Profile for Patti LuPone FANatic

What would be some other possibilities for the role of Billy Flynn, who haven't been mentioned here before? What theatre veterans out there could do a smashing job in the role? One of my favorites is Jason Danieley. He was very charismatic and could sing it out of the ballpark. I do remember that the last time he was at the Ambassador, he used to keep track of long he could hold the "the" note in "The Gun". Max Von Essen comes close to Danieley when it comes to that particular part of the son...

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbBK_UixgqE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Sophie Carmen Jones (Velma Kelly) on the differences between American and British theatre audiences.

I am happy for that sizeable increase by Chicago, but very surprised. In the back of my mind, I am hoping for a return by Robyn Hurder as Velma.

I wonder if the producers /casting team have ever considered two seasoned Broadway veterans like Cheyenne Jackson or Nick Adams. They could sing, dance and act the role of Billy out of the park.

I am surprised by the low grosses at this point in time. In previous years, you'd have figures much higher than the current numbers. (I remember one week that had grosses in the 300, 000 range.) My guess is that the producers will want to have Whitney Leavitt return as soon as possible, even with playing the role of Velma.

https://playbill.com/article/video-theres-history-in-the-outfit-and-newness-in-the-role-krysta-rodriguez-talks-playing-roxie-in-broadways-chicago This is an interview with the lovely Krysta Rodriguez. The interviewer was J. Viscaino. I think she came across very well with her responses to the interviewer's somewhat iffy questions. Towards the beginning, he was interviewing her and came up with "a survivor of SMASH". I don't know if he was trying to be witty, but it seemed a bit off putting to...

Congratulations to Elizabeth Yanick, as she recently made her swing debut as the newest member of the company of players.

I am guessing that the Weisslers would welcome that possibility. Leavitt bring$$$ in the crowds to see the show. I agree that Velma is a difficult role. But, she could surprise people. By the way, I can't remember the last time Chicago had a celebrity Velma (for the very reason that the role is very demanding).

Danielle Marie Gonzalez (Velma Kelly understudy) will be Velma Kelly from July 4--9. Kristen Faith Oei is the current Velma Kelly, as Sophie Carmen Jones enjoys her vacation. By the way..... I saw an article on BWW that Whitney Leavitt would love to return to Chicago......as Velma Kelly.

I think Nick Adams would be a wonderful choice as Billy Flynn. He has extensive experience with theatre..including Chicago. He can sing, act and dance.....an amazing triple threat. Another possibility would be Cheyenne Jackson. As the late Judy Tenuta used to say: "It could happen"!

A video clip of Matteo's performance as Billy Flynn. https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ6M8hqtII1/

Who all has seen Krysta Rodriguez as Roxie? One person has mentioned seeing her and thought she was good. Anyone else?

According to Telecharge: Krysta Rodriguez will continue as Roxie until August 16th. Interestingly, J. Workman is listed as Mary Sunshine without an end date. (It's kind of sad not seeing Ryan Lowe's name on the cast list.)

ACL2006 said: "Lowe got a send off in February when the other 7 cast members left. I don't think he was originally scheduled to return, but the producers must have had a gap to fill. Heended up missing about half of his shows for the month he was back." So, will the producers decide on a more permanent Mary Sunshine or have people rotate in the role?

ACL2006 said: "For about the 20th time, today is Ryan Lowe's last show with Chicago. Additionally, long time swing, Jennifer Dunne, is also leaving the show. No word who's coming in starting tomorrow as Mary Sunshine." I am surprised that there was no customary sendoff for Ryan....being that he's a long time Mary Sunshine. Perhaps he wanted it that way.

To recap: Rachel Schur Chase (Roxie) thru June 14th.Krysta Rodriguez: (Roxie): June 15th ---? strange that there's no listed end date for her. Ivy: Roxie : Aug. 17th ---Sept. 6th Sophie Carmen Jones: (Velma): thru Aug. 30th (vacation: June 29-July 9)Nik Walker: (Billy) thru June 21st.Matteo Lane: (Billy) June 22nd ---July 19th Jacqueline Arnold (Mama): thru July 19th Greg Hildreth: (Amos): thru June 21st.

https://youtu.be/GmUzCTOGCtQ?si=w-h7Gur2ZqzD4TLo An article on the singer actress Ivy, who will soon be Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre. Included is a clip of the 2024 South Korean production of Chicago.

Ronnie S. Bowman Jr. is a new cover for Billy Flynn.

LIKES: Schmigadoon: Very lively, very colorful. Max Clayton looked good. Chicago: They presented very well, especially with Pink as Velma Kelly. Idk if Pink would be interested doing a few weeks of Velma, but she'd be great. DISLIKES: Some of the speeches ran loooong. John Lithgow and Lesley Manville come to mind. The In Memorium segment: It irritates me that the camera sometimes focuses on the performer in parts. That wastes valuable screen time that could have included a few additional hono...

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "With regards to the special Chicago performance at the Tonys, I am hoping that Pink will perform as Velma. In some ways, she reminds me of Robyn Hurder." I was right about that one.