At least AFW is leaving shortly to do the US tour in Asia. Curious who'll play Velma this summer? As for the ensemble, some are fairly new to the show, so it's sad to hear they look bored already.
When AFW leaves on July 14, I think Lana Gordon will step into the role of Velma. Terra C is busy at the moment, playing "Tanya" in the Bucks County Playhouse production of "Mamma Mia" (until Aug. 3). There have been celebrity Velmas in the past. It has been quite a while that the Broadway "Chicago" has found a celebrity who would able to take on such a demanding role. It's incredible that very few ladies are available at any period of time to play Velma. The show is putting an effort to cast new players. Gary Cooper is a new Billy Flynn u/s. I'm not sure if he's had an opportunity to play the role. I've heard wonderful things (online) about Desi Oakley. Ryan Silverman is the current Billy Flynn (whose current contract runs till July 14). Now, there are plenty of potential Billy Flynns out there.
I do hope we have a new Velma for the summer, oftentimes those end dates get pushed back - oftentimes with AFW. Hoping to head back to the show mid-July to check-in with so many new faces.
Stand-by Joined: 11/25/18
Littleshopofcarrie said: "Saw the show last Friday. Yikes, what a mess! Most of the cast looked bored as hell, starting with Amra Faye Wright, who makes itmore than obvious she's been doing the show for almost 20 years.Desi Oakley has little to no stage presence, and while her vocals her fine, I kept forgetting her character existed. The Billy, Mama, and Amos were great but couldn't save the show. They need to clean out most of the cast and just close this already."
Chicago could benefit from overhauling the cast and bringing in new faces. I saw the show 10 years ago with AFW as Velma. The ensemble was visibly bored and phoning it in. I was relieved when it was finally over. It’s sad that this is still is still the case.
Featured Actor Joined: 12/8/15
Did anyone see Yonekura last night?
I'd love to catch her. I've lived in Japan on and off so I'm familiar with her work and this might be the excuse that will finally get me to see this production.
Anyone have any idea what the rush situation might be like? Any chance they'll sell SRO even if they aren't "sold out"? The stage door looked pretty crowded.
Spending my fourth seeing Terra in “Mamma Mia!”. It’ll be fun not seeing her as Velma
Their rush is relatively easy. Probably very easy to win if you're going to try this weekend. Doubt they sell SRO this weekend. July 4th weekend is typically quiet in NYC.
You can usually get rush after the box office opening.
You can usually get rush after the box office opening.
You can usually get rush after the box office opening.
Dylis Croman will be Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre from July 29th --- August 18th. She is FAbulous!
https://www.broadwaybox.com/daily-scoop/introduce-yourselfie-chicago-star-haley-swindal/
Who's playing Roxie from July 15 - 28 until Dylis arrives?
Desi Oakley returns as Roxie on July15th.
Ryoko Yonekura is the current Roxie until July 14th.
Peter Lockyer (most recent touring "Billy Flynn" will join the Broadway company of "Chicago" from July 11-- 28th.
Starting tomorrow, Lana Gordon will play "Velma Kelly" in "Chicago". I hope she has a long stay.
Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Starting tomorrow, Lana Gordon will play "Velma Kelly" in "Chicago". I hope she has a long stay."
yeah! She should be there until the end of August at least. The Japan section of the tour that AFW is doing runs until August 18.
From what I have gleaned from social media, Lana Gordon will play Velma Kelly till sometime in the month of September.
https://bryantpark.org/events/2019/07/18/broadway-in-bryant-park?fbclid=IwAR1EVFcUFJHwkGBIDN5Pzd5uhVumOP3BIbdm0t7sc5gQg3pfdekftdz5qKI Lana Gordon, Desi Oakley and the cast of Chicago will take part in this annual event.
I've never seen Dylis as Roxie, and I loved Lana as Velma, so I'm definitely making a trip back in early August. Already excited!
https://www.telecharge.com/Broadway/Chicago/Overview Telecharge has the updated principal cast list. Lana Gordon will be Velma Kelly until August 18th. ACL, a wild guess as to who will be Velma on Aug. 19th?
Did anyone get to see Ryoko as Roxie?
Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Ryoko Yonekura is the current Roxie until July 14th."
Damn, AFW ain't even taking a break after the Japan stint. I just don't get why the producers keep bringing her back.
Videos