The casting of Rosie O'Donnell as Golde in "Fiddler on the Roof" is being called "one of the boldest bits of replacement casting in Broadway history."

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O'Donnell will play the wife of Harvey Fierstein's Tevye starting in September, giving the "Fiddler" revival two openly gay actors playing spouses in a musical about breaking traditions, the New York Times said Monday.

O'Donnell is hardly a Broadway novice. Her stint as Rizzo in "Grease!" was a showstopper, she also appeared in "Seussical," has hosted the Tony Awards and put up the money for the flop, "Taboo."

Fierstein said he was thrilled by Sunday's casting announcement.

"As a 20-year friend of Rosie's, I couldn't be happier that we will finally share a stage together," he said. "With her understanding of Fiddler's important place in theatrical history, I am positive she will uphold that tradition excitingly."

"Fiddler" has been struggling to fill seats and was expected to close Feb. 8. However, the Times said, producers are banking on O'Donnell's box office draw to pull the show out of the doldrums and extend its run.