This is what I call dedication!
Lea Michele, who’s been playing Fanny Brice on and off since last September, is skipping today’s performances of “Funny Girl.”
Why? She’s preparing, resting, and getting geared up for tomorrow night’s Tony Awards. She’s leading her company though a bunch of their famous songs on the CBS show beginning at 8pm.
Julie Benko, her ever reliable and quite talented standby, is taking over Fanny’s part today for matinee and evening.
Benko has been plugging away since the show opening in spring 2022 when she was filling in all the time for Beanie Feldstein.
“Funny Girl” didn’t receive any major Tony nominations last year when it was eligible. But it rebounded with Michele when she arrived last September, and will play through this September when she leaves. Benko is going on to another musical.
Meantime, it looks like all the actual Tony nominees will be performing both of their shows today.
