Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread — Page 97

Thanks, pattilupony. That's terrible for Charlotte. Selfishly, I was really hoping to see her and Bianca share the stage, it's too bad we're back to the usual. (AFW is a trooper, but seriously Barry and Fran, you can only pull that cord so many times in case of emergency.)

Charlotte has been back though. Really hoping for a brand new Velma after Bianca leaves.

I was just thinking that Charlotte would make a great Velma, if she were so inclined.

Do we know the oldest Velma there's ever been? If only Charlotte could've been convinced like 10-15 years ago to do Velma, that would've been awesome. Now, she's 57 so I can't imagine she could do that role. Not because she couldn't, but a dancer's body sadly only has a certain lifespan.

I’m more than sure Charlotte CAN dance Velma. She just chooses not to. This is in reference to dancing Velma 8 times a week. THAT she has zero interest in doing. Also of note, Chita Rivera was 60 to 65 (between London, Broadway, and tour) when she played Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.

Christine Cornish (one of the Velma Kelly understudies) finally had a chance to play Velma Kelly tonight...per Michael Scirrotto's Instagram.

Updated On: 2/17/22 at 10:50 PM

I saw her twice. Simply magical. That era when CHICAGO was vibrant, still fresh, and still exciting and audiences were excited with each cast cast AND the original ensemble was still intact and making each performance fresh as they themselves were thrilled with the level of talent they were working with (they admitted to this). When Ute Lemper replaced Bebe Neuwirth, she took Velma to another level of insanity. It was impossible to sit there without your jaw dropped. Damn CHICAGO was on fire back then.

The late 1990s/early 2000s were electric for CHICAGO both on Broadway and on tour. I only saw CHICAGO at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and the Shubert Theatre (my excitement had since waned by the time it moved to the Ambassador Theatre), and I quickly lost count how many times I sat with others outside for those glorious $20 front row Rush tickets. Around 7am someone would come out and have those first in line write their names on a list and then given a wristband so you could leave and enjoy the morning then return around 9:45am and be put in line in your assigned spot. No cutting lines. No waiting in frigid cold. It was very organized back then. At that time, Premium Seating was a few years away and RENT and CHICAGO were the only shows doing this $20 front row Rush offer.

Sad to see how quickly CHICAGO went from being exciting for a moment when it returned to falling back to their stock players. So great it’s glorious period ran for several years and not just a couple. CHICAGO needs that extra razzle dazzle with celebrities carrying the show. It’s not just about talented performers. There needs to be more on that stage than just brilliant talent.

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "The fact that "Chicago" has seasoned and talented artists is the reason why some get asked to return for a while, from time to time. Their "reemergence" also gives them an opportunity to display their wonderful talent."

And why seats are empty. CHICAGO popularized stunt casting. That’s what kept CHICAGO exciting in the late 90s/early 2000s. The Weisslers are known for this AND it was what kept bringing back people to see the show countless times, including me. Back then, everyone had to see each new cast change, especially the Roxies and Velmas - the 2 principals. Now you’re basically seeing an insanely talented repertory cast. On Broadway. Um, no thank you.

ACL2006 said: "I'm guessing Charlotte is going to be leaving the show then? With just 19 shows on Broadway this month, Chicago can't capitalize on the lack of options. I think it's time for the producers to consider closing it up."

Charlotte posted on her instagram yesterday that she returns to Chicago on Monday. But not sure for how long?

Updated On: 2/26/22 at 01:52 PM

Bianca is also leaving March 13. Any word on who's replacing her? Please not AFW....