Jane Lynch to exit 'Funny Girl' on Broadway early

Her final performance will be August 14.

Goodbye, gorgeous. Five-time Emmy Award-winning Glee star Jane Lynch has set an early exit date from Funny Girl. Originally scheduled to depart the show on September 4, she will now play her final Broadway performance as Mrs. Brice on August 14, due to a previously scheduled vacation and awards ceremony.

From August 16 to September 4, Lynch's standby, Liz McCartney, will assume the role of Mrs. Brice. Lynch's previously announced full-time replacement, four-time Tony Award nominee Tovah Feldshuh, will play Mrs. Brice from September 6.

Glee star Lea Michele will also begin Broadway performances as Fanny Brice on September 6. Since August 2, Julie Benko has performed in the lead role, following original lead Beanie Feldstein.

"As I embark upon my last week in Funny Girl, my heart is filled with gratitude for this wildly talented company led by Beanie Feldstein and our wonderful audiences for keeping theater alive! I offer a special thanks to my current scene partner Julie Benko and will be back to see my friend Lea Michele light up the lights," a statement from Lynch reads in part.

Funny Girl centers on the true story of iconic Ziegfeld Follies showgirl Fanny Brice, and how she defied the odds to become the greatest star. It also focuses on her turbulent romance with the gambler Nick Arnstein (played by Ramin Karimloo) and how she risks her career for love. This production is the first revival of the 1964 musical, and it plays the August Wilson Theatre.