Name: Funny Girl on Broadway
Start: 2022-03-26
End: 2023-09-03
Location: August Wilson Theatre

New York

New York Nav Links [NEW]

More shows

WL NYC Nav

DTLI Logo alt (4)

DidTheyLikeIt

DTLI Fav

WL US Info Links

INFO

Broadway World NY Help Links

HELP

WL US Footer - BWW

Terms and conditions

Privacy policy

FAQs

Contact us

WL US Help Links

WL US Footer

Digital Partners

Theatre Specialists

blank navigation bar for NYTG

blank navigation bar 

WL All Broadway Shows Link

Broadway

Off-Broadway

WL Broadway Plays Link

Experiences

WL Concerts Link NYC

Concerts

All Shows NYC - WL

All Events

Goldstar My Tickets

My Tickets

GS Nav Override

null

Funny Girl on Broadway - NYC

Funny Girl Lea 1

Get tickets to the best shows at the best prices on Broadway and beyond

Discover New York City 

New York Header Image

Latest New York City Insider Posts 

New York Tile Image

Holiday Gift Guide - NYC

View all events

Holiday Gift Guide

NY - TT - Nav Bar Link - Holiday

Holiday Events

NYC - Shows Members Love

New York Broadway

Offers

More

Venues in New York City

Funny Girl on Broadway

Funny Girl - Lea Michele Poster

Funny Girl on Broadway - Hero

Funny Girl on Broadway - NYC Product Media

Funny Girl Lea 2

123299-0Funny Girl Lea 2

Funny Girl Tovah

funnygirl1

Funny GIrl Lea 7

123291-0

Lea Michele currently stars in *Funny Girl* on Broadway.

Lea Michele Sarfati is an actor and singer best known for playing Rachel Berry in the television series *Glee* and originating the role of Wendla in the Tony Award-winning musical *Spring Awakening* on Broadway. 

Born August 29, 1986, in The Bronx, New York, Michele made her Broadway debut early in life. While attending an audition with a friend at age 8, Michele unexpectedly auditioned for and landed the role of Young Cosette in *Les Misérables*. Later, she joined a Toronto-based production of *Ragtime* in 1998 and returned to Broadway in 2004 for the revival of *Fiddler on the Roof* as Shprintze. 

As a high school student in New Jersey, Michele attended the Stagedoor Manor performing arts training center, where she was in productions such as *Side by Side by Sondheim* and *The Who’s Tommy*. During her final year, she landed the role of Wendla in the workshop of Duncan Sheik’s *Spring Awakening*, which she would also perform off Broadway. During this time, Michele was accepted into New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts but turned it down to continue performing on stage.

*Spring Awakening* opened on Broadway in 2006, with Michele portraying Wendla alongside Jonathan Groff as Melchior. She turned down an offer to play Éponine in *Les Misérables* on Broadway, choosing to stay with *Spring Awakening* instead. She exited the production alongside Groff in 2008.

Michele made her silver screen breakout in 2009 as Rachel Berry on the hit comedy musical series *Glee*. Michele received Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations for her portrayal of Rachel and remained a regular on the show for six seasons. Michele has also starred in other television shows, including *Scream Queens*, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, and *The Mayor*, alongside Brandon Micheal Hall and Yvette Nicole Brown.

In addition to her stage and screen work, Michele has released three studio albums. Her first album, 2014’s *Louder*, debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2017, she released *Places*, followed by *Christmas in the City* in 2019. 

Michele reunited with her *Spring Awakening* cast for a performance at the 75th annual Tony Awards and a one-night-only concert, which became the documentary *Spring Awakening: Those You’ve Known*. 

In 2022, Michele returned to Broadway and took over the role of Fanny Brice in the *Funny Girl* revival alongside [Ramin Karimloo](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/ramin-karimloo) and Tovah Feldshuh.

Lea Michele - NY

Lea Michele in *Funny Girl* on Broadway is the theatre event of the season. It’s live theatre at its finest. It’s the perfect marriage of actress and role. The very nature of attending this show is theatrical.

For the uninitiated, Lea Michele is a seasoned Broadway performer, who made her debut in *Les Misérables* at age 8 and rose to fame in her early 20s in the cult hit *Spring Awakening* before going on to more mainstream television roles, namely the ambitious and talented Rachel Berry on Ryan Murphy’s show choir dramedy *Glee* from 2009-15.

On said series, Michele played a ruthless teenager dead set on making it on Broadway, namely in the titular role in *Funny Girl*. She sang the iconic Act 1 finale “Don’t Rain on My Parade” during the first season and later performed the number on the Tony Awards. In the show’s final season, the character made her Broadway debut in *Funny Girl* and won the Tony for her performance. 

While Michele won’t win a Tony Award for this outing – Tonys are only given to performers who originated the role, and Michele replaces [Beanie Feldstein](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/beanie-feldstein), who left the production over the summer – she is making quite the splash in her first time on Broadway in over a decade. It’s impossible to parse out every layer of meta-theatricality at play here, not least because the show itself is a show-within-a-show about a starry-eyed Ziegfeld comic hoping to become the “greatest star.”

But even without all the added contextual layers, Michele stands alone as a singular Broadway performer, one who can pack a house and command a crowd and also hit all the right notes and laughs. And even years on, she brings the same bright-eyed optimism and ingenuity that made audiences fall in love with her. When she sings “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” the audience feels as if they are somehow fulfilling a dream alongside her, and while premature claps and mid-song standing ovations can seem distracting, it’s all a part of this singular theatregoing experience. You, the audience, are also part of this spectacle.

Broadway and television favorite Tovah Feldshuh joined the company with Michele as Fanny’s overprotective mother, and she chews on all the scenery, stealing the show with numbers like “Henry Street” when Fanny returns home to a party the neighborhood where she grew up. Jared Grimes, who earned a Tony nomination for his jubilant and tap-tastic performance as Fanny’s friend Eddie Ryan, continues to give 110% in a thankless side role. With Grimes in the tap shoes, though, Eddie’s energy jumps right off the stage. 

Ramin Karimloo stars as Nick Armstein, Fanny’s gambling addict of a manager-turned-husband, and while the role turns back the clock on feminism several years, Karimloo is charming and endearing even where his character falls short. 

Directed by Michael Mayer, the production is cool and crisp, with stylish throwback choreography by Ellenore Scott (and gorgeous tap choreography by Ayodele Casel) and seamless sets by David Zinn and eye-popping costumes by Susan Hilferty. 

While Harvey Fierstein’s revision of the book can’t do much to save the dated show (original book by Isobel Lennart), the audience isn’t coming to see the show for the plot. They’re coming for Jule Styne and Bob Merrill’s iconic songs, sung by the titular girl. After all, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world, and this crowd needs Lea Michele. 

[*Funny Girl* is running at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway. Get *Funny Girl* tickets on New York Theatre Guide. 
](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24232-funny-girl-tickets)

'Funny Girl' review — Lea Michele is the greatest star in her triumphant Broadway return

Read our review of Lea Michele in Funny Girl on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.

Funny Girl starring Lea Michele Broadway Review | New York Theatre Guide

The August Wilson Theatre, located in the heart of Manhattan, is one of New York's iconic historical landmarks. Named after Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, the venue hosts an array of award-winning Broadway performances. This theatre has an expansive total seating capacity of 1,222, making it an ideal environment for large scale performances. The interior reflects an Art Nouveau style featuring a grand lobby with high ceilings and intricately designed walls. The theatre’s plush seating, opulent detailing, and great acoustics create an intimate experience for viewers, compelling them to feel a part of the performance. It has managed to preserve its early 20th-century charm while presenting modern productions. **How to get to the venue**: The August Wilson Theatre is centrally located at 245 W 52nd St, making it easily accessible via numerous transportation means. Visitors can take the 1, C, E subway lines to 50th Street or the N, Q, R, W lines to 57th Street. If you prefer to bus, the M104, M20 or M7 bus lines have nearby stops. If you choose to drive, commercial parking garages are available around the theatre district. Those choosing to ride-share can set their destination to the theatre directly.

August Wilson Theatre - NY

August Wilson Theatre

The August Wilson Theatre is a historic venue in New York known for its large capacity and award-winning Broadway performances.

lea michele-200

Ramin Karimloo plays Frederick Barrett in the Encores! production of [*Titanic*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31940-encores-titanic) at [New York City Center](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/new-york-city-center) from June 12-23, 2024.

Ramin Karimloo was born in Tehran, Iran, on September 19, 1978. He moved to Canada at a young age and attended the Alexander Mackenzie High School in Richmond Hill, Ontario. After leaving school at 18, Ramin jobbed for the next few years in rock bands and on ship cruises. After moving to England, his first major professional job came in 2001, when he joined the UK touring cast of&nbsp;The Pirates of Penzance&nbsp;and eventually took over the role of the Pirate King in 2002. He moved straight onto his next UK Tour that same year, playing Artie Green in&nbsp;Sunset Boulevard, until he was able to secure his West End debut, joining the cast of London's long-running musical&nbsp;Les Misérables.

The Schönberg-Boublil musical would play a major part in his life and Ramin would return to the West End production in 2004 to play the role of Enjolras, which he would reprise at the acclaimed 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2 Arena in 2010. He first played the lead role of Jean Valjean in the West End in 2011 and went on to reprise his performance in Toronto in 2013. Finally, Ramin made his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean in Cameron Mackintosh's&nbsp;2014 revival and went on to earn his first&nbsp;Tony Award nomination in the category of Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.

Ramin also played the role of Chris in the 2005 UK Tour of another popular Schönberg-Boublil musical -&nbsp;Miss Saigon.

The other musical that has undeniably propelled Ramin's stage career into stardom is Andrew Lloyd Webber's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/the-phantom-of-the-opera" target="_blank">The Phantom of the Opera</a>. He first played the role of Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, in the West End production in 2003, and returned to the same production in 2007 to play The Phantom himself. He reprised the role at The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall&nbsp;in 2011. Ramin also originated the role of The Phantom in the world premiere of the sequel&nbsp;Love Never Dies&nbsp;in 2010 at London's Adelphi Theatre, earning his first Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

Other notable credits in Ramin's career include the world premiere of&nbsp;Prince of Broadway&nbsp;in Japan in 2015, the Lincoln Center concert productions of&nbsp;Parade&nbsp;in 2015 and&nbsp;Secret Garden&nbsp;in 2016, as well as&nbsp;a West End run as Tom in&nbsp;Murder Ballad.&nbsp;He returned to Broadway and took on the roles of Gleb Vaganov in the new stage adaptation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/anastasia" target="_blank">Anastasia</a>&nbsp;in March 2017 and the role of Nick Arnstein in the first Broadway revival of Funny Girl in 2022.

Ramin Karimloo - NY 

Anastasia on Broadway [3865]

Anastasia on Broadway

Anastasia on Broadway [3865] Product Media

Anastasia is a perfectly crafted Broadway musical fairy-tale that is going to run forever. Family-friendly, romantic, glittery, great sets and costumes, show-stopping second banana (Caroline O'Connor, I'm looking at you), and songs the audience already knows and loves. Wait, what? It's billed as an original musical with book by noted playwright Terrence McNally, and music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the duo who brought us "Ragtime", and oh yes, the animated movie musical "Anastasia."If you read the fine print in the Playbill under the writing credits in small print it says "Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures." There were two of them, a live-action film starring Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brenner in 1956, and the animated musical in 1997, which was the Fox Animation Studios most profitable film ever. Ah. Ding, ding, ding. Move over Disney, if you can do it, why can't Fox?How about the fact that they're billing it as an "original" musical with a "new score" that's "inspired" by the movies? Most of the songs are the same, and the plot is largely the same with a few different characters. But, there is a new score. Which is the background music that plays under, around and between the scenes. Like in a movie. And, the character of Rasputin has been done away with from the animated film, and a new, softer villain introduced. A Soviet soldier, Deputy Commissioner Gleb Vaganov (Ramin Karimloo), who chases Anya/Anastasia (Christy Altomare) to Paris with orders to kill or capture her, but cannot find it in his heart to do so. As if.Which brings us to the meat of the matter. The subject matter, that is. The big difference between the movies and the stage musical is time and science. When the movies were made, the true story of Anastasia was still a mystery and fair game for whatever invention or interpretation could be put on it. But in 2007, it was proved conclusively through DNA testing of remains found, that Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna was murdered along with the rest of her imperial family in Yekaterinburg, Russia by Bolshevik secret police.But the Broadway Anastasia, is a fairy tale, where the beautiful young princess (alright, Grand Duchess but you know all the little girls are going to want to be "Princess Anastasia"), manages to escape a dreadful fate, but winds up with amnesia. She meets a handsome pauper Dmitry (Derek Klena), who, despite growing up on the streets without parents is kind, clean, wily, brave and has a heart of gold. Oh, and he has a best friend Vlad (John Bolton) who used to pretend to be a Count and knows all the intimate details of the Imperial family. How convenient. They teach her everything she needs to know and her memory starts to come back - she is the real Anastasia. She begins to believe, as do they. She also meets Gleb, the Soviet soldier who warns her not to get involved with any plots. Pursued by police, they get to Paris, where her grandmother the Dowager Empress (Mary Beth Peil) has been languishing and hoping the rumors she is alive are true. After an initial struggle to get the Empress to see her, she does, they reunite, Gleb finds her but can't kill her. Anastasia has an ah-ha moment and runs to find Dimitry. Who has left after refusing the reward for her return upon realizing that returning her to her family is all the reward he needs. They meet, kiss, and walk off into the sunset. The Empress announces that there is no Anastasia, wink, wink, so they can live in peace.Anastasia, and it's movie predecessors, are fictional versions of the life of one of the many women who claimed to be the surviving Grand Duchess Anastasia, Anna Anderson. There was a £10,000,000 account of Tsar Nicholas II at stake in Britain so many were tempted to make the attempt. The most widely known claimant, Anna Anderson, first came to light in Berlin in 1922. This was after attempting suicide and a stay in a mental institution there in 1920. She brought a 40 year court case in Germany that ended in a deadlock. Her claim could be "neither established nor refuted." She was a troubled woman, in and out of sanitoriums. She wound up emigrating to the US in 1968 and marrying a history professor in Charlottesville, VA. She maintained until the day she died in 1984 that she was, indeed, Anastasia.The house was packed the night I saw it, and the audience went out of their minds with every single song. There was a huge standing ovation, and Christy Altomare who played Anastasia was weeping at the curtain call. I was dazed and confused by the enthusiasm all around me. I admit to walking in with doubts about how they were going to handle the facts that had been uncovered since the inspirational pieces were done. And I admit to being a total and complete romantic. I read romance novels like they're going out of style (shhh, don't tell anyone). But I guess my ability to delude myself about what's real and what's fantasy is in pretty short supply these days. I just can't pretend that what's actually happened, you know, real people getting murdered, didn't happen and it's all ok.(Photo by Matthew Murphy)<hr />""Anastasia" may well tap into the dewy-eyed demographic that made "Wicked" such an indestructible favorite of female adolescents. Those without such nostalgic insulation are likely to find this "Anastasia" a chore." Ben Brantley for New York Times"The show, despite being filled with some very good songs and performances, suffers from its own identity crisis. It's got a split personality and is torn between whether it's serious drama or frothy musical comedy... While the show's tone is muddy, Altomare has a bright, clear voice and shines in the lead role. Anya may or may not be a princess, but the actress playing her is a royal treat." Joe Dziemianowicz for New York Daily News"In a season crowded with new musicals, this one has maintained a modest profile. But now the secret can be told: Anastasia is the richest and fullest family show to hit Broadway in years. Who knew?" Adam Feldman for Time Out New York"It's kitschy, old-fashioned entertainment given a relatively sophisticated presentation, and you have to acknowledge its success when you hear the target demographic swoon on cue." David Rooney for Hollywood Reporter"Young women and girls in search of a new Broadway role model need look no further than the title character in "Anastasia," the sumptuous fairy tale of a musical that should please the kids, satisfy the sentimental and comfort those who thought the old templates for musical comedy were passé. The broad strokes of the familiar — a romantic young couple, a villain in hot pursuit, comic supporting characters, an endearing family member — can still be irresistible when combined with taste, craftsmanship and a willing suspension of disbelief." Frank Rizzo for VarietyExternal links to full reviews from popular press...<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/theater/anastasia-review-broadway.html?_r=0" target="Top">New York Times</a> - <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/anastasia-broadway-review-article-1.3095510" target="Top">New York Daily News</a> - <a href="https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/anastasia" target="Top">Time Out</a> - <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/anastasia-theater-review-996856" target="Top">Hollywood Reporter</a> - <a href="http://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/anastasia-review-broadway-musical-1202393569/" target="Top">Variety</a>

Anastasia

The Broadhurst Theatre is a prestigious, century-old Broadway venue located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. It was named after the renowned playwright George H. Broadhurst, an Anglo-American who was originally from Bristol, England. Constructed by the Shubert Brothers and designed by the architectural firm Kirchoff & Rose, Broadhurst Theatre opened its doors to the public on September 27, 1917, with its first-ever staged play, George Bernard Shaw’s 'Misalliance'. Spanning over a wide space of 20,000 square feet, it can comfortably seat slightly over 1,100 spectators on two levels. With its decorative ceilings, excellent acoustics, central location, and intimate seating arrangement, the Broadhurst Theatre has been attracting Broadway artists and audience for over 100 years. 
 
##How to get to the venue
The Broadhurst Theatre is centrally located at 235 West 44th Street, and this strategic location makes it easily accessible from all parts of the city. If you're using public transportation, Times Square's 42nd Street subway station is the closest, served by various train lines such as the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S. Also, multiple buses serve 44th Street, including the M20 and M104 lines. Hence, reaching the Broadhurst Theatre isn't difficult regardless of where you are starting your journey.

Broadhurst Theatre - NY

Broadhurst Theatre

Broadhurst Theatre is a historic Broadway venue in Manhattan, renowned for its intimate seating, excellent acoustics, and accessible location.

Encores! Titanic - NYC [31940]

Encores! Titanic

Encores! Titanic - NYC Product Media 

The **New York City Center** is one of the most influential performing arts venues in New York City. Located at 131 West 55th Street in Manhattan, it serves as a beacon for enthusiasts of dance, music, and theater. The Center was established in 1943 and has since played host to numerous notable productions, resonating with the key artistic transitions that have marked the evolution of performance art in the heartland of the greatest city in the world.

Emerging from its humble beginnings as an alternative center for artists who couldn't afford Broadway, the Center has turned into a reputable institution that neither compromises on its values nor its commitment to delivering the highest quality of artistic productions. Special mention goes to their yearly Fall for Dance festival, an exciting event that showcases the arts performances from international dance companies and uniquely affordable tickets.

The architecture of the theater itself is striking, boasting a distinctive neo-Moorish design and luxurious interiors that enhance the overall experience of the performances. With a seating capacity of 2,257, the Center is the perfect midpoint between intimacy and scale.

**Getting There**

The New York City Center is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest subway stops are 57th Street - 7th Avenue (N/Q/R/W), 57th Street (F), and 55th Street - 7th Avenue (B/D/E). Alternatively, if you're driving, there are several parking garages located nearby, although be aware that parking in Midtown Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. Those wishing to bike will find numerous Citi Bike docking stations in the vicinity.

New York City Center - NY

New York City Center

The New York City Center is a landmark Manhattan theater known for dance, music, and theater performances, featuring grand neo-Moorish architecture.

Pirates! The Penzance Musical on Broadway - NYC [38596] 

Pirates! The Penzance Musical on Broadway

The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway - NYC [38596] - Product Media 

The Todd Haimes Theatre, located in the heart of New York City, is an iconic theatre venue renowned for its high-quality shows and excellent customer service. Home to numerous award-winning productions, this theatre is intimately tied with the cultural fabric of the city. It offers a top-notch acoustic experience complemented by its luxurious seating and intricate interior design that reminds of the golden era of Broadway. 

### How to get to the venue:
 For theatergoers travelling by subway, the nearest station is Times Square-42nd Street served by numerous lines including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and Shuttle to Grand Central. For those preferring to travel by bus, the M7, M20, M42, M104 lines all stop within a short walking distance of the theater. If you're driving, numerous public parking lots are available nearby. However, due to the typical city traffic, public transportation is recommended.

Todd Haimes Theatre - NY

Todd Haimes Theatre

The Todd Haimes Theatre is a renowned New York City Theatre offering immersive experiences, hosting award-winning productions, and providing excellent service.

Ramin Karimloo

AugustWilsonTheatre-NYC-1600x1200px

August Wilson Theatre - TodayTix

The August Wilson Theatre has gone through a number of name changes. The building originally opened as the Guild Theatre in 1925 and went on to be used as a Radio Playhouse (WOR Mutual Radio) from 1943 to 1950.

From the 1950s, the venue became a theatre again, operating under the name of the Anta Playhouse (aka Anta Theatre). In 1981, the building was re-christened the Virginia Theatre, before assuming its present name on October 16, 2005 — two weeks after the death of the American playwright August Wilson. Wilson became the first Black person to have a Broadway theatre named for them.

## How to get to the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway

To get to the August Wilson Theatre, take the C, E, or 1 line to 50th Street and walk two blocks; the theatre is located on 52nd Street between Eighth Avenue and Broadway. Audiences can also take the M20 or M104 bus line to the 8th Ave/W 52nd St. stop.

## Restaurants near the August Wilson Theatre

Popular restaurants near the August Wilson Theatre include Haswell Green's (American), Gallagher's Steakhouse, and Rosie O'Grady's (steak and seafood). Ellen's Stardust Diner, a famous restaurant featuring singing waitstaff, is also nearby.

[Learn more about popular pre- and post-show restaurants in the Theatre District.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/where-to-eat-before-and-after-a-broadway-show)

August Wilson Theatre - New York Theatre Guide

The August Wilson Theatre, formerly known as the Guild Theatre, the Radio Playhouse, and the Virginia Theatre, is accessible by C, E, or 1 subway lines and M20 or M104 bus lines. Nearby restaurants include Haswell Green's, Gallagher's Steakhouse, Rosie O'Grady's, and Ellen's Stardust Diner.

AugustWilson-SeatingMap-NYC- 738 x1442 px

Funny Girl on Broadway Tickets

About Funny Girl on Broadway

Run time

Venue

Categories

Start date

End date

Stars on stage

Lea Michele

Ramin Karimloo

Funny Girl on Broadway cast and creative team

Venue

August Wilson Theatre

Accessibility

Tickets

More shows you may like