, 36, toldThe New York Timesin a profile published Thursday, of not being upset over her ineligibility for aTony Awarddue toBeanie Feldsteinoriginating the role of Fanny in this year’sFunny Girlrevival.
“But I really don’t care about that at this point. It’s just about being able to play this part,” she added.
Funny Girl, which was eligible at this year’s Tonys, onlygarnered one nomination: for Jared Grimes, as best featured actor in a musical.
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Lea Michele.Jared Siskin/Getty
Michele made her Broadway debut at age 8, playing Young Cosette inLes Misérables.She went on to share the stage with Broadway greatsAudra McDonaldandBrian Stokes MitchellinRagtime, as well asAlfred Molinain the 20th anniversary production ofFiddler on the Roof.
Her breakout role was in the Tony-winning 20006 Broadway production ofSpring Awakening, which earned her critical praise including a Drama Desk nomination for outstanding actress in a musical. She recently reprised the role for the musical’s15th anniversary reunion concert. The one-night-only event was depicted in the HBO Max documentarySpring Awakening: Those You’ve Known. Michele even joined her former costars again in June to perform a number from the musical at the 2022 Tony Awards.
Lea Michele.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Michele has long history withFunny Girl. Not only has she been outspoken about her love for Streisand, 80, but herGleecharacter Rachel Berry played the role of Fanny Brice in a fictional revival of the show, singing many of the musical’s iconic songs on the Fox series including “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “People,” “My Man” and “I’m the Greatest Star.”
RELATED VIDEO:Funny GirlProducers Set the Record Straight on Beanie Feldstein’s Exit as Lea Michele Steps In
Despite her affection for the show and her own Broadway chops, “I will never be as good as Barbra Streisand,” Michele told theTimes.
TheEmmynominee also understands that everyone working onFunny Girl"has been through a lot," and plans to make her debut as a newcomer on the production rather than a showrunner.
“I just have to come in and be prepared and do a good job and be respectful of the fact that this is their space,” Michele said.
Tickets forFunny Girlare available atfunnygirlonbroadway.com.
source: people.com
