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

[Luckydave14]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 3:36am

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

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 3:37am

**A little piece of TheActr dies inside**

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 3:39am

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

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

[thespian geek]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 3:39am

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 3:42am

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

[Luckydave14]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 3:42am

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.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 4:06am

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

What's your point?

[COOOOLkid]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 4:21am

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.

Updated On: 8/29/06 at 04:21 AM

[luvliza89]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 7:31am

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

[Parks]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:20am

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.

[evic]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:22am

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!

[Parks]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:27am

"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.

[timote316]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:29am

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

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

[NS]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:37am

Typical just when we get a decent line up for once in London they go and do this!

[lifeisacabaret]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:40am

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

[hannahshule]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:43am

Despite evrything else, isn't she just TOO YOUNG to play Roxie?
I see this as really sad and unfortunate actually.

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 8:47am

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

[GClef2]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:22am

Hopefully she'll work on her voice a bit...

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:32am

LOL! LUVS IT!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:44am

I don't consider IMDB a reliable news source.

If this is true, I lose all faith.

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:44am

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

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 10:02am

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.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 10:16am

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.

[WiiCKED x3]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 10:20am

I just fainted.

[HamletWasBipolar]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 10:33am

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