‘Funny Girl’ revival at Ahmanson put on indefinite hold

The revival of the musical “Funny Girl” that was set to open in early 2012 at the Ahmanson Theatre before transferring to Broadway in April has been put on indefinite hold, organizers announced late Thursday.

The weak economy has made it difficult to raise money for the show, lead producer Bob Boyett said in a statement. The production would have required $12 million, he said, “making it one of the most expensive revivals in Broadway history.”

A spokesman for the production said the decision to pull the plug was made Thursday afternoon by the show’s New York producers. They alerted Michael Ritchie, the artistic director of L.A.’s Center Theatre Group, about the decision.

The spokesman said that rehearsals had not begun for “Funny Girl” and that the cast, including Lauren Ambrose and Bobby Cannavale, was alerted Thursday. Ambrose was cast as Fanny Brice and Cannavale as Nick Arnstein.

Ritchie was traveling Thursday, but Center Theatre Group, which runs the Ahmanson, issued a statement from him. “We’re obviously disappointed by this news, but we’re already hard at work to find a replacement for ‘Funny Girl,’” he said.

“Funny Girl” was supposed to begin previews at the Ahmanson on Jan. 15, with an official opening scheduled for Feb. 1. Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher (“South Pacific”) was slated to stage the production.

david.ng@latimes.com