Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread- Page 22
Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
#525Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/18/14 at 6:45amHmmm, this is interesting. The Weisslers are known for being loyal to veterans of the show: Donna Marie Asbury and Sharon Moore come to mind. Currently, Asbury is a Velma u/s, along with Stephanie Pope. Melissa Rae Mahon and Tonya Wathen are the two Roxie u/s's. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a new Velma...long term or not. Amra has been Velma for the past several years. New blood is definitely needed there. She's contracted as Velma until Jan. 2015. I'd love to see Chicago with a new Velma!! I think a lot of people would like that.
"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)
#526Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/18/14 at 11:20am
Actually Steph Pope left.
Kelcy Griffin is the new Annie and is also a Velma understudy along with Donna Marie.
#527Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 2:21am
Anyone else, besides me, going to be there?
On Nov. 23 at 7 PM, the long-running, Tony-winning revival of Chicago plays its 7,486th performance, surpassing Cats to become the second longest-running show in Broadway history.
At the celebratory performance, the production welcomes back its four original stars: Tony Award winners Ann Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth, James Naughton and Joel Grey.
Reinking, Neuwirth, Naughton and Grey — who originated the roles of Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn and Amos Hart, respectively — each make cameo appearances at various points in the milestone performance.
#528Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 6:47am
This article centers on the dresser to all the Billy Flynns. She has been on the job for 18 years! Bravo.
Chicago
"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)
#529Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 11:04amRegarding the audition, AEA rules stipulate that any production contract (i.e. Broadway) must hold open auditions every 6 months regardless of whether or not there is a need to fill spots in the production.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#530Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 11:46amI'll be there! Should be fun.
#531Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 6:17pmPlease post pics (and commentary) if you're lucky enough to be at tonite's historic performance of "Chicago". The 2nd longest running show in Broadway history!! Far out!
"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)
#532Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 10:08pm
Wow, it was simply amazing. If only Chicago could have that energy on stage and off every performance.
Show opened with a speech by Walter Bobbie. John Kander recited the spoken prologue.
James Naughton did the entire Both Reached For The Gun, and he still completely has it.
Joel Grey performed the final half of Cellophane. Audience went nuts.
Ann and Bebe were welcomed with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. They did the full Nowadays duet, sadly not the Rag and Finale.
Both looked amazing. Those legs! I am amazed by how phenomenal Ann looks for her age. She looked like she did in 1996. I wish she hadn't retired because her energy and goofiness was fully on display.
Show ended with more Bobbie and a touching speech by the Weisslers.
Also in audience: Charlotte, Brenda, Marilu, John O'hurley, Chris Sieber, Carol woods and I'm sure many more.
Perfect evening. I am thrilled with the fact that we soon might have three dark and fantastic k&e shows on Broadway at the same time. Chicago, Cabaret, and The Visit!
#533Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 10:08pm
Wow, it was simply amazing. If only Chicago could have that energy on stage and off every performance.
Show opened with a speech by Walter Bobbie. John Kander recited the spoken prologue.
James Naughton did the entire Both Reached For The Gun, and he still completely has it.
Joel Grey performed the final half of Cellophane. Audience went nuts.
Ann and Bebe were welcomed with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. They did the full Nowadays duet, sadly not the Rag and Finale.
Both looked amazing. Those legs! I am amazed by how phenomenal Ann looks for her age. She looked like she did in 1996. I wish she hadn't retired because her energy and goofiness was fully on display.
Show ended with more Bobbie and a touching speech by the Weisslers.
Also in audience: Charlotte, Brenda, Marilu, John O'hurley, Chris Sieber, Carol woods and I'm sure many more.
Perfect evening. I am thrilled with the fact that we soon might have three dark and fantastic k&e shows on Broadway at the same time. Chicago, Cabaret, and The Visit!
#534Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 10:12pmI was wondering, we're any other alumni put into the show??
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.
#535Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 10:15pmNope. Unlike the 10th anniversary performance, this was fully focused on the four 1996 leads. Too bad Marcia Lewis is no longer with us.
#536Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 10:18pmI'm sure there will be pictures eventually, and hopefully a video or two.
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.
#537Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 11:25pm
Pictures of tonite's show from TheatreMania.com
Chicago
"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)
#538Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/23/14 at 11:44pm
Look at Ann Reinking. It's amazing. Like she hasn't aged a bit since 1996. I wish she and Bebe still had it in them to play at least once full performance together. I know both have some health issues now.
#539Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 4:35amSounds like a marvelous evening. And, yes, Ann still looks great. Does she still teach or is she fully retired now? Were Fred Ebb and/or Fosse recognized in any particular way?
#540Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 11:54am
Fantastic pictures! I wish there had been some pictures of the male and female ensemble cast.
CHICAGO
"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)
SmokeyLady
Broadway Star Joined: 10/29/14
#541Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 12:44pmHas anyone found any clips or curtain speeches?
#542Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 5:53pm
curtain call. Wow, I didn't originally notice the current Mary Sunshine standby - J. Loeffelholz- who was standing next to Ann Reinking. I almost thought he didn't exist. : ) Jason Patrick Sands is looking especially muscular.
Chicago Curtain Call 11 23 14
"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)
Updated On: 11/24/14 at 05:53 PM
#543Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 9:17pm
God that's good! I was there last night. When Annie and Bebe appeared on this stage, people were crying hard. Both Annie and Bebe were obviously moved. Annie even patted Bebe. It was sweet. And when they sang "Nowadays", I could see the whole cast was at the wing, taking videos.
Besides, I'd love to defend Amra-Faye Wright. I know most people here don't appreciate her performance, which is perfectly understandable. She was constantly absent-minded on stage. However, she was on fire last night, and we were all amazed and overwhelmed. As a dancer, I could tell that she was strictly and professionally trained and talented. But I'd never expected she could be such an entertaining performer and a great actor! Those details she put in this show were so smart. If only she could always work so hard!
The whole ensemble was also phenomenal, especially Donna Marie Asbury. Hope I can see her more as Velma on Broadway.
Updated On: 11/24/14 at 09:17 PM
#544Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 9:24pm
Amra certainly had more energy last night, but she still bored me. The REAL surprises were Christopher Fitzgerald and Carmen Ruby. Both have completely fresh and energetic interpretations of their characters. Such a delight to hear Carmen sing the first half of 'Good To Mama' completely straight as written, with just enough riffs at the end.
Bianca must change her interpretation often. I had only seen her at the "fan day" performance, and her portrayal last night was almost totally different from then. She is now a total ham, really going over-the-top. As I recall, she was more sleek and sexy at fan day. I do love that she takes appropriate liberties with the music, belting some notes up the octave.
#545Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 10:40pm
There is a new Mama Morton and a Billy Flynn appearing in Chicago very soon. They are first timers. I've never heard of them. (via Telecharge)
Amra Fay Wright as Velma (thru 1/25/15)
Bianca Marroquin as Roxie (thru 11/30; 12/22 - 3/22/15)
Amy Spanger as Roxie (12/1 - 12/21)
Christopher Fitzgerald as Billy Flynn (thru 11/30)
Pasquale Aleardi as Billy Flynn (12/1 - 12/7)
Carmen Ruby Floyd as Mama Morton (thru 11/30)
Na Tasha Yvette Williams as Mama Morton (12/1 - 3/29/15)
Raymond Bokhour as Amos (thru 2/1)
R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine (thru 5/31/15)
Here is a video of Aleardi during Chicago rehearsals. Who is the guy rehearsing with him?
Aleardi
"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)
Updated On: 11/24/14 at 10:40 PM
#546Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 10:41pm
Personally I think Fitzgerald, no doubt a great actor, is more suitable as Amos than as Billy Flynn, especially comparing to James Naughton. For me, Fitzgerald was trying too hard at the "Razzle Dazzle", but overall gave a delightful performance. Amra, on the contrary, is a solid dancer and a smart actor. I sat in the 2nd row, so I saw lots of creative details of her interpretation. Totally loved her Velma last night, and last night only so far.
Yes. Bianca Marroquin changed her acting often. She acted extraordinarily hard, maybe partly because she was kind of under the weather last night. You could tell from her voice.
#547Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 10:47pm
This is Na Tasha Yvette Williams.
Na Tasha
"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)
#548Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 10:52pmNa Tasha Yvette Williams was fantastic in Porgy and Bess. Many wanted to see her receive a Tony nomination, but it didn't happen.
#549Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 11/24/14 at 11:00pmDavid Bushman is the one in the video with Aleardi. He's the company's dance captain.
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.
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