Photo Coverage: Legendary Singer-Songwriter Valerie Simpson Makes Broadway Debut In CHICAGO

The Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago, which recently celebrated its 21st anniversary, just welcomed legendary singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson making her Broadway debut in the role of "Matron "Mama" Morton" at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.). Joining Ms. Simpson is Chaz Lamar Shepherd (original Broadway production of The Color Purple; Dreamgirls national tour) as "Billy Flynn."

A songwriter and performer, Valerie Simpson, along with Nick Ashford, has penned such classics as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand," "I'm Every Woman," and "Solid." Four of her songs are features in Motown the Musical on tour. A Board member of the ASCAP Foundation, Valerie recently guest toured with Dave Koz and Paul Shaffer.

Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, sound design byScott Lehrer and casting by Stewart/Whitley.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski

Valerie Simpson

Valerie Simpson and the cast of CHICAGO

Chaz Lamar Shepherd

Chaz Lamar Shepherd

The cast of CHICAGO

Valerie Simpson and the cast of CHICAGO

Valerie Simpson and the cast of CHICAGO

Valerie Simpson and the cast of CHICAGO

Valerie Simpson

Valerie Simpson and the cast of CHICAGO

Valerie Simpson

Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Bianca Marroquin

Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Bianca Marroquin

Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Bianca Marroquin, Amra-Faye Wright, Valerie Simpson, Evan Harrington

Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Bianca Marroquin, Amra-Faye Wright, Valerie Simpson, Evan Harrington

Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Bianca Marroquin, Amra-Faye Wright, Valerie Simpson, Evan Harrington

Valerie Simpson

Valerie Simpson and the cast of CHICAGO

Valerie Simpson

Valerie Simpson

Valerie Simpson