Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread- Page 99

[ElphabaGoodman]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 10:43am

ACL2006 said: "No word on the "new" Velma or Billy that start today?"

Amra-Faye Wright and Tom Hewitt, through April 10

[ACL2006]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 11:27am

ElphabaGoodman said: "ACL2006 said: "No word on the "new" Velma or Billy that start today?"

Amra-Faye Wright and Tom Hewitt, through April 10"

Sigh... So boring and stale.

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 11:38am

ElphabaGoodman said: "Amra-Faye Wright and Tom Hewitt, through April 10"



I can't say I'm surprised, but I am disappointed. VERY disappointed. This show doesn't have much longer.

Updated On: 3/14/22 at 11:38 AM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 11:45am

Here’s hoping they are able to achieve another clever stunt casting to join Pamela Anderson’s run.  Add some spark and excitement to the show.  These insanely talented understudies and fill-ins make zero impact to the marketing.  No one is returning to see CHICAGO for those talented “who?” performers.  Pamela Anderson just sparked excitement to the show and I know a handful of people flying from Los Angeles to see her.  Even if she doesn’t sing a note or dances more than wiggle - people are excited AND tickets are now selling.  

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 12:50pm

JBradshaw said: "And it’s been since 1998 I saw a entertainment tonight segment with many clips of her Velma.


i keep asking for pictures cause her Velma looks the long pony was amazing.
"

I feel like I've seen a picture of her before, maybe it was in one of the souvenir programs? I have a bunch from Broadway and London, I'll have to take a look if I can unearth them. 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 1:07pm

Nolan LuPone said: "ElphabaGoodman said: "

I can't say I'm surprised, but I am disappointed. VERY disappointed. This show doesn't have much longer."

People have been saying that since 2002.

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 1:58pm

I understand that JSquared, but it's getting to a critical point. We are struggling through a pandemic. Over 6 million people are dead and billions of dollars are lost. Chicago is losing more money now than they have in decades due to the shutdown of Broadway. Frankly, no one cares about Chicago if they can't stunt the whole playbill. It's unfortunate, but it's the truth.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 2:02pm

Nolan LuPone said: "I understand that JSquared, but it's getting to a critical point. We are struggling through a pandemic. Over 6 million people are dead and billions of dollars are lost. Chicago is losing more money now than they have in decades due to the shutdown of Broadway. Frankly, no one cares about Chicago if they can't stunt the whole playbill. It's unfortunate, but it's the truth."

 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 2:53pm

Was Tom Hewitt on as Billy Flynn not too long ago?  I would love to see Ryan Silverman or Tony Yazbek as Billy.  The news of AFW as a returning Velma was interesting.  It is in the best interest of the show to develop new Velmas.  Lana Gordon is busy with Hadestown.  I'm surprised Terra C hasn't been offered Velma for the most recent availability.  There hasn't been a celebrity Velma in eons.  It's probably because the role demands a great deal in many ways.  How I wish I could see Hayley Swindal as Mama this week!  I happen to like that the Chicago understudies are being given opportunities to perform in their roles.  That's why they're there...even if some scoff at them.

[pattilupony]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 3:18pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Was Tom Hewitt on as Billy Flynn not too long ago? I would love to see Ryan Silverman or Tony Yazbek as Billy. The news of AFW as a returning Velma was interesting. It is in the best interest of the show to develop new Velmas. Lana Gordon is busy with Hadestown. I'm surprised Terra C hasn't been offered Velma for the most recent availability. There hasn't been a celebrity Velma in eons. It's probably because the role demands a great deal in many ways. How I wish I could see Hayley Swindal as Mama this week! I happen to like that the Chicago understudies are being given opportunities to perform in their roles. That's why they're there...even if some scoff at them."

Anyone know what happened to Bianca? She just disappeared. Yesterday was supposed to be her final performance. 

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/14/22 at 9:32pm

pattilupony said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Was Tom Hewitt on as Billy Flynn not too long ago? I would love to see Ryan Silverman or Tony Yazbek as Billy. The news of AFW as a returning Velma was interesting. It is in the best interest of the show to develop new Velmas. Lana Gordon is busy with Hadestown. I'm surprised Terra C hasn't been offered Velma for the most recent availability. There hasn't been a celebrity Velma in eons. It's probably because the role demands a great deal in many ways. How I wish I could see Hayley Swindal as Mama this week! I happen to like that the Chicago understudies are being given opportunities to perform in their roles. That's why they're there...even if some scoff at them."

Anyone know what happened to Bianca? She just disappeared. Yesterday was supposed to be her final performance."

It sadly looks like Bianca and Charlotte are done with the production, they just can't keep up anymore 

[pattilupony]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 12:35am

blaxx said: "pattilupony said:
Anyone know what happened to Bianca? She just disappeared. Yesterday was supposed to be her final performance."

It sadly looks like Bianca and Charlotte are done with the production, they just can't keep up anymore"

Bianca is in her forties, and perfectly capable of still handling Velma (and jumping over to the other with a day's notice). Clearly something happened this month but I hope she's alright!

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 12:44pm

Does anyone remember who would be considered the last "celebrity" Velma?  The only name that comes to mind is Jasmine Guy.  Now that would be inspired casting if the Weisslers would contact her.  I know I would LOVE to see Lynda Carter or Lucy Lawless as Mama.  

Updated On: 3/15/22 at 12:44 PM

[Nolan LuPone]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 12:48pm

Pia Douwes?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 2:01pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Does anyone remember who would be considered the last "celebrity" Velma? The only name that comes to mind is Jasmine Guy. Now that would be inspired casting if the Weisslers would contact her. I know I would LOVE to see Lynda Carter or Lucy Lawless as Mama."

Lynda Carter played Mama Morton in London in 2005.  Scroll up as I posted a photo and her singing “When You’re Good to Mama” (I’m not reposting it again).

And yeah, looks like Jasmine Guy was the last “celebrity” to play Velma Kelly (in 2000).  There have been other notables like Vicki Lewis, Caroline O’Connor, and Deidre Goodwin, but no one as recognizable as Jasmine.  All the stunt casting of the female principals were done with Roxie and Mama Morton.  

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 5:02pm

Two words:  Rachelle Rak!   i would love to see her as Velma Kelly.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 5:23pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Two words: Rachelle Rak! i would love to see her as Velma Kelly."

 

Considering he FOSSE past, I'm surprised it never happened. She was always a name that I wonder why never did it. She teaches a lot now, so not sure if she's still interested, or ever was.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 5:44pm

ACL2006 said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Two words: Rachelle Rak! i would love to see her as Velma Kelly."

Considering he FOSSE past, I'm surprised it never happened. She was always a name that I wonder why never did it. She teaches a lot now, so not sure if she's still interested, or ever was."

Sadly, she’s a little bit of a wackadoo firecracker that many producers try to stray from.  She’s a focus in the 2008 documentary about the casting of the 2006 Broadway revival of A CHORUS LINE.  She was one of the finals for Sheila.  Let’s just say, her colors weren’t on best display.  Ouch.  You can see why she wasn’t cast.  

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 5:59pm

thanks.  She ain’t in them. Khandi only did less than a month.  She screamed the score.  Was so bad/good. 

everythingtaboo said: "JBradshaw said: "And it’s been since 1998 I saw a entertainment tonight segment with many clips of her Velma.


i keep asking for pictures cause her Velma looks the long pony was amazing.
"

I feel like I've seen a picture of her before, maybe it was in one of the souvenir programs? I have a bunch from Broadway and London, I'll have to take a look if I can unearth them."

 

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 3/15/22 at 6:05pm

celeb Velma’s are rare. 
you’re forgetting Sharon Lawrence  

mya who rehearsed like crazy had promos but due to an injury. I still consider her a Velma  

xena Lucy only did Hollywood.  
 

i wouldn’t expect Terra back  we’re friendly and she said precovid no more Miss Kelly  


BrodyFosse123 said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Does anyone remember who would be considered the last "celebrity" Velma? The only name that comes to mind is Jasmine Guy. Now that would be inspired casting if the Weisslers would contact her. I know I would LOVE to see Lynda Carter or Lucy Lawless as Mama."

Lynda Carter played Mama Morton in London in 2005. Scroll up as I posted a photo and her singing “When You’re Good to Mama” (I’m not reposting it again).

And yeah, looks like Jasmine Guy was the last “celebrity” to play Velma Kelly (in 2000). There have been other notables like Vicki Lewis, Caroline O’Connor, and Deidre Goodwin, but no one as recognizable as Jasmine. All the stunt casting of the female principals were done with Roxie and Mama Morton. "

 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 3/17/22 at 9:19am

On St. Patrick's Day 2011, I saw "Chicago" for the first time.  Over the years, I have met many of the cast members at the Ambassador and on tour.  28  shows and counting... By the way, happy birthday to Jason Patrick Sands.  

[Papi2013]

Posted: 3/17/22 at 1:34pm

JBradshaw said: "celeb Velma’s are rare.
you’re forgetting Sharon Lawrence

mya who rehearsed like crazy had promos but due to an injury. I still consider her a Velma

xena Lucy only did Hollywood.


i wouldn’t expect Terra back we’re friendly and she said precovid no more Miss Kelly


BrodyFosse123 said: "Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Does anyone remember who would be considered the last "celebrity" Velma? The only name that comes to mind is Jasmine Guy. Now that would be inspired casting if the Weisslers would contact her. I know I would LOVE to see Lynda Carter or Lucy Lawless as Mama."

Lynda Carter played Mama Morton in London in 2005. Scroll up as I posted a photo and her singing “When You’re Good to Mama” (I’m not reposting it again).

And yeah, looks like Jasmine Guy was the last “celebrity” to play Velma Kelly (in 2000). There have been other notables like Vicki Lewis, Caroline O’Connor, and Deidre Goodwin, but no one as recognizable as Jasmine. All the stunt casting of the female principals were done with Roxie and Mama Morton. "

"

I saw Patti Labelle as Morton in the West.  I wish they would do more of that type of stunt casting and leave Roxie and Velma to ones that could really carry the show. 

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 3/17/22 at 2:08pm

The show website shows BRENDA BRAXTON as Mama Morton! 

Is this actually happening? That site definitely isn't always accurate timing-wise. If it's true, WOW! She was one of my favorite Velmas.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 3/17/22 at 2:22pm

She posted an alley way video on her Insta- former cast members have commented they know where she is, but she doesn't say what role or show- she's not on Telecharge as of yet, but it's safe to say it's probably true! She's only 3 years older than Amrya- I'd love to see her Velma again, but I'll take this!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/17/22 at 2:49pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "On St. Patrick's Day 2011, I saw "Chicago" for the first time."

Bummers you weren’t able to see the show during its glorious heyday: from its explosive start at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 1996 to its move to the Shubert Theatre a few months later, where it truly was glorious.  The rotating stars doing the show at that time in the late 90s to the early 2000s kept the show one to keep revisiting.  Bebe stayed with the show for 2 years so it was magical seeing all these stars playing Roxie opposite her Velma.  Ute Lemper then replaced her and started the Roxie/Velma star casting period of that time.