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Profile for Patti LuPone FANatic

Patti LuPone FANatic Profile Photo
Member Name: Patti LuPone FANatic
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Gender: Male
Location: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Pre-Kindergarten teacher
Profile: My name is Roman Castillo Jr. I live in Austin, Texas, a relatively liberal community. I am a big fan of Chicago the Musical. I have seen the show 35 times (the first one being on St. Patrick's Day 2011) and one concert version in 2019 in Dallas. When I first visited NYC in 2006, I really didn't give Chicago much of a thought. Once I saw it on March 17, 2011, I was hooked. At the stage door, I met Ryan Lowe, Jason Patrick Sands and Leigh Zimmerman (Velma Kelly). Over the years, I have met many of the Chicago cast members at the stage door: Bianca Marroquin, Terra C, Dylis Croman, Jennifer Fouche and so many others. I got a chance to visit backstage at the Ambassador Theatre due to the kindness of Jason Patrick Sands. I had a chance to meet Charlotte D'Amboise inside the theatre as well. I have often wondered if the cast members are aware of this thread about the show. When I see Chicago, I always try to get a seat on the first row. I have met several Broadway legends over the years: Angela Lansbury and Marian Seldes (2007), Chita Rivera (2015) and also Judith Light. I love New York City and Broadway.


Most Recent Message Board Posts:


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Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Jan 16 2026, 02:09:14 PM

ACL2006 said: "Azúcar! said: "Did this tour ever pull out of its Kennedy Center engagement? Is the tour produced by the same producers of the broadway company? Or is it a licensed production?"

the tour is non-equity and produced by APEX.
"  The last Cellblock National Tour (Equity production) was in 2019.  I saw Chicago twice in Houston (with Dylis Croman as Roxie and Lana Gordon as Velma).  

 


Beth Leavel and Matt Doyle Will Lead WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL in Boston
 Jan 16 2026, 11:29:44 AM

What a stellar cast!


When Did Theater Become a Competition?
 Jan 15 2026, 11:37:29 AM

Some people (cough, cough) follow their favorite shows much like those individuals who follow players of their preferred sports teams.  Others see their fave shows repeatedly over the years (cough).  It gives them great joy, much like fans of their favorite pro hockey drama on cable.  Broadway shows appreciate their fandom because they fill seats.  Theatre is definitely a business....sometimes a cut throat business....(i.e. the recent firings / non renewals at Chicago).&nb


Official: TITANIQUE to dock at the St. James, March 2026 (16 Weeks Only)
 Jan 8 2026, 02:15:42 PM

I have often wondered what the real Celine Dion thinks of Titanique.  


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Jan 8 2026, 02:13:07 PM

There seems to be a pause on announcements of departing veteran cast members.  Are there more to come?


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Jan 6 2026, 08:56:49 PM

ACL2006 said: "I'm going again on Sunday.



Surprised it hasn't been announced that Sophie Carmen-Jones is returning as Velma. Or who the next Amos is. Or who the next round of ensemble members are?
"  Is it  possible that they're not forthcoming because a certain theatre site will share their views on the changes before they begin?  Just a thought.

 


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Jan 1 2026, 07:01:27 PM

Barrett Martin is on as Billy Flynn tonight, per his IG.


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Jan 1 2026, 03:56:02 PM

https://www.instagram.com/stories/jeffgorti/3800699538882244399/   If other departures will follow, does this mean that the producers already have a group of replacements to take their place?


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Jan 1 2026, 03:24:40 PM

Oh no, another Chicago cast member is leaving!  Jeff Gorti announced on IG that he's leaving the show.  Beginning Jan. 19, he'll be teaching at the Broadway Dance Center.  What is going on at the Ambassador?  


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 30 2025, 05:16:57 PM

Barrett Martin just announced on IG that he is also leaving on Feb. 1, 2026.  Wow.


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 30 2025, 10:47:35 AM

https://www.instagram.com/p/DS2mylHALvj/?igsh=bmtjNXBrNnpveHdj.  This was a lovely and poignant address by Drew Nellessen.


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 30 2025, 10:37:03 AM

Drew Nellessen posted a sweet video on Instagram relating his reasons for his leaving.  Each segment came with a one word caption.  


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 29 2025, 10:37:38 PM

everythingtaboo said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Longtime cast member Drew Nellessen will be leaving the show on February 1, 2026. He has been involved with Chicago for 18 years, on and off. Happy Trails!"

Based on his IG stories, it didn't really sound voluntary. That said, I wish him all the best.
"   While that's always a possibility, I'm inclined not to believe that.  


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 29 2025, 06:46:02 PM

Longtime cast member Drew Nellessen will be leaving the show on February 1, 2026.  He has been involved with Chicago for 18 years, on and off.  Happy Trails!


Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwanzaa!
 Dec 25 2025, 10:35:53 AM

Greetings from one and all on this special day!  from Roman in Austin, Texas


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 24 2025, 07:39:44 AM

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Patrick-Wilson-Reveals-An-Itch-to-Return-To-the-Broadway-Stage-20251223  After reading this article, I think he'd make a great Billy Flynn.  Thoughts?


Anyone seen Linda Eder recently?
 Dec 15 2025, 11:40:46 AM

"So many men, so little time.  I want them all.  Is that a crime?  _______________


Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/7/25
 Dec 9 2025, 02:01:38 PM

Winter is coming.   


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 8 2025, 08:30:47 PM

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSATRRfESxZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Mikayla Renfro's recent turn as Velma Kelly.  


Chicago The Musical Appreciation Thread
 Dec 7 2025, 10:02:18 PM

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR_ERBkDBOi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Celina Nightengale comments on a very busy week.


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