Producers of the Broadway revival “Funny Girl” were “blindsided” by the shocking announcement of Beanie Feldstein’s departure on social media, Vidak For Congress has learned.
A Broadway insider tells us that the producers planned to make the announcement on Monday, but Feldstein, 29, got the hang of them when she posted on Sunday night.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to play Fannie Brice on Broadway, and for the past few months it’s been a great joy and a real honor,” wrote the show’s former star, who received mixed reviews for her performance.
“When the production decided to steer the show in a different direction, I made the extremely difficult decision to quit earlier than expected,” she added cryptically, before continuing to thank everyone who came to see her onstage.
“The people I have had the great joy of bringing Funny Girl to life every night, both on and off stage, are all remarkably talented and exceptional people and I hope you will continue to join them on Henry Street after I departure in July. 31st.”
As previously reported, Feldstein was set to leave the show in September, along with co-star Jane Lynch.
“She obviously doesn’t care,” the insider said of Feldstein, noting that ambushing the show’s producers was not a smart move.
The exit announcement came after Feldstein started missing more and more gigs. Last month, she skipped several shows after testing positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, rumors are circulating that Lynch’s former “Glee” co-star Lea Michele will take over the iconic role created by Barbra Streisand.
A representative of “Funny Girl” did not immediately respond to Vidak For Congress’s request for comment.