PollsWhich Chicago Star Razzle-Dazzled the Brightest?On Nov. 23 the Tony Award-winning revival of Chicago, which is currently playing the Ambassador Theatre, becomes the second-longest running show in Broadway history. We took this opportunity to ask Playbill.com readers, via Facebook and Twitter, who were their favorite performers in the show's 18-year history.
Bebe Neuwirth originated the role of Velma Kelly in this revival, winning the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Leading Actress. She has since returned to the production in the roles of Roxie Hart and Matron "Mama" Morton.
Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera
Sylvia Diaz: Bring back Chita Rivera, the original Velma Kelly, from the 1975 original production, for a cameo. That would be spectacular!
Michael DeVito: Chita and Gwen. The originals and the Best.
You can't beat the originals! Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville opened on Broadway in June 1975. The opening-night cast starred Broadway legends Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly and Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart. View the original Playbill from the Vault here. We love the cover!
Sandy Duncan’s journey to playing Roxie Hart in the Broadway revival got off to a rocky start when the Tony-nominated actress broke her foot during rehearsals, postponing her New York bow. After wowing audiences in the national tour just a couple of months later, she eventually made her way to the Broadway company.
Jerry Orbach
Don Mitchell: I’d say the definitive Billy Flynn was the late, great Jerry Orbach
Jerry Orbach
Another talent from the 1975 Broadway cast, Jerry Orbach was the original Billy Flynn. Following his death, Mr. Orbach was described by the New York Times as “one of the last bona fide leading men of the Broadway musical and global celebrity on television.”
Brent Barrett has been a frequent presence in the Broadway revival of Chicago, reprising the role of Billy Flynn earlier this year. His move back to Broadway followed a two-year stint in the title role of Phantom- the Las Vegas Spectacular.
Ute Lemper’s portrayal of the feisty Velma Kelly in the London revival saw her win a 1998 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She later reprised that role on Broadway. The German singer and actress was also the original Sally Bowles in the Paris production of Cabaret, a role that won her a Moliere Award for Best Newcomer.
Proving she’s more than just a soap star, Lisa Rinna starred as Roxie Hart on Broadway in 2009. She played alongside her real-life husband, Harry Hamlin, in the role of Billy Flynn.
Patrick Swayze joined the Broadway company of Chicago in the role of Billy Flynn for a limited engagement in 2003 over the holiday period. Better known for his film work, the late, great actor also appeared in Broadway productions of Grease and Goodtime Charley.
Aarne Lofgren: Stephanie Pope as Velma is my all time favorite!!
Stephanie Pope
Stephanie Pope starred as Velma Kelly for more than two years in the U.S. and Canada tours of the award-winning musical, seeing the star well-prepped to step on the Broadway stage. Other Broadway credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Sweet Charity and more.
