Due to Illness, Usher Unable to Return to Chicago

Due to illness, Grammy Award-winning R&B star Usher will not be able to complete his run in the hit Broadway revival of Chicago.

"Usher is currently being treated for an extreme case of strep throat. He fell ill last Friday and his condition became progressively worse, so under strict orders from his doctors, Usher has been instructed not to perform," stated Jonnetta Patton, Usher's manager. "He is really saddened that he cannot close out his last week in Chicago with a bang. Usher has had an amazing time on Broadway and loved every minute of performing on stage with the entire cast of Chicago. He expresses his sincere apologies to all of his fans who purchased tickets to see him in Chicago this final week and appreciate all of their love and support. He is thankful to the producers, the entire cast and production crew of Chicago." 

Barry Weissler, producer of Chicago, said "the entire Chicago company is sending their thoughts and best wishes to Usher for a quick and speedy recovery.  Usher made a spectacular Broadway debut, bringing a great dedication, work ethic and his amazing talent to the show. We all hope that he might return at some point for the many fans that were unable to see his wonderful performance as Billy Flynn. Usher has found a new home on Broadway and is welcomed back anytime."

Usher was scheduled to play the slick attorney through October 14th (his run was extended).  Christopher McDonald begins performances as Billy on October 15th, while Huey Lewis will succeed McDonald on November 20th.

The Broadway production of Chicago--the tale of two murderous chorines who turn their notoriety into show biz success--also features Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Branda Braxton as Velma, Roz Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton, Rob Bartlett as Amos Hart, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine. 

Usher's album "Confessions" has sold over 15 million copies.  His film and TV credits include In the Mix, Texas Rangers, Light It Up and She's All That, and "Soul Food," "7th Heaven," "American Dreams," and "Moesha."

Chicago, which opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 14th 1996, has reached a run of over 4,100 performances at the Ambassador Theatre (215 W. 49th St.); the show will celebrate its 10 year anniversary in November. Chicago received 6 1997 Tonys (including Best Revival of a Musical) under the direction of Walter Bobbie and the choreography of star Ann Reinking. The revival, based on Bobbie's stylistically stripped-down Encores! staging, featured direction and choreography by Bob Fosse in its original 1975 production. Chicago features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse.

For more information on Chicago, visit www.chicagothemusical.com. For tickets, call Telecharge at 212 239 6200, or visit www.telecharge.com.

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