Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele did, however, build a lasting bond during their time playing on the hit programme, which they have maintained. That’s why Jonathan and I became so close: our connection blossomed and grew to the point where we did the show and then went home together.
Jonathan Groff, 37, divulged the words of encouragement he sent to his best friend Lea Michele, 36, the morning of her Funny Girl Broadway debut. “I was texting that morning, I was travelling up from Pennsylvania where I live, my mom and I were coming up to see her,” he told HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY at Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, on September 9.
He continued, “And I said, ‘It feels like Christmas morning.’ And the night before, we FaceTimed, and I said, ‘It feels like Christmas Eve,’ like when you’re anticipating the big day.” Funny Girl is a musical on Broadway written by Isobel Lennart. According to the Glee star, “we watched a girl transform into a lady right before our eyes” It has only returned to Broadway a handful of times, with Beanie Feldstein, 29, replacing Lea this year.
Deadline stated that Lea’s performance as Fanny Brice on the Broadway stage on September 6 captivated the audience, as she garnered more than four standing ovations. That evening, a fan posted a video of Jonathan standing and praising his former co-star from Glee, while she appeared to point at him from the stage. During the adorable video clip, he bowed and covered his lips in shock.
The new actress of Funny Girl took to Instagram on September 7 to thank her fans and celebrate the evening. Lea commented, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the encouragement following my debut performance as Fanny Brice on the Broadway stage. I’ve stated this before, but joining this cast has been the biggest honour of my life. I am so appreciative of everyone who contributed to this production. (@bruglikas / @broadwaybruce_ @funnygirlbwy).”
In a subsequent tweet, published on September 8, the 36-year-old shared a collection of images with pals who attended her performance, including director Ryan Murphy, Jonathan, and others. “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world,” she captioned the photo.
When Beanie assumed the part in 2021, it was the first time the musical had returned to the New York City stage since Barbra Streisand, then 80 years old, created the role in 1964.
Lea responded on Instagram on July 11 to the formal announcement of her casting in the blockbuster musical. “A dream realised is an understatement,” she wrote. I am tremendously honoured to join this incredible cast and production and return to the Broadway stage as Fanny Brice. Regards on September 6th. @funnygirlbwy #FUNNYGIRL.”