Billy Ray Cyrus as Billy Flynn in Chicago

[Wynbish]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 8:59am

Dear Broadwayworld,

Today is June 25th. Not April 1st. What the heck?




Give them the old achy breaky heart Updated On: 6/25/12 at 08:59 AM

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 9:17am

Oh lord.

[broadwayfreak4]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 9:22am

Who's gonna play Roxie? Miley Cyrus?

[Wynbish]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 9:25am

Is Wynonna Judd set to play Matron Mama Morton?

Having admittedly watched some Hannah Montana in the past, I didn't think he was that great on that show. And he was playing Miley's country singing father! Updated On: 6/25/12 at 09:25 AM

[castlestreet]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 9:37am

Well, I had the same thought- is it April Fools again?

Give the old girl one behind the ear- time to put this show out of its misery if this is the best Barry & Fran can do...

[theaterfan862]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 9:54am

I love Chicago but this is horrible! Fran and Barry should just rely on the very talented ensemble they already have and if they must switch out the leads then get unknown or not well known Broadway talent. God knows they have made plenty of money off the show so give the show some dignity again.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 10:28am

When I saw this on Playbill, I thought "huh"? Well, he can sing. Who knows, he might surprise people? from RC in Austin, Texas

[Wynbish]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 10:31am

He may not make that bad of an Amos. Just not Billy.

[KylePKJP]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 10:59am

In other news, Ann Coulter will teach kindergarten in the fall.

[rorschach37]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:33pm

No disrespect to Billy Ray. He's not a bad singer or actor, but he's COUNTRY. I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up in that upcoming Loretta Lynn musical, but Chicago? Ehhh...

[dreaming]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:34pm

I think he could be very good. The Weisslers definitely got my attention (in a good way). I may go see him. Let's give him a chance.

[artscallion]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:37pm

I seem to remember something about him and homophobic remarks back in his heyday. Anyone else remember this?

[Wynbish]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:37pm

Was Tim McGraw busy?

[Playbilly]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:53pm

Cyrus has been quite bad in the past. He may reach the levels of Jery Springer in the part if he has enough rehearsals.

[Kelly2]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:25pm

Why don't they use someone in the show? Isn't the incredibly talented (and handsome) Jason Patrick Sands still in the chorus? I've seen him go on for Billy and he's great!

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:30pm

Will they have to refer to him as "Billy Ray Flynn" during his stint?

[quizking101]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:33pm

"Why don't they use someone in the show? Isn't the incredibly talented (and handsome) Jason Patrick Sands still in the chorus? I've seen him go on for Billy and he's great!"

Now that is an image worth savoring...JPS justs needs a tearaway tux.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:37pm

Yes, Jason Patrick Sands is still part of the "ensemble". He can perform the roles of "Billy Flynn" and "Amos Hart." Although he is quite talented and sexy, he is not a well known "name". I believe he did a national tour as "Billy." On another note, I was surprised to read that Ryan Worsing's last day with "Chicago" was on June 24th. Amos Wolff also is no longer with the show. Yikes. from RC in Austin, Texas

[hyperbole_and_a_half]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:38pm

This show is definitely past its expiry date. Time t send it to the glue factory.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:38pm

Yeah, Tim McGraw IS probably busy. And getting better acting parts. Although he's managed to keep himself in the public eye through "Doc" and "Hannah Montana," Cyrus' recording career, aside from a few Hannah-related blips, has been decidedly in second gear since the late 90's.

I've always found Billy Ray kind of insufferably smug, so I'm predisposed to dislike him. I'll be very surprised if he's any good.



Updated On: 6/25/12 at 01:38 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:51pm

Don't shoot me, but I think the show could actually be great if they hired people to play Roxie that were, ya know, sort of how she is, like the reality stars of our day. Get a Kardashian up there or a Housewife.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:53pm

I'm sure they've already thought about it.

[ChildrenwillListen]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 1:57pm

Don't give them anymore bad ideas by suggesting the Kardashians! GEEZ!! And knowing that Billy Ray is going to be doing this makes me even more happy to know that I saw John O'Hurley play Billy.

When my school does Chicago next year, I guarantee whoever we have play Billy will be a million times better.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 5:53pm

I'm just gonna pretend this isn't a thing.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 6:09pm

I actually don't mind this... definitely not the worst casting announcement to come from Chicago.