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On Wednesday, casting took a left turn with the show's producers, Center Theater Group, announcing that the ginger-haired Lauren Ambrose would take on the part of Fanny. That was, of course, the role that launched Barbra Streisand's career.
Ambrose is best known for her work on HBO's "Six Feet Under," but she also sings with her band the Leisure Class. Stage roles include "Exit the King" and "Awake and Sing!"
"Funny Girl" will play at Center Theater Group/Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles from January 15 through February 26, 2012 prior to opening in spring 2012 on Broadway.
Bartlett Sher, who directed Ambrose in "Awake and Sing!" will direct her in the revival as well. On Wednesday, Sher explained his unconventional casting.
"It's important that people not see this casting process as trying to find the next Barbra Streisand. She is one of a kind," Sher said in a statement. "Instead, I really needed someone with whom I could explore the original musical and come to terms with Fanny Brice for a new era."
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