Valerie Cherish in CHICAGO (THE COMEBACK Season 3 Opener)

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 8:19am

So after a 12 year pause we now have Season 3 of HBO’s acclaimed THE COMEBACK and what do you know, it opens with Valerie (circa 2023) making her Broadway debut in CHICAGO (as Roxie, obviously). And I’ll just give one spoiler - she’s having a tough time learning the “REAL HOUSEWIVES dumbed-down version” of Roxie. 

[IronMan]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 9:45am

I think it's utterly preposterous that a stunt-cast TV celebrity could make it to their put-in only to find that they are not in any way able or prepared to do the role.

At least, that's what Jenna Elfman told me. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 10:20am

 

[Observation]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 11:24am

IronMan said: "I think it's utterly preposterous that a stunt-cast TV celebrity could make it to their put-in only to find that they are not in any way able or prepared to do the role.

At least, that's what Jenna Elfman told me."

Hahahhaa! This comment made me laugh almost as hard as I laughed when Valarie started using her hand to indicate bopping her head on the downbeat. God I love this show. 

[domdomdomdom]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 12:32pm

Is this what it's like at Chicago? Everyone (except the one guy) was so villainous to Val in the scene and it was supposed to be her first day meeting them? They were all dripping with disgust. It was weird. I could only think there was more to the background of this scene and that it was Chicago specific. They could be frustrated with her, her cameras, etc but I've never seen theater people behave this way toward someone new. 

[Observation]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 12:38pm

domdomdomdom said: "Is this what it's like at Chicago? Everyone (except the one guy) was so villainous to Val in the scene and it was supposed to be her first daymeeting them?They were all dripping with disgust. It was weird. I could only think there was more to the background of this scene and that it was Chicago specific. They could be frustrated with her, her cameras, etc but I've never seen theater people behave this way toward someone new."

I wouldn't read too much into it, it's a fictional show in a fictional scenario that if you stop and really think about it, doesn't make a lot of sense. For example, there's no way they would be doing the put in rehearsal day of and finding out she couldn't do any of the choreo. If she's having trouble with the choreo for "We Both Reached for the Gun" can you imagine what her choreo looked like for "Hot Honey Rag?!"

It's all a made up scene for laughs. I imagine the Broadway community is very warm to new people in their shows, but Valarie Cherish also has a particular way of grinding people's nerves in the world she lives in. 

Updated On: 3/23/26 at 12:38 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 12:40pm

They could be frustrated with her, her cameras, etc but I've never seen theater people behave this way toward someone new.

Oh, boy. You’re one of those that found Pee Wee Herman “stupid” and that James Bond films are unrealistic. Not everything needs to be dissected like some legal document. 

[east side story]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 1:07pm

domdomdomdom said: "Is this what it's like at Chicago? Everyone (except the one guy) was so villainous to Val in the scene and it was supposed to be her first daymeeting them?They were all dripping with disgust. It was weird. I could only think there was more to the background of this scene and that it was Chicago specific. They could be frustrated with her, her cameras, etc but I've never seen theater people behave this way toward someone new."

Have a glass of water and go get some air. 

[domdomdomdom]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 2:09pm

Updated On: 3/23/26 at 02:09 PM

[Alex Kulak2]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 4:06pm

When I heard Jack O'Brien got cast this season, I assumed he'd be playing himself, directing Valerie in a play or something. Was delighted to see him playing a full character. Hopefully he keeps popping up this season.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 4:35pm

Hopefully his character Tommy Tomlin becomes her new Mickey and she starts using him as her hair person since she and Mickey had a working relationship with him decades ago. We’ll see. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 6:51pm

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 9:41pm

Alex Kulak2 said: "When I heard Jack O'Brien got cast this season, I assumed he'd be playing himself, directing Valerie in a play or something. Was delighted to see him playing a full character. Hopefully he keeps popping up this season."

I didn’t realize that’s who that was! I loved him! I found his scene very moving as it provided some of that Mickey comfort.

[jpbran]

Posted: 3/23/26 at 9:53pm

"I'll go get the Nivea."