Steve On Broadway (SOB)

We Had It Coming: Chicago's Starry 10th Anniversary

We Had It Coming: Chicago's Starry 10th Anniversary

As previously noted, November 19 marks the 10th anniversary for the celebrated, stunt-casted, Tony-winning revival of Chicago -- arguably the most enduring, if not endearing, musical ever written by John Kander and Fred Ebb. While I've lamented some of the show's recent casting choices, there is a silver lining to the show's longevity....

Perhaps in what amounts to the best stunt coup of the year, the producers have announced that they'll be bringing back the principals from the original revival cast -- including Bebe Neuwirth (Velma Kelly) and Ann Reinking (Roxie Hart). James Naughton, Joel Grey and Marcia Lewis will also be on hand for the special celebration on November 14. For their efforts in Chicago, Neuwirth took home the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical and Naughton won the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical while Reinking won the the Tony for Best Choreography.

Reinking's choreography was, of course, largely styled after that of her former partner Bob Fosse, who choreographed the original version of Chicago. Running at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers) for just over two years and 936 performances, that version of Chicago received 11 Tony Award nominations in 1976, but was completely shut-out from winning any. That compares with the revival's 8 Tony nominations and 7 wins. (Incidentally, it's also interesting to note that Reinking had served as replacement in the original version for Roxie Hart.)

A post-performance gala will benefit Safe Horizon, a New York based organization devoted to providing support, preventing violence, and promoting justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. Tickets for the event start from $500 per person. For benefit information, call 212.577.7749.

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Related Stories:
Chicago to Usher in New Billy Flynn (July 14, 2006)

Labels: Broadway, Chicago The Musical, Musical, Revival

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, July 26, 2006