April Fools: Bill Clinton to Join Chicago as Billy Flynn

In what may be considered the most extreme case of stunt casting ever to hit Broadway, Producers Fran and Barry Weissler have announced that former U.S. President Bill Clinton will play a limited engagement as Billy Flynn in the long-running revival of Chicago. The one-time leader of the free world will turn song-and-dance man on Thursday evening, May 19th and play the unscrupulous shyster for an eight-week run ending Tuesday evening, July 12th with a special gala performance on Independence Day.

 

Producer Barry Weissler said, "Fran and I had this idea in the back of our minds ever since the Clintons came to see Chicago at the Shubert Theatre. I remember how the crowd reacted when the girls started singing 'Where is Billy? We want Billy.' It was a very funny moment and I thought to myself "Why not?" Of course he was President of the United States at the time and we couldn't very well ask him to leave office to do our show. But I joked with him about it after the performance and he seemed receptive to the idea. Then when he opened his office on 125th Street we offered him an open invitation to play the part. No matter what people may think of his politics or his personal life, President Bill Clinton is by far one of the most charismatic personalities of our time. I'm sure he'll have no trouble giving 'em the old razzle dazzle. It'll be a performance that will be talked about for years to come. I'd love to see if we can arrange for him to do a number on the Tony Awards."

 

"I know I'm not going to be the best singer or dancer on Broadway," said the former president in a separate statement, "but you don't make it in politics without knowing a little bit about acting. I'm ready to work hard and have fun, and with the tremendously talented cast of Chicago there to make me look good, I think we're going to give the audience a great show. I ran through the songs with John Kander a few days ago and it looks like I carry a tune. We've even worked in a section of the song "All I Care About" where I'll be playing a saxophone solo. I'm very excited to start working on my dancing with Ann Reinking."

Rumors that former Vice-President Al Gore is being sought to play Amos "Mr. Cellophane" Hart have not been confirmed.

All of us at BroadwayWorld.com would like to wish our readers a very happy April Fools Day.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!