Chicago announces major cast changes Sept 2003

Chicago announces major cast changes

Major cast changes have been announced in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre.

Frances Ruffelle (Roxie Hart), Anita Dobson (Mama Morton), Morgan Crowley (Mary Sunshine) and Paul Baker (Amos Hart) join cast from 8 Sep 03; and Kevin Richardson (Billy Flynn) from 22 Sep 03.

Ruthie Henshall has extended her engagement starring as 'Velma Kelly' until 1 November. Rolf Saxon will continue to star as 'Billy Flynn' until 20 September 03.

Frances Ruffelle created the role of 'Eponine' in "Les Misérables", for which she won the Tony Award when it originally transferred to Broadway. Her many West End musicals include the original productions of "Starlight Express" and "Children of Eden". Her films include "Secrets and Lies" and "The Further Adventures of Robin Hood".

Anita Dobson is known throughout the country for her award-winning performance as 'Angie Watts' in "EastEnders". Her theatre work ranges from musicals such as "Budgie" and "The Pyjama Game" to the Royal Court's "The Three Sisters" and the National Theatre's "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" and "Frozen".

Paul Baker has starred in many West End musicals including "Les Misérables", "Carousel", "Starlight Express", "The Lion King" and "Taboo", for which he won the 2003 Olivier Award for 'Outstanding Performance in a Musical'.

Kevin Richardson , a member of the internationally acclaimed pop group Backstreet Boys, will be making his West End stage debut. He will play the role (Billy Flynn), in which he played on Broadway, for 6 weeks only to 1 Nov 03.

Chicago, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Scenic design is by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting by Ken Billington and sound by Rick Clarke. Musical supervision is by Rob Fisher and musical direction by Gareth Valentine. It is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse and directed by Walter Bobbie.

Concerns Roxie, a chorus girl who has murdered her lover but manages to get acquitted with the help of sleazy lawyer.

The show is currently taking bookings to 31 Jan 04. Tickets for performances from 2 Feb 04 to 26 Jun 04 will go on sale on 8 Sep 03.