Ashlee Simpson Confirmed for Chicago (London); Already in Rehearsals

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

Ew!
*hopefully she is a good dancer, since she can't sing*

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Updated On: 8/29/06 at 03:39 AM

Ugh. Thank God it's London and not Broadway.

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"Ugh. Thank God it's London and not Broadway"

What's your point?

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As much as I wouldn't want this to happen, I don't think she should go die :/

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!

On the bright side, Roxie isn't exactly a singer's role.

I don't think she'll be that bad.

Shes not that famous over here at all. Bizarre choice.

It could be that this is a warm-up for her going into the Broadway production at some point in the near future...

LOL! LUVS IT!

The only complaint I have about her is her age. Otherwise, I'm fine.

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.

I thought it couldnt go any lower than Alan Thicke playing Billy, ugh!!!! By the way, can you feet synch??

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