Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

[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.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I am surprised that Amra has been spending quite a considerable time as "Velma" the past year or so. I've seen Terra as "Velma". In my opinion, she's fantastic. As to someone mentioning that Amra and Terra need to find new creative outlets, easier said than done. That's not how the business works. The competition is cutthroat for available roles..whether on Broadway or on tour. Both ladies have developed their roles in "Chicago" over the years, which is why the producers hire them time after time. Also, "Velma" and "Roxie" aren't easy roles. Also, while other shows hire leading ladies for months at a time, "Chicago" fills leading roles like "Roxie and "Velma" for limited weeks at a time. Ultimately, it's the producer's call. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I found this video of Ryoko Yonekura's (brief) run as "Roxie." I thought she did well in this short video clip. from RC in Austin, Texas
Ryoko Yonekura as Roxie on Broadway

[ACL2006]

WOW!!! considering that was her first time performing the show in English, I'll say I'm was impressed. Her vocals were a bit off, but I'm sure that was due to the translation. Her dancing looked excellent.

[My Oh My]

She did well from what I could see. Most of all, she genuinely appeared to be having fun up on that stage. I think that is important in a role like Roxie.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

It helped that she had done the role in Japan. Now, I wonder when that hot mess (A.K.A. Pamela Anderson) will assume the role of "Roxie?" from RC in Austin, Texas

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

i love CHICAGO... i saw the original production in 1976, but with Liza as Roxie, as Gwen Verdon was out for a few weeks with and injury, along side Chita...then saw the revival with ANN RENKING when it came to the since-torn-down Schubert Theatre in Century City...loved both versions and loved how Renking re-imagined the show into what it is today...

p.s. i also love the ROB MARSHALL film of CHICAGO...

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I wish Anne Hathaway would make her Broadway musical debut as "Roxie" in "Chicago." She could do it, right? from RC in Austin, Texas

[ACL2006]

Hathaway wouldn't sign on to be the 100th Roxie replacement in Chicago. just like people need to stop thinking Queen Latifah will play Mama & Justin Timberlake will play Billy.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

You never know, it could happen at some point. Besides, it would make sense for her. She'd only have to do it for about 6-8 weeks, which is roughly the limited run that each "Roxie" gets. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Wow for Amy Spanger! She started her current role as "Roxie" on September 14, 2012. Now, according to Telecharge, she'll stay on as "Roxie" until January 13, 2013!!! It's virtually unheard of for a "Roxie" to stay on almost 4 consecutive months! She must be doing a good job. Congrats. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

How is Billy Ray Cyrus doing as "Billy Flynn"? from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

If you have seen him perform as "Billy", please share your thoughts. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Christopher Sieber is returning to "Chicago" one more time. from RC in Austin, Texas


Christopher Sieber

[ACL2006]

he's not taking any kind of break from the La Cage tour and heads back into Chicago.

[Skywalker3]

Did the La Cage tour end? Or is it on a break?

Chicago is a show you can alway get back into when you're jobless!

[ACL2006]

yep, the tour closed a few weeks ago. I believe a new non-equity tour is set to launch next fall.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

The good thing about "Chicago" being around for so many years is that it provides needed employment for actors who can portray "Billy Flynn" (and other main characters). The downside is that those actors usually receive a contract for only a few weeks. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

"Chicago" reaches another milestone on December 20, 2012. AWESOME!!! from RC in Austin, Texas
Chicago

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

According to Telecharge, Amy Spanger has extended until February 24, 2013. Her current run had been slated to end on Jan. 13, 2013. She started her present run as "Roxie" on Sept. 14, 2012. Her total run will be a bit over 5 months. It's very rare for anyone to have such an extended time as "Roxie." She must be doing a fantastic job. Just saying....from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

I remember there had been mention of Pamela Anderson (ack) coming in as "Roxie". But, that was months ago. I have my doubts about her. from RC in Austin, Texas

[ACL2006]

when Deidre Goodwin re-joined the show back in 2009, she stayed for 6 months as Velma(Sept-Feb).

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Angel Reda is the new "Go-To-Hell-Kitty" and Nathan Madden is the newest "Harry/Martin Harrison". Does this mean that long standing cast member Melissa Rae Mahon is no longer with the cast, as she is no longer included in the Broadway cast list? Hmm? from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

This Nathan Madden guy (new Harry / Martin Harrison)is dreamy! from RC in Austin, Texas

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Just curious, but has anyone seen "Chicago" very recently? I'm curious about the two "Roxie" understudies. Dylis Croman is one...and Melissa Rae Mahon was the other one. M.R.M. is not with the cast at this time and will return in autumn. Who is the new "Roxie" understudy? from RC in Austin, Texas