Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

....and what...pray tell Id...does your post have to do with Chicago the musical????

[beensince1987]

Was there any other time someone came in just for 6 performances like Ryoko? Also Playbill was printed for those 6 shows with her name and picture. Has that happened before?
I remember seeing Victor/Victoria with Liza filling in for Julie and I remember even Liza had a paper slipped in with Julie in Playbill.

Maybe publicity stunt for the Japan tour?

(BTW I was NOT impressed with Ryoko at all.)

[blaxx]

If I remember corectly, Bianca Marroquin did a week long run her first time around.

[ACL2006]

just curious, but has anyone had the chance to see Yonekura in Chicago this week??

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

What fantastic news!! Bianca Marroquin returns as Roxie, with current "Billy Flynn" u/s Brian O Brien covering the role for an extended period. I had the wonderful opportunity of seeing him as "Billy" on two occasions (on the days that Tony Yazbek was absent). Brian is amazing as Billy. I was gobsmacked when he held the note to : ".....theeeeeeeeee....gun" to such an extent. Of course, Bianca is always amazing. She always adds her little "touches" to the role. If you have the chance to see Bianca and Brian, please do. They make a fantastic team! from Roman in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I hope that Jason Patrick Sands (the other "Chicago" "Billy Flynn" understudy) gets an extended run, at some point. I've seen video footage of him as "Billy". J.P.S. is very...charming. from rC in Austin,Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I can't wait to go to Dallas on August 18th to see "Chicago". I had thought that Christie Brinkley was playing "Roxie", but a "little birdie" mentioned that Tracy Shayne would be Roxie in Dallas. After the Dallas stop ends, they're off to Tokyo at the end of August for a 3 week tour. If you happen to attend one of the tour stops (currently playing in Durham, then on to St. Paul and Dallas), please feel free to give us your thoughts. from Roman in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I am wondering about something. The standby for the role of Mary Sunshine is J. Loeffelholtz (for many years). Has he ever gone on in place of R. Lowe (who has done the role for many years)? I've seen his name in the cast list. How difficult it must be to be ready at a moment's notice and hardly ever getting the chance? from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I'm thrilled to find out that the fantastic Terra C will be "Velma" in the current "Chicago" tour. Originally, I had thought it would be Amra Faye Wright, but Telecharge has A.F.W. listed in the Broadway cast thru Aug. 26th. The tour company then travels to Tokyo, Japan for a 2 week run. So, it's Tracy Shayne as "Roxie" and Terra C McLeod as "Velma". They both did the national tour last year. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

This is a review from opening night in St. Paul,Minnesota. I thought the review was kind of skimpy. Also, the reviewer didn't do Tracy Shayne (Roxie) any favors by comparing her to Joan Rivers? They are in St. Paul until Aug. 12th and then on to Dallas (August 14--26). (I will see the show in Dallas on Sat. August 18th). from RC in Austin, Texas
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/165427556.html

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I've developed a fondness for "Chicago", partly because of the many video clips available online. Although I wouldn't dare make any sort of video recording myself, I am appreciative that I get to see any number of Velmas, Roxies, Amoses, etc. who I normally wouldn't see in person. Nine more days and counting to Dallas. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Awesome job with Donna Marie Asbury as Velma... Dylis Croman as Roxie and Tony Yazbek as Billy Flynn. Impressive ensemble! from RC in Austin, Texas
CHICAGO at Bryant Park

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Here is a review of "Chicago" by the Dallas Morning News' theatre critic. I'll be seeing the show on Saturday, August 18th at the Winspear Opera House. I can't wait! from RC in Austin, Texas
Chicago Does Dallas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Hello all. I'm still here in Dallas,waiting to leave for my hometown of Austin. Last night, I had a wonderful time seeing "Chicago" at the Winspear Opera House. The theatre itself is huge (capacity is about 2300). I wound up with a right orchestra seat...right in front of the humongous speakers. Anyway, the cast was fantastic. Ron Orbach played "Amos Hart". The audience loved his sad, put-upon portrayal. Kecia Lewis-Evans played the formidable "Mama Morton." Girlfriend can SING! She added her own interpretation of Mama, different from having seen Roz Ryan and Carol Woods. At the end of the show, Ms. Evans received thunderous applause. She was on fire that evening! John O Hurley was o.k. as "Billy Flynn." He played an endearing Billy and clearly was one of the crowd favorites. I loved D. Micciche's "Mary Sunshine." At the "reveal", quite a few of the audience were suprised. At the stage door, I didn't recognize him, when he signed my program. Very talented. Tracy Shayne played "Roxie." She is quite a good singer and dancer. Ms. Shayne had shocking blonde hair that wouldn't hold still at various points during the show. Good "Roxie." Playing "Velma Kelly" was the uber-talented Terra C MacLeod. From the beginning of "All That Jazz" to the end of "Hot Honey Rag", this lady knows her stuff! She makes a very powerful "Velma". Before the show, it was raining like a monsoon in downtown Dallas. Luckily, the rain had stopped by the time the show ended. Many of the cast members were already getting into their Super Shuttle vans to go back to their hotels. There, I met a very nice "Go-To-Hell-Kitty" played by Shamicka Benn. Also, Lenny Daniel ("The Jury") also seemed very nice as he left the stage door. Overall, I had a wonderful time. from RC in (for now, Dallas) Austin, Texas.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Hello all. I'm still here in Dallas,waiting to leave for my hometown of Austin. Last night, I had a wonderful time seeing "Chicago" at the Winspear Opera House. The theatre itself is huge (capacity is about 2300). I wound up with a right orchestra seat...right in front of the humongous speakers. Anyway, the cast was fantastic. Ron Orbach played "Amos Hart". The audience loved his sad, put-upon portrayal. Kecia Lewis-Evans played the formidable "Mama Morton." Girlfriend can SING! She added her own interpretation of Mama, different from having seen Roz Ryan and Carol Woods. At the end of the show, Ms. Evans received thunderous applause. She was on fire that evening! John O Hurley was o.k. as "Billy Flynn." He played an endearing Billy and clearly was one of the crowd favorites. I loved D. Micciche's "Mary Sunshine." At the "reveal", quite a few of the audience were suprised. At the stage door, I didn't recognize him, when he signed my program. Very talented. Tracy Shayne played "Roxie." She is quite a good singer and dancer. Ms. Shayne had shocking blonde hair that wouldn't hold still at various points during the show. Good "Roxie." Playing "Velma Kelly" was the uber-talented Terra C MacLeod. From the beginning of "All That Jazz" to the end of "Hot Honey Rag", this lady knows her stuff! She makes a very powerful "Velma". Before the show, it was raining like a monsoon in downtown Dallas. Luckily, the rain had stopped by the time the show ended. Many of the cast members were already getting into their Super Shuttle vans to go back to their hotels. There, I met a very nice "Go-To-Hell-Kitty" played by Shamicka Benn. Also, Lenny Daniel ("The Jury") also seemed very nice as he left the stage door. Overall, I had a wonderful time. from RC in (for now, Dallas) Austin, Texas.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Hello all. I'm still here in Dallas,waiting to leave for my hometown of Austin. Last night, I had a wonderful time seeing "Chicago" at the Winspear Opera House. The theatre itself is huge (capacity is about 2300). I wound up with a right orchestra seat...right in front of the humongous speakers. Anyway, the cast was fantastic. Ron Orbach played "Amos Hart". The audience loved his sad, put-upon portrayal. Kecia Lewis-Evans played the formidable "Mama Morton." Girlfriend can SING! She added her own interpretation of Mama, different from having seen Roz Ryan and Carol Woods. At the end of the show, Ms. Evans received thunderous applause. She was on fire that evening! John O Hurley was o.k. as "Billy Flynn." He played an endearing Billy and clearly was one of the crowd favorites. I loved D. Micciche's "Mary Sunshine." At the "reveal", quite a few of the audience were suprised. At the stage door, I didn't recognize him, when he signed my program. Very talented. Tracy Shayne played "Roxie." She is quite a good singer and dancer. Ms. Shayne had shocking blonde hair that wouldn't hold still at various points during the show. Good "Roxie." Playing "Velma Kelly" was the uber-talented Terra C MacLeod. From the beginning of "All That Jazz" to the end of "Hot Honey Rag", this lady knows her stuff! She makes a very powerful "Velma". Before the show, it was raining like a monsoon in downtown Dallas. Luckily, the rain had stopped by the time the show ended. Many of the cast members were already getting into their Super Shuttle vans to go back to their hotels. There, I met a very nice "Go-To-Hell-Kitty" played by Shamicka Benn. Also, Lenny Daniel ("The Jury") also seemed very nice as he left the stage door. Overall, I had a wonderful time. from RC in (for now, Dallas) Austin, Texas.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

The current "Velma" is Terra C MacLeod, having just finished the recent Dallas tour stop on Aug. 26th. Brent Barret is the newest "Billy Flynn." Gosh, I would love to see Terra and Bianca on Broadway! Telecharge hasn't updated its "Chicago" cast information. from RC in Austin, Texas

[oliviacecilia]

I was blessed enough to be raised by parents who adored theatre, and my mom found nothing wrong with playing the Chicago obc for me so many times that by the time I was six, I knew all the words but had no context. When I finally saw the show at 13, I was delighted. It was a show I had loved for years, and I was so afraid it would not live up to my expectations, but it surpassed it. I saw it with Charlotte d'amboise and she was absolutely brilliant, a perfect Roxie!

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Welcome to Broadway World! There's much to like about this site. Just beware of the meanies and the know-it-alls. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Per Telecharge: Right now, it's Terra C as "Velma", Tracey Shayne as "Roxie" and Brent Barrett as "Billy". On Sept. 14th, Amy Spanger begins once more in the role of "Roxie", which she last played in 2002. Wow! Terra C MacLeod as Velma (thru 9/23)
Tracy Shayne as Roxie (thru 9/13)
Amy Spanger as Roxie (9/14 - 11/4)
Brent Barrett as Billy (thru 11/4 )
Billy Ray Cyrus (11/5 - 12/23)
Carol Woods as Mama Morton (thru 9/16)
Raymond Bokhour as Amos (thru 9/16)
R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine (8/13 - 9/16)
C. Newcomer as Mary Sunshine (7/30 - 8/12)
from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I've seen a You Tube clip of Michelle DeJean. She is fantastic, in an earthy way, as "Roxie." I wonder if she is retired from performing? from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Per Telecharge.... some "Chicago" cast changes in the near future.
Terra C MacLeod as Velma (thru 9/23; 10/22 - 11/4)
Amra-Fay Wright as Velma (9/24 - 10/21; 11/5 - 1/13)
Amy Spanger as Roxie (thru- 11/4)
Brent Barrett as Billy (thru 11/4 )
Billy Ray Cyrus as Billy (11/5 - 12/23)
Carol Woods as Mama Morton (thru 12/23)
Raymond Bokhour as Amos (thru 9/16)
Cory English as Amos (9/17 - 12/9)
R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine (8/13 - 2/24)

Cory English joins the Broadway cast as "Amos." I read in his website that he has done both "Amos" and "Mary Sunshine." It is very intriguing that one person can do both roles. Just saying....from RC in Austin, Texas

Cory English

[ACL2006]

I believe on the national tour, they don't have a standby for Mary Sunshine, just one of the swings u/s for him/her.

[ljay889]

Michelle DeJean was an excellent Roxie. It was very exciting when they started bumping her up to Roxie after year of shining in the ensemble.

[somethingwicked]

Terra MacLeod and Amra-Fay Wright really need to get new jobs. I understand people's desire for financial stability, but don't they want new creative challenges in their lives? Both seem really, really tired in this role on stage, so why keep playing it everywhere all the time?

[ljay889]

I agree. Even Brenda finally left.....

I haven't seen Terra is many years, but Wright's Velma is a complete and total bore. Leigh Zimmerman was great, but I guess she didn't want to get stuck in the production like MacLeod and Wright.