In recent days, social media has been ablaze with drama around Beanie Feldstein’s departure from the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, especially amid rumors that the producers may have been taken by surprise by her choice to quit.
Feldstein announced on Sunday that she would be departing the production on July 31 in an Instagram post. Producers announced last month that she and co-star Jane Lynch would be leaving their roles on September 25 rather than the end of the year as originally anticipated. Feldstein claimed in her essay that the producers’ “determination to take the show in a different direction” was the cause of her reconsidered choice.
The next day, Tovah Feldshuh was selected as Lynch’s replacement, while Lea Michele was cast as the primary character Fanny Brice.
On top of the Glee actress’ long-standing and very public desire to play Fanny Brice, Feldstein’s abrupt departure and her cryptic statement, as well as the swift announcement of Michele’s hiring, set social media abuzz. It was even suggested that Feldstein’s Instagram post may have caught Funny Girl’s producers off guard.
The producers and a representative for Feldstein attempted to put an end to the rumors on Wednesday in an unusual joint statement provided to People.
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The letter stated, “Beanie’s social post did not come as a complete surprise to the Funny Girl filmmakers. As a result, Beanie’s contract was terminated on September 25th, six months earlier than expected, by the producers of the show, who also opted to change the show’s direction.
“A month following that choice, Beanie decided it would be best for her to depart on July 31st,” the statement said. The producers were informed of her choice and agreed with it. The producers and Beanie collaborated on this project in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.