Jane Lynch is raving about her former “Glee” co-star Lea Michele, who landed her dream role as Fanny Brice in Broadway’s “Funny Girl.”
“I love her. She’s just going to take this show and make it her own thing,” the actress told Deadline.
“I’m so glad she gets the chance to do the show in real life and not just on ‘Glee’.”
Michele, 35, is taking over from Beanie Feldstein, who announced her abrupt departure this weekend via social media. Lynch, who played the part of Mrs. Brice, will also be leaving, with Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh.
Both Michele and Feldshuh, 73, will begin their performances on Tuesday, September 6.
†[Lea and I] have been in touch about it,” Lynch, 61, said of the cast changes. “You know, it was just a really strong idea to premiere Feldshuh and Lea together. That’s the only reason [we won’t appear together]†
Since it was announced that Michele would replace Feldstein, 29, on the show, fans have taken to social media to express their mixed emotions.
And unlike Lynch who supported her, Sammie Ware, who also starred in “Glee,” tweeted about her disappointment in the casting over Michele’s alleged assault and racist behavior towards her on set.
‘Yes, I see you all. Yes, I care. Yes, I have been influenced. Yes, I am human. Yes, I am black. Yes, I have been abused. Yes, my dreams were tarnished,” said the 30-year-old wrote monday†
She continued: “Yes, Broadway maintains whiteness. Yes, Hollywood does the same. Yes, silence is complicity. Yes, I’m loud. Yes, I’d do it again.”
Meanwhile, Michele — who has dreamed of playing Fanny Brice on Broadway for years — made a heartfelt announcement this week via Instagram.
“A dream come true is an understatement,” she wrote. “I am so incredibly honored to join this amazing cast and production and return to the stage to play Fanny Brice on Broadway. Until Sept 6. @funnygirlbwy #FUNNYGIRL.”
The casting of the author of “Brunette Ambition” came amid the shocking exit news from Feldstein.
The actress cited that her reasoning for her “extremely difficult decision” to step down earlier than expected was because the show was heading in a “different direction”.
However, sources told Vidak For Congress that Feldstein was “basically fired” from the Broadway production due to poor performance ratings and declining ticket sales.
Representatives from Feldstein and the show did not immediately respond to requests for comment.