Lea Michele Not in the Running for Funny Girl Revival Says Director Bartlett Sher

Despite frequent chatter, Glee star Lea Michele will not play Fanny Brice in Bartlett Sher's Los Angeles revival of Funny Girl, the director told The New York Times. While Sher says he discussed the project with the actress, her Glee schedule would not permit Michele to play the part.

"I don’t see how she could possibly be available because she is doing Glee," Sher told the newspaper.

The search for a new Fanny Brice continues with the show recently launching an online search for actresses hoping to score the role. "This is the hardest part I’ve ever had to cast," Sher said.

Funny Girl, the rags-to-riches, road-to-stardom story of legendary entertainer Fanny Brice and her enduring love for rakish Nicky Arnstein, will begin previews in L.A. on January 15, 2012, and open on February 1.The limited engagement is scheduled to end its run on February 26.