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#676

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/3/15 at 6:50am

If I had to guess, it would be that you're a part of the current Broadway production. You seemed to know quite a bit about David Bushman's choreography credits that is mentioned in the current CellBlock Tour production credits. I figure only someone on the "inside" would know something that specific.
"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)
#677

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/3/15 at 10:56pm

Episode 6 of Jennifer Nettles "Hart and Soul". There's a little family reunion and lessons in "turban tying" with some of the ladies of Chicago...and one male Jury.
Jennifer Nettles Ep. 6
"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)
#678

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/4/15 at 10:49am

JBSHRAW-The Mayor is today, not last night :) Bianca was in a short bun.

Chicago was great! Phenomenal dancing, and wonderful music and acting. Bianca was wonderful and made Roxie her own. She may have been dangerous, but she was also ditzy, naive, and adorable. My friend, who saw the show a numerous of times, said this was the best Roxie and she didn't like the character until now. Terra was good, but I thought she was trying to do a CZJ impression at times. My Billy was John O'Hurley and he was exactly what I imagined Billy to be: Suave, charismatic, and charming. He was perfect for the part! Roz was very energetic as Mama Morton and Jacob was charming as Amos. He is so sweet and naive, and he breaks your heart. He stole this show with his song.

My 2 complains was that I wish we had more dialogue. Act 1 was very unbalanced with the amounts of songs over dialogues. We didn't really get to know some characters at times because the amount of random songs. Act 2 was much more stable because they put the dialogue where it needed to be. And my biggest complain was that the ending came the hell out of nowhere. She was found not guilty and the show was directly like people will forget you if you're innocent, but then out of nowhere, Velma and Roxie are still famous and there's no scene where Roxie pleads Velma to take her back. It just happens like that. And wouldn't Velma not take Roxie since she's not famous anymore?

Other than that, great show!
#679

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/4/15 at 12:07pm

I don't agree with the opinion that Terra C does an impression of CZJ as Velma. Terra C has been performing the role of Velma Kelly since about 1999...before the Chicago movie. If anything, Terra C is such a professional, that she had made the role her own...adding her own personal touches here and there. She has absolutely no need to pattern her role after anyone. Throughout the years, Terra C has made formed her role with regards to the show's requirements and her own dazzling talent.
"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)
#680

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/4/15 at 12:56pm

I saw Terra C about two years ago in the role. I think it's the other way around, CZJ was doing an impression of Terra C. In all seriousness though, when several actresses have played the same role you're going to see similarities.
#681

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/4/15 at 2:23pm

Seeing Jennifer's vlog, makes me want to see the show while she's in it (and Carly, too).
Hey Dottie! Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
#682

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/5/15 at 5:35am

After a long break from seeing the show some years ago, my first pairing back (in London) was Terra & Ruthie. Perfect! Terra's great!

Any news on Broadway take overs? How long in advance is it usually announced? Unless a celeb is joining I've found this show to be bad at announcing cast changes!

Updated On: 3/5/15 at 05:35 AM

#683

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/5/15 at 6:22am

They (producers) take their time in announcing cast changes. I'm sure they have their reasons. Meanwhile, Several of the major cast members will have their current stays expire on March 29th. Replacements are imminent for Roxie, Velma and Mama Morton. John Dossett is beginning a stint as Billy Flynn on March 14th.

"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: 3/5/15 at 06:22 AM

#684

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/5/15 at 8:25am

Thanks! If I see this when I'm in my it will be on 2nd April, but it hinges somewhat on who the cast will be! At least I'll know before I fly!
#685

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/7/15 at 10:09pm

There are "whispers" that Dylis Croman might be joining the Cellblock Tour as Roxie...as Bianca Marroquin is leaving the tour sometime around the end of March. I would love the chance to see Dylis in 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)
#687

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/9/15 at 2:13pm

I saw Chicago on Sunday afternoon, March 8. I finally got to see Donna Marie Asbury go on as Velma! I've seen the show countless times, but this was my first time seeing her do it. I thought she was too quiet during All That Jazz but otherwise she acted and sung the part very well. She did look quite a bit older than a lot of the men in the cast.

Jennifer Nettles was a terrific Roxie. The only thing I did not like was she went too quiet (and I was in the 2nd row) for the line "I am older than I ever expected to be." That line normally gets a decent laugh, usually a huge laugh, but nobody heard it so it was crickets. I enjoyed her almost as much as I enjoy Bianca's Roxie.

Alexander Gemignani was a great Flynn and his note at the end of "Gun" was by far the longest note I heave ever heard somebody sing for that song and probably the longest I've ever heard anyone hold a note anywhere. It was really something how how long he held it. Wish I had counted the seconds.

I've seen Chicago's grosses recently and I have been worried that one of my favorite shows was on its last legs. But, the house was full yesterday except for perhaps ten seats in the corners of the orchestra.

Also, I am always on the lookout for any evidence of long-run-itis in this show. I always look for it in "Reached for the Gun", "Razzle Dazzle" and "All that Jazz". But once again, the cast stayed in character and did not "sleepwalk" or anything else. The ONLY thing that seems suspicious was during the entre-acte. The cast members on the side, especially the boys, were having fun bopping along to the orchestra, but two women, Kelcy Ann Griffin and Angel Reda just sat there staring straight ahead. I don't know if they were directed to "act cool" or something and it was part of their character to not get all worked up during the entre acte like the boys, but to see Denny and Michael practically falling off their chairs and then see those two girls just sitting next to them, bored, was off-putting.

Overall, the show is in great shape.

Updated On: 3/9/15 at 02:13 PM

#688

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/11/15 at 10:09pm

So...the whispers were true. Dylis Croman will be the new Roxie Hart in the current Cellblock National Tour beginning March 24th...till the tour ends on April 12, 2015. What awesome news!
Dylis Croman
"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)
#689

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/13/15 at 7:13pm

This is a video of the all male "Cell Block Tango" at the recent 2015 Broadway Backwards. The person playing Hunyak did his bit in Spanish, so I finally had an idea what Hunyak normally says in CellBlock (I didn't want to use the initials for a particular reason.) There was a previous all male version a few years ago, with Reed Kelly and Matthew Steffens.
Cell Block Tango
"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)
#690

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/14/15 at 6:20pm

Broadway Backwards was great! I laughed so hard when the doorbell rang in the middle of Cell Block Tango ("one of those Mormons, ya know.") So much talent in one place! We had such a blast that night...and then ran smack into Brian Stokes Mitchell as we waited with him to cross 8th Ave after the show Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Updated On: 3/14/15 at 06:20 PM

#693

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 3:12pm

Dammit!!!! I really wanted to see Hughes in this but it hasn't been a possibility as yet. Couldn't they just let Amra be Mama if her blackmail is really this good?
"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
#694

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 3:39pm

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Oh great...this news just made my day. I should not have purchased my ticket so early. I'm scheduled to see "Chicago" on Saturday, June 6th. My first Velma was the fabulous Leigh Zimmerman exactly 4 years ago today on St. Patrick's Day 2011. Then, in 2012 I saw the show 3 times in one weekend...all AFW. In June 2013, I saw the show once, with...one guess.. AFW. Someone asked:why the anmosity towards AFW? It's not necessarily animosity, but mostly Amra fatigue. Since April 2011, she has played Velma almost continuously, with a few gaps here and there. Essentially, she has done the show for what seems like 4 years. Yes, she is a very talented performer...there's no doubt about that. But, as an audience member, I get very tired of seeing the same lead over and over and over again when I see the show in NYC. I envy those of you who had the chance to see Carly Hughes in the role. I wish she could have extended. I've mentioned that there has to be a special reason why AFW keeps getting cast to the exclusion of other equally fabulous and talented ladies. I can only wonder, but I'm not going there. I'm seriously considering not going to see the show when I visit the Big A this coming June. That's how bored I am with the seemingly perpetual casting of one individual. I mean, I love the show as a whole. But the prospect of seeing AFW as Velma one more time is more than my nerves can take(slight exaggeration). I can only dream and hope that one of the talented Velma understudies can perform the 8 p.m. show on June 6th. Any of them would be a far more delightful prospect.















"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: 3/17/15 at 03:39 PM

#695

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 5:36pm

What's with all the animosity towards Amra? It's been two years since I saw her, so is she no longer putting energy into the role?
#696

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 5:51pm

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Gitoverhrr Barry and Fran...



"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
#697

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 7:13pm

These are the dates for AFW as Velma Kelly (from Playbill Vault/Playbill.com):

Velma Kelly
Jul. 12, 2010 - Oct. 4, 2010
Apr. 4, 2011 - Jul. 4, 2011
Sep. 5, 2011 - Oct. 30, 2011
Feb. 2, 2012 - May 6, 2012
Departed on Aug. 24, 2009
Apr. 5, 2010 - May 3, 2010
Nov. 20, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007
May 28, 2012 - Jul. 29, 2012
Aug. 6, 2012 - Aug. 26, 2012
Sep. 24, 2012 - Oct. 21, 2012
Nov. 5, 2012 - Aug. 4, 2013
Aug. 19, 2013 - May 4, 2014
May 12, 2014 - Jul. 20, 2014
Aug. 5, 2014 - Feb. 1, 2015
Arrived on Mar. 30, 2015

Essentially, except for a few gaps here and there, she has been Velma Kelly fairly continuouslly since April 4, 2011 (almost 4 years).





"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: 3/17/15 at 07:13 PM

#698

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 11:15pm

This is Jennifer Nettles "Hart and Soul": Episode 7: "Chicago Cares"
Episode 7
"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)
#699

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 11:53pm

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

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.
#700

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Posted: 3/17/15 at 11:57pm

it simply comes down to the fact that she's simply walking through the show just for the paycheck. There's no passion, no energy, no fire. I could name a dozen replacements better than AFW, but for whatever reasons, the Weisslers' continue to bring her back instead of bringing in someone new. Wish I could have seen Hughes in the role, and was hoping she'd extend into April at least.
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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