Lea Michele feels “overwhelming emotions” before her Fun girl curtain call.
On Sunday, the actress, 37, shared a lengthy message on her Instagram Story, toasting her time as Fanny Brice in the Broadway musical ahead of her final performance at the August Wilson Theater this weekend.
“The role of a lifetime. The past year,” Michele began her post, which is split into two slides on her Story. “I had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice on August Wilson’s stage. An opportunity my younger self could only dream of. And I did.”
“I have always felt a deep love and connection to this story and to Fanny, an extraordinary woman who tirelessly paved the way in the entertainment industry. Somehow, her essence was constantly there serving as inspiration and motivation in the most important corners of my life,” she added.
“From watching Fun girl the first time I was inside The awakening of spring, to sing songs joy as Rachel Berry, to performing opposite Barbra Streisand in Music Cares, to holding my newborn son in my arms when I found out this spectacular show was returning to Broadway, to sitting in the audience for the first time, completely unsure of what the next few months of my life would hold. became.”
Lea Michele shares message ahead of ‘Funny Girl’ final performance.
Lea Michelle/Instagram
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Michele then took a moment to reflect on where the role has brought her today, to “finally close the curtain on what has been a truly extraordinary chapter of my life.”
“Fanny Brice was [a part] of my career from the very beginning and no words can describe what it has meant to me to play this role on Broadway and make it my own,” Michele wrote. “This experience has been filled with some of the most amazing accomplishments and challenging moments that I have such deep respect for and gratitude.”
“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’m damn proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. To every person who came to see our show: Your support, enthusiasm, applause, and standing ovation brought me to tears more more times than I can count. I am forever grateful.”
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Lea Michele reflects on ‘Funny Girl’ ahead of final performance.
Lea Michelle/Instagram
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Michele first took over the role of Brice in September 2022, taking over from Beanie Feldstein who had played Brice since April 2022. The musical, which set box office records, features the popular songs “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I I’m the biggest star” and “People.”
In conversation with Living with Kelly and Ryan in March of this year, Michele said she first applied to Fun girl until June 2023, but she extended her stay because she was having the “fun of her life”.
The actress explained more about how much the series means to her in the second part of her Sunday post, writing that she’s “not sure where I’d be” without the support of friends and family who have been there for her throughout. Fun girl.
“To my amazing husband Zandy and my son Ever, you are my rock and I will continue to thank you from the bottom of my heart every day,” she wrote.
The actress concluded her post by touching on her “last bow”.
“I carry all these overwhelming emotions with me as I close an incredible chapter in 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 extraordinary history. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you. I can’t wait I’m waiting to see what’s next.”
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As for her next steps, Michele revealed in an Instagram Q&A in July that she’ll be taking some time off to focus on her three-year-old son, Ever. “Lots and lots of cuddling with this guy and some quality family time… Then back to work!!!” Michele wrote when asked what she will do when the musical closes.
“I love a good getaway with my boys,” she shared of her favorite thing to do with her family. “Sure, being home together on the couch is great, but always showing new places is so much fun.”
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Source: HIS Education