Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread — Page 125

Barrett Martin will be Billy Flynn on Feb. 3rd and 4th, while Max Von Essen is in San Francisco for his show.

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Her name is Kristen Faith Oei. I'm thinking Bianca Marroquin will return as Velma."

According to Charlotte D’Amboise’s Instagram story, Amra-Faye Wright will be returning as Velma.

(*eye roll*)

Recently saw production in Australia and realised just how tired the whole thing is without a cast that is totally outstanding. Even the great Anthony Warlow looked tired and walking through it. Amos and the ensemble were the stars but the rest, ordinary[apart from the great band].

Why 'Class' hasn't been dropped I'll never know. Boring and slows the show down and Mamma Morton needs another showstopper.

I used to love the jury member and all his disguises but this production you would never have been aware he was there.

The show is doing great business here so there is still an audience but please do an update with the material and the cast.

My God, when will they finally lay this production to rest? Please let it die.

Why do the producers not utilize an untapped resource for Velmas? There have been many former cast members who were either understudies or swings and had opportunities to play the role of Velma. I once asked Dylis Croman if she'd ever entertain the role of Velma. She mentioned something noncommittal. I wonder if Biianca Marroquin was unable to take the role...or if she was even asked? I really miss Terra McCleod as Velma Kelly, who I have seen play the role on tour and on Broadway. At the moment, she's in a production of "Next to Normal".

Updated On: 1/29/24 at 01:54 PM

I would even applaud an unconventional Velma Kelly...such as J. Harrison McGee who has performed the role at the MUNY. I think J HMG is doing Once Upon A Mattress...but might be available after that? They could get a foreign Velma. There's an Australian touring production at the moment, I think.

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Why do the producers not utilize an untapped resource for Velmas? There have been many former cast members who were either understudies or swings and had opportunities to play the role of Velma. I once asked Dylis Croman if she'd ever entertain the role of Velma. She mentioned something noncommittal. I wonder if Biianca Marroquin was unable to take the role...or if she was even asked? I really miss Terra McCleod as Velma Kelly, who I have seen play the role on tour and on Broadway. At the moment, she's in a production of "Next to Normal"."

Bring back Leigh Zimmerman too! She was my first Velma (alongside Colman Domingo as Billy - *swoon*) and she was a fierce and fiery sexpot. If she wasn't just cast in Lempicka, I would also KILL to have Khori Michelle Petinaud take the role. She's a trainer Fosse dancer with fierce moves and some sultry pipes. She could really invigorate the role.

When I went to see Jinkx Monsoon as Mama the first time, Amra-Faye was doing the absolute LEAST and poor Charlotte was carrying the show best she could but even she was running out of gas.

ACL2006 said: "Joseph London is Mary Sunshine until further notice. He's been on as Mary for over a week now. Not sure about Ryan Lowe and when he'll return. Jayke Workman is back as the Mary Sunshine standby. Sounds like possibly COVID is running through the show again."

Ryan Lowe is fine and is vacationing in sunny Maui.

Did anybody see Ariana last night?

Updated On: 2/6/24 at 11:50 AM

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "I would love to see Nick Adams as Billy Flynn!"

Now, Nick is talented enough to play either Roxie or Velma. He’s more than qualified to handle the original revival choreography for both roles.

This article just enlightened me to the fact that Sofia Vergara played Mama. I had no idea. I just finished watching her in Griselda on Netflix. She kills.
https://people.com/celebrities-who-starred-in-chicago-on-broadway-6046159

ACL2006 said: "No surprise, but AFW has already missed several performances since she came back last week."

With Mary Claire King gone, the show is left with one Velma cover - Kristen Faith Oei. Dani Spieler is back for a short run as Liz.