The drama is over hat Feldsteinleaving the Broadway revival of funny girl has been setting social media on fire in recent days, particularly over speculation that producers may have been caught off guard by her decision to leave.
On Sunday, Feldstein revealed in an Instagram post that she would be leaving the production on July 31. Last month, the producers said she and co-star Jane Lynch would be leaving their roles on September 25, rather than at the end of the year as originally expected. In her new post, Feldstein said her revised decision came after producers “decided to take the show in a different direction.”
The next day, the producers cast Lea Michele as Fanny Bricewith Tovah Feldshuh cast as Lynch’s replacement.
Feldstein’s abrupt departure and her cryptic statement, as well as the quick news of Michele’s hiring, on top of the cheerfulness The actress’ long and very public desire to play Fanny Brice has caused tongues wagging on social media, with speculation that Feldstein’s Instagram post funny girl’s producers caught off guard.
On Wednesday, in an unusual joint statement given to Peoplethe producers and a representative of Feldstein tried to dispel the speculation.
“The producers of funny girl were not caught off guard by Beanie’s social post,” the message read. “The producers decided to take the show in a different direction and end Beanie’s contract on September 25, six months earlier than expected.”
The statement continued: “A month after that decision, Beanie decided it was best for her to leave on July 31. The producers were aware of and supported her decision. The producers and Beanie have worked together here professionally, respectfully and graciously. worked on.”
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to representatives from both the show and Feldstein for further comment.