Broadway Legend Joined: 8/25/04
Simpson Starts 'Chicago' Rehearsals
(From Imdb.com)
Ashlee Simpson has signed on to play murderous vixen Roxie Hart in the London run of the musical Chicago. After weeks of speculation, Simpson kicked off rehearsals for the legendary musical in a New York City studio on Monday. Chicago producer Barry Weissler confirmed the news to American publication Star, saying, "Yes, it is true. Ashlee Simpson is joining the cast of Chicago in London. We are very excited and are looking forward to gauging the London audience reaction." The deal for Simpson to star in the play was finalized this past weekend and she will appear onstage in October in London's West End. According to a source, "Ashlee's a dancer; her background is in dance. She wants to do live theatre. This will put all of those critics to rest. She's always wanted to be on stage, but she got diverted when she started selling so many albums." Simpson's Chicago role follows Usher's decision to join the cast in New York. He's currently playing Billy Flynn on Broadway, where he's receiving lukewarm reviews.
Updated On: 8/29/06 at 03:36 AM
**A little piece of TheActr dies inside**
Ew!
*hopefully she is a good dancer, since she can't sing*
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/16/05
Ugh. Thank God it's London and not Broadway.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/25/04
Hmm... Does anyone know where the Chicago rehearsal space is? I'd love to try and get her autograph for the Elephant Project. Maybe I'll see her while walking around the city.
"Ugh. Thank God it's London and not Broadway"
What's your point?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/15/05
I'm just happy when I see Chicago, she won't be playing.
But still, it's such a disgrace to musical theatre. Like I've said before, celebrities can go die.
As much as I wouldn't want this to happen, I don't think she should go die :/
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/04
I personally wouldn't mind seeing her as Roxie. It'd be interesting--and there have been plenty of Roxies who have been...less than great. If she joins them, who cares?
I hope Ashlee does a good job and surprises people. You all can't stand it when almost anyone that has a name is put in a show.
Is she famous in London? Seems like tickets would sell better on Broadway.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/5/04
Do Ann Reinking or Walter Bobbie have any say on who is cast?- If not I am sure they are rolling their eyes....but if the Weisslers are gonna milk every MTV performer to get a new crowd in to make them $$$$- then they are the winners-the quote that Ashley wants to do live theater is a pisser.....one would think she'd start in regional, or summer stock like most performers do- but to make your debut in the West End is a real slap in the face to all those who are serious about a career in the theater. Maybe she'll blow the Brits away.... I wanna see Countess Vaughn as Mama!
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/04
"milk every MTV performer"
...who else has been cast in Chicago from MTV?
You guys, give her a chance. You all saw how many horrible threads there were about Haylie Duff, and now people are saying her performance is enjoyable--not horrible.
Don't judge her until you've seen her.
I'm not an Ashlee fan, but I think we have some bitter queens on here.
and the Weisslers don't cast people as Roxie who have lots of theatre background usually, in case you didn't know.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/04
On the bright side, Roxie isn't exactly a singer's role.
I don't think she'll be that bad.
Broadway Star Joined: 1/21/04
Typical just when we get a decent line up for once in London they go and do this!
Leading Actor Joined: 4/17/06
Shes not that famous over here at all. Bizarre choice.
Despite evrything else, isn't she just TOO YOUNG to play Roxie?
I see this as really sad and unfortunate actually.
It could be that this is a warm-up for her going into the Broadway production at some point in the near future...
Hopefully she'll work on her voice a bit...
LOL! LUVS IT!
I don't consider IMDB a reliable news source.
If this is true, I lose all faith.
The only complaint I have about her is her age. Otherwise, I'm fine.
Oddly, now that the news has been sort of confirmed, I'm more bothered by her age than her abilities. She's way too young for Roxie.
I love that she is representin' the US. LOL could these be any better. I guess it could be worse, it could be Hillary Duff's Z-lister sister. Ashley is at least B these days.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/18/06
I just fainted.
I thought it couldnt go any lower than Alan Thicke playing Billy, ugh!!!! By the way, can you feet synch??
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