Chicago The Musical In Concert I just found out about this on Bianca Marroquin's Instagram Page. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is joining forces with "Chicago The Musical" for a three day event: October 4, 5 and 6, 2019. The cast includes: Lewis Cleale as Billy Flynn, Matthew Deming as Mary Sunshine, Tari Kelly as Velma Kelly, Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart and Emily Skinner as Matron Mama Morton. I've secured my front row ticket for the Sat. Oct. 5 performance.
Finally revisited the show yesterday after 8 years. Scored a rush ticket earlier in the day($49 obstructed view in the orchestra). Lana is a force as Velma and really needs a long run on Broadway. Shame she only gets in the show when AFW leaves temporarily. Charlotte still has it. She's still one of the all-time best Roxies and I always prefer to see a Roxie that can dance the role. Liked seeing all the new fresh faces in the ensemble. It definitely brings some new, much needed fresh energy to the show. And without fail, having now seen the Broadway production 7 times, I always get to see Sharon Moore in the show(long-time swing). Love seeing her up on that stage, she's always giving 110%. (She was on for Rachel Schur who was on as Mama). Raymond Bokhour is great as Amos and Ryan Silverman is a nice Billy. Ironically, Raymond was Amos the last time I saw the show 8 years ago. The show is in fantastic shape and I'd highly suggest seeing it with Lana & Charlotte before AFW returns. Lana is only with the show until Oct. 13. Grab a rush ticket for $49 and treat yourself if you can.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/5/04
I have yet to see this posted anywhere but Facebook, but an original cast member of the Chicago revival posted that Bruce Anthony Davis died a couple days ago. He was in the chorus of Chicago, and performed in Big Deal.
Today is Lana Gordon's last day as Velma Kelly.
Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Today is Lana Gordon's last day as Velma Kelly."
Sadness.
"Forget your troubles, come on get happy." This will have to do until she returns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Aw80pnWpE
I am trying out this new picture hosting site. It's called Postimage.org. I had to find a new site after TinyPic got gobbled up by Photobucket. It works.
ACL, by the way, today is Beth Johnson Nicely's last day with the show.
I looked on You Tube for submission for the Roxie search. This video was one of the better ones. Be kind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGEOE6vvPUc
I hadn't noticed these #search for roxie videos. Some are better than others, obviously. One, I noticed that her leotard was so dark, that she blended too much with the black curtains. Another one submitted a video with decent dancing ability. You could see her legs moving, but minus the footwork. We'll find out soon enough who are the best submissions.
Eddie Bennett is back with the show(swing) as David Bushman is off rehearsing the Asian tour cast. He came back on Sept. 20.
One more entry from the "Search For Roxie" contest. I liked this particular submission. She has a good voice. It looks like she took the time to learn the intricacies of "Hot Honey Rag". Her name is Megan Meyer. P.S. Be nice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy5-tZP5yYQ
An interesting thing I noticed yesterday when walking past the theater. Lana's name was still on the cast board in the lobby. Maybe AFW isn't starting until mid-week? Thursday?
Arian Keddell recently joined the Broadway company of "Chicago" as Mona (replacing Beth Johnson Nicely) on Oct. 14, 2019.
from the current production in Mexico.....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gswuxo1f13g
http://www.playbill.com/production/chicago The newest Cellblock Tour begins in February 2020 in Alaska. Brrrr.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/GYPSY-OF-THE-MONTH-CHICAGOs-Donna-Marie-Asbury-20111117 Happy Birthday to Donna Marie Asbury. She was born as Donna Marie Elio on October 30, 1962. The above interview is from 2011.
Recently, Mary Claire King (Liz, Velma Kelly u/s) took over the Chicago the Musical Instagram account. She posted content on what a 2 show day looks like for her. At the same time, she also accepted questions. This is the question that I asked her: What would be the first thing to do if you had to go on as Velma, unexpectedly? Her response was: "Oooh, great question. 1. Steam my voice while thinking about my lines and my blocking. 2. Warm up vocally. 3. Time pending: run my blocking for (All That) Jazz onstage. 4. Review my cheat sheet of entrances and exits. I sometimes wondered what happened in this type of situation. Miss King was gracious to give us a glimpse of what might happen when an understudy (unexpectedly) goes on as one of the leads. Thank you to Miss King and Chicago the Musical for allowing this brief question and answer In a bit of casting news: Brian Spitulnik returns as a swing in the Broadway production (Playbill Vault / official site).
Alas, I will not be seeing the Broadway production this year, as I'm going on a short trip to SF this coming November. However, I hope to see the show in NYC, sometime in June...when the temperatures are warm.
Meet the Top 10 Finalists in "The Search For Roxie". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajo1qdPeqm4
Oh my goodness! Megan Meyer (on of the Search For Roxie) finalists is so talented. Here is a clip of her performing "Mein Herr" from "Cabaret". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czzvgth2Jns
Please consider selecting Megan Meyer as your choice for Roxie in "The Search For Roxie". She is super talented and has a strong, sassy interpretation of the role. https://chicagothemusical.com/roxiecasting
Mary Claire King (Velma Kelly understudy) will perform the role on Sunday, November 10, 2019 (the 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. shows). This is a good chance to see one of the Velma Kelly understudies shine at the Ambassador. ACL???
Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Mary Claire King (Velma Kelly understudy) will perform the role on Sunday, November 10, 2019 (the 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. shows). This is a good chance to see one of the Velma Kelly understudies shine at the Ambassador. ACL???"
Just saw the show last month. I'm good for awhile.
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