Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread — Page 147

ACL2006 said: "Looks like everyone is back today for both shows."

Yes! Fingers crossed for tomorrow night, I'll be there first row!

FYI, Robyn Hurder is out this Saturday, December 20. Just a heads up.

Kate Baldwin has extended through Feb. 1.



https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVI4QLjXzM/

Longtime cast member Drew Nellessen will be leaving the show on February 1, 2026. He has been involved with Chicago for 18 years, on and off. Happy Trails!

everythingtaboo said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Longtime cast member Drew Nellessen will be leaving the show on February 1, 2026. He has been involved with Chicago for 18 years, on and off. Happy Trails!"

Based on his IG stories, it didn't really sound voluntary. That said, I wish him all the best." While that's always a possibility, I'm inclined not to believe that.

everythingtaboo said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Longtime cast member Drew Nellessen will be leaving the show on February 1, 2026. He has been involved with Chicago for 18 years, on and off. Happy Trails!"

Based on his IG stories, it didn't really sound voluntary. That said, I wish him all the best."

I concur - CHICAGO has seen quite a bit of turnover lately and there have been A LOT of new faces, especially when I went tonight. Yes, there are the reliable stalwarts who understudy as well (James T. Lane and Max Clayton - and his thighs - are indispensable), but I think the show is finally seeing and/or hearing the need for new faces and fresh blood to keep the show running.

Eight years is a hell of a run for any person. Considering so many people have done this show LOOOOONG past their sell-by date, I think this is good for him and the show.

Re: Tonight

I haven’t been to the show since 2023 when I ended up there three times that year - twice for Jinkx and once for my friend Jennifer who was doing a few weeks as Mama. While I could definitely tell there was a bit of that holiday schedule lethargy (which is totally forgivable - their 7th in 4 days), you could feel a whole new fresh energy coming from a crop of Broadway vets who know EXACTLY what the assignment is and deliver on it, and then some. Though the sales are better with stunt casting, the show is better when you have tried and true Broadway talent on the bill.

Kate Baldwin is a revelation as Roxie. I haven’t seen her in a musical comedy since Hello Dolly and I forgot that she can be funny, but also is definitely a little bit of a minx and likes to get playful with her dancers during “Roxie”. She also is in GREAT shape. I never would’ve guessed she was 50 since she was moving and shaking like the rent was due. She also has magnificent chemistry with Robyn as Velma. (At the stage door, Robyn mentioned that she really has great respect for Kate as “a musical theatre legend” - and that is very clear).

Tam Mutu was a nice, oily-slick Billy Flynn, though it took me a minute to adjust to what I assume is his natural voice (since I had his Antonio Banderas-lite voice from TAKE THE LEAD). Alex Newell was great at what Alex Newell does and what everyone expects Mama to do - give the sass and belt ther ta-tas off. I also really liked Adam Bravo as the new Fred Casely. It’s not much of a character, but it was nice to see a fresh face since, the last time I went, Brian O’Brien was looking ROUGH - he had to be pushing mid 50s by then.

Ultimately, the Baldwin-Hurder pairing is one HELL of a coup and I strongly advise y’all to go back and see them knock it out.

Also, once again shouting out Max Clayton for being buff, gorgeous, easy on the eyes, and a booty that really pops (and jiggles) during “Me & My Baby”

Updated On: 12/29/25 at 11:50 PM

MimiChika said: "Correct. The cast got an email about the firings 2 weeks ago. Around 7-10 people are leaving Feb 1st.

cleaning house, including musicians"

who else is leaving?

doesn't sound like Drew got fired. just didn't get his contract renewed. he's also been a travel agent since 2021 and has taken the summers off from Chicago. the only cast member that's been there longer is Sharon Moore, who's coming up on 25 years with the Bway show. Barrett Martin, Denny Paschall, James T. Lane, David Bushman have also been with the show awhile, but Lane has bounced around into other shows.

Last show alert!
After 18 years on and off with Chicago — the last 8 of them at the Ambassador Theatre — my final performance will be February 1st! So many mixed emotions, but I’m ready (and excited) to see what life after Chicago looks like.

Updated On: 12/30/25 at 06:29 AM

FANtomFollies said: "ACL2006 said: "doesn't sound like Drew got fired. just didn't get his contract renewed. ."

Is there really any difference between getting fired or not getting your contract renewed?"

Fundamentally, yes. Usually a firing means he would have been terminated immediately and with cause. This is giving him more than a month of notice that the end of his contract is coming up. Since performers are contract workers, the end of the contract means both sides have fulfilled their obligations to each other and any renewal is optional.

Its not like when the musical director working in consort with Walter Bobbie got fired for bullying the performer playing Mary Sunshine until he broke down to a fatal extent.

Yes, there were.

Drew Nellessen posted a sweet video on Instagram relating his reasons for his leaving. Each segment came with a one word caption.

quizking101 said: "Its not like when the musical director working in consort with Walter Bobbie got fired for bullying the performer playing Mary Sunshine until he broke down to a fatal extent."

I've never heard about that, reading about it in some articles now....holy crap.

And also, all of the female ensemble covers one of the lead roles(Velma, Roxie or Mama). The two female swings don't, but they're both long-tenured vets(Sharon Moore and Jen Dunne). I can't fathom someone else being let go unless it's Joseph London(Mary s/b) or a vet like Denny or Barrett. Moore getting let go would be a surprise.