Andy Cohen shades CHICAGO — Page 2

I hope it never happens and I hate to bring it up but is there still a chance that Luann de Lesseps (aka "The Countess" will be in CHICAGO?

joevitus said: "Odd to complainabout the age of the cast. In the stage show (unlike the movie) it's intended that the cast is comprised of older people. Roxie even says, in the intro toher eponymous number, "I'm older than I ever intended to be." They are all washed-up, grubby third-rate players, grifters and shysters, most of them past their prime. It isn't a show about youth."

I LOVE how you summed up in a few words the essence of Chicago. I'd add in 'desperate'. Shonky stunts should not be cast. Third-rate players, yes, but played only by first-rate principals.

SweetLips22 said: "joevitus said: "Odd to complainabout the age of the cast. In the stage show (unlike the movie) it's intended that the cast is comprised of older people. Roxie even says, in the intro toher eponymous number, "I'm older than I ever intended to be." They are all washed-up, grubby third-rate players, grifters and shysters, most of them past their prime. It isn't a show about youth."

I LOVE how you summed up in a few words the essence of Chicago. I'd add in 'desperate'. Shonky stunts should not be cast. Third-rate players, yes, but played only by first-rate principals."

Thank you, that's very kind of you! Agree about their desperation, and that those were first-raters playing third-raters.

Updated On: 3/2/20 at 05:46 PM

This is my response to Andy Cohen's ridiculous comments: ( I also posted this on his show's Facebook page. I'm sure it'll disappear soon enough.)

Hello. I am writing this in response to your diatribe against the Broadway musical “Chicago”. You complained about the show’s producer’s being “cheap”. While I don’t know them personally to make that assessment, but the fact that you got comped for two tickets says that they were generous. You were whining because you paid for two tickets. Talk about a sense of entitlement! I pay the full price for a front row center seat (and on a teacher’s salary). You were asked to pay for two tickets, while being a millionaire many times over. Now who is the cheap one? The principle of the story is that the producers indulged you, up to a certain point. Your sense of entitlement is laughable.

You said: “Chicago” has seen better days and no one is running to the Ambassador Theatre to see it. Yes, it’s true that some people are going to the show to see Ms. Jayne. However, the show has endured and stayed popular since it opened in November 1996. People from all over the world enjoy what the show has to offer: a good time. I myself first saw “Chicago” on St. Patrick’s Day 2011. Since then, I have been running to the show for a total of 25 times (on tour and Broadway), plus one 2019 concert version. During that time, I have become acquainted with some of the cast members via the stage door, backstage and on social media. I have known Ryan Lowe (Mary Sunshine) since 2011. He is a darling and talented individual. I was also acquainted with Donna Marie Asbury, who left the show in 2019. These people, and so many others, have given their all while being involved with the show.

You mentioned Roxie’s love interest as being of a certain age. You’re probably referring to the character of Amos Hart…her husband in the show. If you’re referring specifically to the actor playing him, you might mean Raymond Bokhour. I’ve seen him in the show a number of time. He in insanely talented…no matter what his age is. You are in your 50’s..so to criticize a cast member for being in his/her 50’s is hypocritical.

Amra Faye Wright is a very talented lady. She knows the role of Velma Kelly from every angle. The producers of the show are loyal to certain cast members because they can perform their particular role very well. I happen to think it’s commendable that the producers value a person’s abilities, regardless of their age. After all, they’re the ones who make the important decisions…not you.

Your whole diatribe against the show’s producers and cast members are all for naught. The show has survived year after year, partly because of their unconventional casting. But the entire cast /ensemble all contribute to the show’s success. There is a great deal to appreciate and admire about the show. The fans who enter the Ambassador Theatre are from all over the world. Many of them might even say: “Andy Cohen who?”

Updated On: 3/2/20 at 07:03 PM

I think he should have kept his mouth shut about the tickets, but I get the impression that some people on here don't understand his connection to Erika Jayne. During his time as an executive at Bravo, he was responsible for many popular reality shows, including the Real Housewives franchise, and he continues to executive produce the show. Erika Jayne is in Chicago because she's a "real housewife," and the production is making money because of that show's popularity. It's the ONLY reason she's in the show, and they're using it prominently in their advertising. So, as someone who basically gave Erika Jayne the notoriety that put her in the role, I'm assuming that Andy Cohen thought that 4 tickets to an old warhorse like Chicago wouldn't be an issue, and I get his reasoning. In that context, I think it's ridiculous that they made him pay. Whether or not he should have said something about it publicly is another matter.

Updated On: 3/2/20 at 09:56 PM

I love that when he doesn't get stuff for free (that everyone else has to pay for), he complains the people withholding the stuff are the ones who are cheap. Surely Cohen owns a mirror in which he can see himself?

So, his reasoning is "we are hyping your musical on the show this season, therefore, we deserve free tickets because of all the free press we are giving Chicago".

The entitlement is deeply gross.

Luminaire2 said: "My message was deleted for calling Andy Cohen a jerk? I don’t get it."

I got the same message for calling him a douche. It's crazy that mods are cool with his trashing of the entire cast of Chicago, but making "personal insults" about a public figure who is a KNOWN ASSHOLE is crossing the line...Really continue to show your priorities. Glad your moderating has only gotten worse from when I used to be a regular...