The "Six Feet Under" actress will take the stage on February 1.Lauren Ambrose will star as Fanny Brice in the new Broadway production of Funny Girl.
Funny Girl will be directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, and features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Isobel Lennart.
“Let’s face it, there is obviously more than a lot to live up to playing Fanny Brice, but I am humbled and thrilled by the opportunity to be a part of this revival,” said Ambrose.
Ambrose, 30, is currently appearing on Starz’ Torchwood: Miracle Day, playing PR rep Jilly Kitzinger. She is probably best know for playing Claire Fisher in Six Feet Under.
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This will be the first Broadway production of the musical since it original opening in 1964. The original production starred Barbra Streisand, who was 21 years old at the time.
“The character is complex, the music beautiful and challenging,” said Ambrose. “I can’t wait to get into that rehearsal room with the team Bart is assembling - wish we could start tomorrow!”
Funny Girl will play at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles from January 15 through February 26, 2012, with the opening scheduled for February 1. The musical will open in spring 2012 on Broadway.
The web was full of chatter about Glee star Lea Michele possibly taking on the role of Fanny Brice in the Broadway show after the New York Times asked producer Bob Boyett if he would consider the 23-year-old star who memorably sang “Don’t Rain on My Parade” on the Fox show.
“I think Lea is wonderful, she’s great, and she would certainly be on anybody’s list. She’s also got a pretty good gig going now,” he responded.
