Lauren Ambrose the Next Barbra Streisand: Actress Nabs Lead in Broadway's 'Funny Girl'

From Six Feet Under to Funny Girl! Actress Lauren Ambrose has been cast in the Broadway revival of the play that launched legend Barbra Streisand to superstardom!

Lauren — a trained opera singer and frontwoman of her own band — will play the lead role of Fanny Brice in the revival of Funny Girl, singing classics like "People," "Don't Rain On My Parade" and "My Man."

"Let's face it, there is obviously more than a lot to live up to playing Fanny Brice, but I am humbled and thrilled by the opportunity to be a part of this revival," Lauren said in a statement, via E! News. "The character is complex, the music beautiful and challenging. I can't wait to get into that rehearsal room with the team that director Bartlett Sher is assembling—wish we could start tomorrow."

The director added: "It's important that people not see this casting as trying to find the next Barbra Streisand. She is one of a kind. Instead, I really needed someone with whom I could explore the original musical and come to terms with Fanny Brice for a new era."

The show will open for five weeks in L.A. at Ahmanson Theatre beginning Jan. 15 before hitting the Big Apple's Broadway in the spring.

Catch Lauren singing  "My Man" with her band, Lauren Ambrose and The Leisure Class," in a clip on YouTube!