Lea Michele Tests Positive For Covid, Out Of ‘Funny Girl’ Until May 23

Lea Michele has tested positive for Covid again, and will be out of Broadway’s Funny Girl until Tuesday, May 23, the production announced today.

Julie Benko will play the role of Fanny Brice until Michele returns (Ephie Aardema will play the role on Friday, May 19).

More from Deadline

• 'Some Like It Hot', 'Leopoldstadt' Lead Outer Critics Circle Awards

• Michael Jackson Broadway Musical 'MJ' Recoups Investment

• Jeremy Strong Sets Broadway Return: 'Succession' Actor Will Star In 2024 Amy Herzog Adaptation Of Ibsen's 'An Enemy Of The People'

The positive Covid test is the second for Michele, who missed more than a week of shows last September for the same reason.

Despite Benko’s solid audience reviews, the production traditionally experiences steep declines at the box office whenever Michele is absent for vacations or other reasons. Since Michele took over the role from Beanie Feldstein last fall, Funny Girl has been one of Broadway’s highest-earners: Last week, the show grossed a strong $1,637,625.

Funny Girl closes on Broadway Sept. 3.

Best of Deadline

• TV Shows Affected By WGA Strike: Daytime Emmys, 'The Penguin', 'You Bet Your Life' & More - Updated List

• ‘Jeanne Du Barry’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere Photos: Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Uma Thurman, Helen Mirren, Michael Douglas & More

• Cannes Film Festival Photos Day 1: Brie Larson And Jury, Michael Douglas & More

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.