Lea Michele performs with the cast of “Funny Girl” at the Tony Awards despite her disqualification status

Lea Michele has achieved tremendous success since officially joining the Broadway cast funny girl in September 2022.

But while she won praise for brilliantly portraying the coveted role of beloved character Fanny Brice, there is little reason why she was not eligible for a Tony Award.

According to the Tony Awards rules and regulations in accordance with the eligibility requirements, β€œTo be eligible, an actor or actress must perform in a role on the opening night of a production and must perform in the minimum number of performances in which the producer of that production participates. Tickets must be invited and made available to Tony electors as required by the rule.” 2(a)6).

Herein lies the issue – the original actress made funny girl On its opening night, Benny Feldstein, who left in the aftermath of the show, was in danger of being closed due to poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales. This all changed after Michelle officially replaced Feldstein in September.

Michelle and crew funny girl They’re still poised to take the stage during Sunday night’s gala as one of the evening’s roster of artists. The move, which goes against Tony’s tradition of presenting only nominated shows, is a sign of the show’s new direction.

Other performances included The Neil Diamond Musical Team Nice noise – which received no nominations – and julietAnd Kimberly AkimboAnd Into the forestAnd peeledAnd Some like it hotCamelot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

the previous cheerful The star’s debut came on September 6, 2022, and she wowed the audience, who continued to give her a standing ovation. both of them The Daily Beast And diverse Reportedly, Michelle, 36, received four standing ovations at the August Wilson Theatre. She received her first companion as she entered, and there were at least three before the end of the first term.

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Her highly anticipated debut in the role drew a star-studded audience including Michelle Spring awakening Staff Fellow, Jonathan Groff, cheerful creator Ryan Murphy, and Harvey Fierstein, who added fresh material to the musical revival. Drew Barrymore and Zachary Quinto were also said to be in the audience.

Michelle said regarding how she feels about not being eligible for a Tony Award despite all the success on stage New York times Back in September she doesn’t sweat.

She told the outlet, “You might think that’s the biggest bit of shit I’m going to tell you all day, but I don’t really care about that at this point. It’s just about being able to play that part.”

Michelle said, amid her success on Broadway diverse Last month it wasn’t going anywhere when it wrapped funny girl in September. While Michelle keeps the details under wraps, she’s already got another gig.

β€œI already know what it is,” I joked to the outlet. “You know her.”

The 76th Annual Tony Awards are set for Sunday, June 11 at the United Palace in New York City and will air at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS and Paramount+.

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