Lea Michele's Next Broadway Project Post-FUNNY GIRL? — Page 2

EVITA is an interesting idea. She’d be good in it and you’re right that it fits with her clues, but if they’ve gone with principal casts that are entirely people of color in Cannold’s production at Encores, the ART, and Shakespeare Theatre, the optics are not great. (Spare me the “Eva Peron was probably a white woman” argument)

Rentaholic2 said: "Isn't it probably the ART production of Evita?

- "You know it"

- "It's very different musically"

- Timing for potential Broadway run aligns

- She's not too old for the role, and people would clamor to see her in it

- It's a role with a high probability of a Tony nom and even win

- There are few shows that depend as heavily on their leading lady as FG, but Evita is one of them, and would allow her to show off vocally even more. So it makes sense as a next step for her, to build on what she accomplished in FG."

If I were a betting gal, I'd say Evita as well. ALW wants a guaranteed success next time around, we know that she can handle the role (and sell tickets), and she's in approximately the right age range (we've seen in FG that she can portray younger and evolve over the course of the show maturity wise). I know Rachel Zegler's name has been tossed around, but she looks and sounds too young for the role.

As for Florence in Chess- I've heard Jessica Vosk is a possibility, but I'm not at all convinced.

Rachel Zegler is 100% doing Broadway Evita. Ask anyone involved with the ART production and they'll confirm. They've got to have her finish Snow White and Hunger Games commitments first... but Lea is not doing Evita.

RippedMan said: "Where is the Chess rumor coming from? Just from the recent concert production? I'd think it would need a non-profit behind it to make it at all viable. Maybe something for Roundabout to look into?"

CHESS has commercial producers behind it and last I heard they are aiming to come in next season. The producers are Tom Hulce & Ira Pittelman (of Spring Awakening), and the director is Michael Mayer (of Spring Awakening and Funny Girl). It’s the same revision, by Danny Strong, that was done at the KenCen and recent concert.

I have heard nothing official of Lea’s involvement — it simply fits the description.

What about a stint as Elphaba in Wicked?

If she wants to make a hell of a lot of money and is okay sidelining a Tony, then this would be the moment to capitalize on Wicked fever before the film releases next year.

A 1 year contract negotiating a % of the box office would be a very savvy financial decision. If they got another supernova star for Glinda and an icon for Morrible (Christine Baranski), then I can see them charging Sweeney Todd / Funny Girl / Hamilton prices for a limited event.

JohnyBroadway said: "Could it be The Nanny?"

She’d be great in The Nanny, but is the writing any good? On the one hand, she and her team may want her to do something not so similar to Fanny Brice next, but on the other, she’s already established herself as a dramatic actress, and she’s proven very relatable and cheer-worthy doing comedy. If the material is good, she’d be smart to take on someone warm and funny like Fran Fine rather than someone dark and moody like Florence Vassy.

Also hearing from my industry connections - Florence in CHESS spring '24

Meanwhile for anyone in the midwest looking for a summer stock CHESS fix this summer... The Muny production will star Jessica Vosk (Florence), Taylor Louderman (Svetlana), John Riddle (Anatoly), Jarrod Spector (Fred).

[And before people start making up hypotheticals, this production is entirely separate from the upcoming Broadway revival. It is a different creative team and uses the original book, not the Danny Strong revision]

amiyagi said: "Robbie2 said: "Also hearing from my industry connections - Florence in CHESS spring '24"

No guarantee for a Tony with that role, especially if Evita, Kiss of the Spider Woman and/or Lempicka come in. But damn, I will so buy tickets to hear her sing that score."

Not guarantee indeed, but Aurora is not certain either and Florence has more stage time, I guess.

Also, don't know how much Zegler can handle Evita, especially because comparisons will be made.

Would love to see her do a Little Shop stint, with Groff coming back. Not as a career move but simply to stay in the news and also work opp her best friend. Throw in Matthew Morrison as the dentist etc. and you have a mini event.

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "She could have her choice of any MT role in the canon right now. There is no reason she should even consider replacing. FG proves that she is in that elite, tiny group of bona fide stars who can deliver + sell mass tickets in a Broadway musical. Radcliffe, Groban, Michele, Patt, etc."

I definitely agree in terms of Funny Girl but a lot Lea’s success in that was to do with the very specific circumstances around that show, and the long time Glee association. I just wonder whether she will be such a draw when it comes to other shows. The only female ‘Broadway’ star I can think of right now who can sell a lot of tickets on name alone is Sara Bareilles. Wait to see with Lea. She’s for sure got the talent though.

I still think it could be Evita, though I have no sources like some here apparently do, so just a hunch. Chess is not nearly as iconic to the general audience as Evita and would seem like a step in the wrong direction after Funny Girl. Or maybe it's something else entirely.