At the celebratory performance, the production welcomes back its four original stars: Tony Award winners , , and .
Reinking, Neuwirth, Naughton and Grey 鈥� who originated the roles of Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn and Amos Hart, respectively 鈥� each make cameo appearances at various points in the milestone performance.
"What a joy to welcome back all four of the legendary stars who launched this incredibly beautiful production eighteen years ago!" said producer in an earlier statement. "Sometimes, it seems like only yesterday, yet here we are 鈥� just a few weeks away from becoming the second longest-running show in Broadway history. and Ann Reinking recreated a musical masterpiece that has withstood the test of time, and it's with great honor that I look forward to sharing their masterpiece with audiences for many more years to come."
Producer added, "This incredible moment is a testament not only to the unparalleled genius of the Chicago creators -- , , -- but to the magnificent contributions from countless actors, musicians, stagehands, dance captains, crew members, advertising and marketing gurus, stage managers, production managers and more who have participated in our show these past 18 years. They continually succeed at being the absolute best in the business!"
The Broadway company now stars as Roxie Hart, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, two-time Tony Award nominee as Billy Flynn, as Amos Hart, as Matron "Mama" Morton and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine. The ensemble includes , , , , , J. Loeffelholz, , Sharon Moore, , Alfie Parker Jr., , Stephanie Pope, , , Michael Scirrotto, , and .
Chicago has set design by , costume design by Tony Award winner , lighting design by Tony Award winner , sound design by , musical supervision by and musical direction by .
The revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb's Chicago began life as one of the three annual Encores! presentations offered by City Center. The musical opened on Broadway at the Theatre in November 1996 where it remained through February 1997. The musical transferred to the Shubert Theatre on Feb. 11, 1997, and played that house through Jan. 26, 2003. The revival reopened at the Ambassador Theatre, its current home, on Jan. 29, 2003.
Chicago won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.
The Ambassador Theatre is located at 219 W. 49th Street.
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