Chicago - Ruthie Henshall extends contract
Lizzie Guilfoyle
RUTHIE Henshall has extended her run as murderess Roxie Hart in the Kander and Ebb musical Chicago by two months – until April 14, 2010.
From March 1, Anna-Jane Casey and Terence Maynard return to the roles of Velma Kelly and Billy Flynn, with Adam Stafford taking over as Amos Hart.
Previously Posted: Ruthie Henshall, who originated the role of Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago, returns to the role for nine weeks – from December 14, 2009.
However, she will be away from December 28, 2009 to January 2, 2010, when she’ll be replaced by Bonnie Langford who played Roxie when Chicago transferred to the Cambridge Theatre three years ago. Langford has also just completed a run on Broadway.
Henshall’s extensive musical theatre credits include Marguerite (title role), Miss Saigon, Stairway to Paradise, The Other Woman, The Woman in White (as Marion Halcome), Chicago (as both Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart), Fosse, Peggy Sue Got Married (title role), Putting It Together, Divorce Me Darling, Oliver! (as Nancy), She Loves Me, Crazy for You and Les Miserables (as Fantine).
As a recording artist, she has featured on numerous cast recordings and compilation CDs; while her solo CDs include Pilgrim, The Ruthie Henshall Album and Love is Here to Stay. She has also appeared as a judge on ITV1’s Dancing on Ice.
Henshall will be joined in the cast of Chicago by Terra C MacLeod, who will be making her London stage debut as Velma Kelly – a role she originated in French productions in both Paris and Montreal. Meanwhile, Ian Kelsey and David Ganly star as Billy Flynn and Amos Hart.
Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a nightclub singer who dreams of headlining in Vaudeville, but only achieves celebrity status when she murders her lover and enlists the help of Billy Flynn, Chicago’s shrewdest lawyer, to whip up the publicity surrounding the case and ensure her acquittal.
Described as slick, sexy and sassy, Chicago has choreography in the style of the legendary Bob Fosse and a ‘fantastic’ Jazz score, which includes And All That Jazz.
Chicago is currently booking at the Cambridge Theatre until October 30, 2010.