Chicago - Ashlee Simpson is new Roxie
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
AMERICAN pop star Ashlee Simpson is to make her London stage debut playing murderess Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago – from September 25 to October 28, 2006.
At 21, Simpson (sister of Jessica) has already enjoyed considerable success as a singer. Her debut album Autobiography went triple platinum; while her single Pieces of Me became an international hit. Her new album I Am Me has just been released.
As well as making her own MTV series, The Ashlee Simpson Show, Simpson has frequently guested on Malcolm in the Middle and 7th Heaven.
Meanwhile, Linzi Hateley will continue in the role of Roxie until September 23, 2006. The other principals remain unchanged.
Previously Posted: For four weeks – from August 14 to September 9, 2006 – Linzi Hateley will return to the role of Roxie Hart in the Kander and Ebb musical, Chicago, now at London’s Cambridge Theatre.
Hateley, who created the role of Mrs Banks in the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins, takes over from Jennifer Ellison and will star alongside Ian Kelsey who has extended his run as sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn, also until September 9, 2006.
The current cast includes Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, Julian Sims as Amos Hart and Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton.
Previously Posted: For just three weeks, from June 17 to July 8, 2006, Darius Danesh will return to the role of Billy Flynn in the hit musical Chicago, which is now playing at the West End’s Cambridge Theatre.
While for the next five weeks – from July 10 to August 12, 2006 – Ian Kelsey will take over the role.
Although probably best known for his work on television – as Casualty’s Dr Patrick Spiller and Emmerdale’s Dave Glover – Kelsey appeared on stage as Danny in both the West End and touring productions of Grease.
At the same time as Kelsey makes his Chicago debut, Jennifer Ellison will return to the cast as murderess Roxy Hart, the role she last played in autumn 2004. This follows the departure of Bonnie Langford whose extended run ends on July 8, 2006.
Meanwhile, Amra-Faye Wright and Victor Maguire will continue in the roles of Velma Kelly and Amos Hart, with Brenda Edwards (The X Factor) extending her run as Mama Morton until July 22, 2006.
Previously Posted: It has just been announced that Darius Danesh has extended his run in the hit musical Chicago by four weeks. He will now be appearing as sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn until February 11, 2006.
Meanwhile, the musical itself has extended its booking period by two months – to April 22, 2006.
Previously Posted: For eight weeks – from November 21, 2005 to January 14, 2006 – Darius Danesh will play sleazy lawyer, Billy Flynn in the hit musical, Chicago at London’s Adelphi Theatre.
Singer/songwriter Danesh became a household name after appearing in ITV’s Pop Idol and Pop Stars. He has since had a hit with his song Colourblind. Chicago however, marks his West End debut.
He will be joining Sally Ann Triplett (Roxie), Amra-Faye Wright (Velma) and Victor McGuire (Amos) whose contracts have now been extended to January 28, 2006.
Meanwhile, Lynda Carter (Mama Morton) will leave a few days ahead of schedule – on Saturday, November 19, 2005.
As well as celebrating its eighth anniversary in the West End, Chicago has become the longest running show at the Adelphi Theatre, passing the 3,303 performances of previous record holder, Me and My Girl.