Usher extends in Chicago

[StephenSondheimWHOO]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 7:32pm

Originally announced to play Chicago's Billy Flynn through October 1st, Grammy Award-winning R&B star Usher will now star in the hit revival through October 14th.

The Broadway production of Chicago--the tale of two murderous chorines who turn their notoriety into show biz success--also features Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Branda Braxton as Velma, Roz Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton, Rob Bartlett as Amos Hart, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

Usher's Chicago turn as suave attorney Billy has led to a box office boost for the show. His album "Confessions" has sold over 15 million copies. Film and TV credits include In the Mix, Texas Rangers, Light It Up and She's All That, and "Soul Food," "7th Heaven," "American Dreams," and "Moesha."

Chicago, which opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 14th 1996, has reached a run of over 4,000 performances at the Ambassador Theatre (215 W. 49th St.); the show will celebrate its 10 year anniversary in November. Chicago received 6 1997 Tonys (including Best Revival of a Musical) under the direction of Walter Bobbie and the choreography of star Ann Reinking. The revival, based on Bobbie's stylistically stripped-down Encores! staging, featured direction and choreography by Bob Fosse in its original 1975 production. Chicago features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse.

[kyle.]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 7:34pm

Who wants to bet he was always scheduled to play it until October 14th.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 8:01pm

Considering his performance, who cares?

[alliez92092]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 8:24pm

As long as he's gone by time Bebe Neuwirth comes in.

[AmericaRight]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 9:05pm

He should stick to the shows he so is suited for "The Lion King" and "The Color Purple"

All this liberal casting is making me sick and ruining Broadway.

Updated On: 9/18/06 at 09:05 PM

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 9:09pm

whoa.

are you saying Usher should only play "black" roles?

Erm...

I think he looks OK, as long as they sell tickets

[AmericaRight]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 9:12pm

Well, I doubt there were any black lawyers defending women in Chicago during the 1920s.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 9:13pm

There have been a countless number of black Billys over the years. So Usher's color isn't a big deal.

But I agree, as long as he is gone by the time Bebe returns.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 9:31pm

yeah, i dont color is an issue at all
as ljay said, there have been TONS of black Billy Flynns...heck, i saw an African American play Billy when i saw the show in the UK

yeah

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 9:34pm

The whole point of Chicago is that it is a fantasy and unrealistic. Billy Flynn could be played by a two-year old Asian girl, and I wouldn't care.

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 11:27pm

AmericaRight, is totally racist. I officially hate him. Usher is doing a wondeful job in this role.
Updated On: 9/18/06 at 11:27 PM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/06 at 11:29pm

What a douchebag.

Glad to hear this news - I will try and go see him.

[CurtisTaylorJr2]

Posted: 9/19/06 at 1:34am

"liberal casting is making me sick and ruining Broadway"

What an ignorant statement, Chicago is one of the shows where the characters can be played by anyone of any race, just as long as you can sing and dance.

[Anakela]

Posted: 9/19/06 at 1:41am

...just as long as you can sing and dance.

- insert your favorite Ashlee Simpson joke here -

:)

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 9/19/06 at 1:48am

But what about the AAAACCCCCTTTIIINNNGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CurtisTaylorJr2]

Posted: 9/19/06 at 1:52am

I forgot to include acting, it's also necessary.

[Pippin]

Posted: 9/19/06 at 12:01pm

guys, just ignore america right. this person is only on this board to anger people. just look at his recent post. don't give in to the temptation of arguing it.

then the terrorists will win.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 9/21/06 at 2:59pm

Amen to that.