If Lauren Ambrose -- the Six Feet Under star who was officially anointed Broadway's new Funny Girl -- didn't seem as obvious a choice for the role of Fanny Brice as Lea Michele, now you can stop second-guessing: Footage of Ambrose on Star Search has surfaced, and Ed McMahon directly endorsed her stardom. Get ready for the growliest rendition of "Dancing in the Street" you've ever heard. Sweet music!
First of all, Katrina Abrams pulled a jackass move with "God Bless the Child"; everyone knows that when children sing gritty blues standards, adults have no choice but to weep uncontrollably and vote "4 STARS" like a hyperventilating Leonard Maltin. Second, no one can deny the spice of Lauren's freckled soul. Obviously, the phrase "Don't fo'-get the motor city!" is best sung by a gyrating, redheaded preteen. Common sense.
Hopefully the inevitable Funny Girl cinematic remake will garner her more than three stars; maybe it'll also garner her half an Oscar, like it did with Streisand!
[via @JarettSays]