Most famously known for her lead role as Rachel Berry on the hit FOX television show “Glee”, Lea Michele is embarking on a new journey. On July 11, the “Funny Girl” publicity team announced Lea Michele will take on the lead role of Fanny Brice alongside Tony award nominee, Tovah Feldshuh, playing Mrs. Brice starting Sept. 6. 

The news came as no surprise to many former “Glee” fans, seeing that Michele’s character on the show often fantasized about playing Fanny Brice on Broadway, eventually receiving the role and winning a Tony in the sitcom. 

However, the news of Michele’s casting came with mixed reviews. After actress Beanie Feldstein announced her sudden departure from the role of Fanny Brice, many fans began to wonder if there was more to the original story. 

Lea Michele is often compared to her character’s attitude in “Glee,” as many of her former co-stars have revealed her difficult behaviors on set over the years. In June of 2020, multiple co-stars from Glee spoke about her bullying on set. 

Heather Morris, former Glee co-star, tweeted about Michele’s previous behavior, “…was she unpleasant to work with? Very much so; for Lea to treat others with disrespect…I believe she SHOULD be called out.” 

With this information known to the public and constantly lingering around the mention of her name, Michele is one of the main reasons many fans believe Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch (Mrs. Brice) decided to abruptly depart from the Broadway production. Lynch also has a history with Michele, with both starring on “Glee” together from 2009-2015, playing enemies on the sitcom. 

Michele issued an apology statement after these claims arose, but her behavior is still a topic of conversation on social media. 

Although controversy surrounds Michele’s persona, critics and fans around the world responded to her opening night performance strikingly well. Fans tweeted about the staggering six standing ovations Michele received during her debut. Ryan Murphy, the creator of “Glee,” and Michele’s former co-star turned best friend, Jonathan Groff, were just a few of the famous faces in the audience that night. 

Michele will continue her performances in “Funny Girl” located at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway in New York City.

As Chris Colfer once said as his character Kurt Hummel on “Glee,” “She may be difficult, but boy can she sing. Bravo!”