A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
I was hoping after the boost Pamela Anderson brought to both the box office and the quality of the show as whole we would see more exciting casting after her departure, but so far that has not been the case. At all.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
Brandon Victor Dixon will be a great Billy Flynn. However, I am never seeing the show again with Amra as Velma.
"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel
BVD is one of my biggest Broadway crushes and I hope he stays in the show long enough for me to see him as Flynn.
As for Amra, I've just seen her too many times in the role and she's not exciting. There's nothing that Lana Gordon does that Amra doesn't do, it's just that star quality Lana has that Amra lacks. I think many people see her (such as Andy Cohen) and dismiss her as too old before she even starts All That Jazz. But her age isn't the problem, she just lacks spunk. Either way, I want to see Brandon Victor Dixon as Flynn even with Amra playing Velma AGAIN.
If either Velma u/s announced in advance they're going on, I'd go get a ticket then. Not even a freebie would get me back to see the show w/AFW.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
I wonder if AFW will still be Velma Kelly on Nov. 21st? I would LOVE to see Leigh Zimmerman (who was my first Velma in 2011 and again in 2017) as Velma.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Phantom4ever said: "BVD is one of my biggest Broadway crushes and I hope he stays in the show long enough for me to see him as Flynn.
As for Amra, I've just seen her too many times in the role and she's not exciting. There's nothing that Lana Gordon does that Amra doesn't do, it's just that star quality Lana has that Amra lacks. I think many people see her (such as Andy Cohen) and dismiss her as too old before she even starts All That Jazz. But her age isn't the problem, she just lacks spunk. Either way, I want to see Brandon Victor Dixon as Flynn even with Amra playing Velma AGAIN."
Amra...BIG Yawn...this casting is so tired. Isn't she bored doing this show and can't they find anyone else from the past or new?! Come on Barry & Fran - Good for Brandon!
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
I've always wanted to see Erich Bergen onstage, but the thought of seeing Angelica was so exciting, I was willing to wait it out. (It would be my 3rd time seeing the show since Broadway came back.) But now with AFW coming back, I may have to back to seeing before the 11th. Honestly conflicted.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
I am looking forward to visit the Ambassador Theatre once more, on Nov. 21st. I've made mention of the show's lack of Velmas. As was done with the Search For Roxie, perhaps now it's a good time for a "Search For Velma"? Since "Chicago" is no longer utilizing celebrity Velmas as in years past, it would be in the show's long term interest to develop and increase the number of available Velma Kellys. A Velma search would obviously be good publicity for the show. Plus, Stewart/Whitley (casting) and producers would get to see more individuals that perhaps they would see regularly. Yes, the role of Velma is very demanding physically and artistically. I'm sure there are some talented people out there yet to be discovered. Just saying...
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
At this point in CHICAGO’s run, talented performers aren’t enough anymore. Celebrity stunt casting needs to be the focus. Enough with these super talented no names. I get it, they need their moment in the spotlight but they sure aren’t getting me to see the show again. Pamela Anderson brought that original spark and buzz the show had in the late 1990s. Sadly, that buzz fizzled hours after her final performance. Like many others, before seeing Pamela my last time seeing CHICAGO was at the Schubert Theatre in the very early 2000s. You want me back? Get some crazy celebrity on that stage. Make it an event again like what was done with Pamela Anderson.
It appears they have nobody lined up. Maybe come 2023, but at this point just pull the plug already.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
https://youtu.be/t46bzdLhj6k 1. I would love to see Leigh Zimmerman as Velma 2. I think it was 2010/2011 when Chicago had a Fan Day. It's time for another one!
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Fan day was my first time seeing the show. There’s actually BWW photo coverage of Amra signing my poster as she was joining the cast the next week. I truly doubt they’ll ever do another one, it was not the best handled of events (let’s leave people lined up outside in the dead of winter for 5 hours).
As to Velma, I’ve said it before they need new blood. My personal front runners both come with a built in social media following; Amber Ardolino and Samantha Pauly
"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Hayley Swindal has been brought in to cover Mama as Charity Dawson is out with Covid.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
Hayley Swindal is a fantastic Mama. I once requested a Cameo from her. She sang "When You're Good To Mama".
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
I'm surprised there hasn't been any video (however brief) of Angelica Ross as Roxie.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
I'm wondering if Angelica Ross will extend, now that Ryoko Yonekura's injury will prevent her from playing Roxie (Nov. 7-20). Perhaps the producers can call upon dependable veterans such as Charlotte D'Amboise or Dylis Croman. Or, the current understudies (Jessica Ernest & Rachel Schur ).can take turns as Roxie. I'm curious to know who'll be Roxie & Velma when I see the show on Nov. 21st.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Desi Oakley hasn't appeared in a while. She could take another turn as Roxie.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)