Introducing Ivy, the K-pop singer turned 'Chicago' Broadway star
For three weeks only, the award-winning Korean performer makes her Broadway debut as Roxie in the hit musical, continuing a long journey with the character.
Summary
- Korean singer and actress Ivy stars as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway from August 17 to September 6
- Ivy has played multiple engagements as Roxie in Chicago's Korean production since 2012
- She is the first Korean actress to play Roxie on Broadway
- She discusses Chicago's global appeal and what her Broadway debut means to her
She may be new to many Broadway fans, but in her native South Korea, the name on everybody's lips has been Ivy for years. Since getting her start as a K-pop singer in the early aughts, Ivy has become a musical theatre powerhouse who's now taking her talents stateside, making her Broadway debut from August 17 to September 6 as Roxie Hart in Chicago. She'll be the first Korean Roxie in the Broadway production's 30-year history.
"It's such a big honor as a Korean musical actress and Asian actress," Ivy told New York Theatre Guide. "I have to do this, and I have to show them. So much pressure, but I can do this."
There's no doubt. Ivy's Broadway debut is the latest milestone in a decade-plus-long history with Chicago: She first played Roxie in the Korean production in 2012. It was only her second major role, but it earned her the Korean Musical Award for Best New Actress and launched her theatre career. Ivy went on to lead Korean productions of other blockbusters like Wicked, Aida, Rent, and Moulin Rouge!, and she returned to Chicago as Roxie four more times between 2014 and 2025.
"She has a very pure heart and is a passionate person," she said of her character. "I really love her."
"Pure" isn't a common description of Roxie, a wannabe vaudeville star who murders her lover, goes to prison, and manipulates her husband, her lawyer, and the public to get free and famous. That is, perhaps, a different kind of purity: Roxie's motives are always crystal-clear, and she wears them on her sleeve.
Per Chicago's cheeky opening line, Roxie's is a story of "murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery — all those things we all hold near and dear to our hearts." There’s something to that: Chicago is the longest-running musical currently on Broadway with over 11,700 performances, and the musical has played over 1,000 performances in Korea as well.
Ivy echoed that the show's darkly alluring themes of crime and celebrity are what draw Broadway and Korean audiences alike. "It's a very sexy, authentic American musical, so everybody loves Chicago," she said.
Even with years of Chicago experience under her belt, Ivy — to paraphrase an Act 1 song title — can't do it alone when it comes to navigating a new venue, city, and language. (Ivy has been studying English for about a year, she said.) When asked what she's loved most about doing theatre, she had a quick answer: "[My] castmates' energy, their love and dedication to each other."
She also shouted out her fans for embracing her as she makes the leap to Broadway. "I'm really, really thankful to you guys for your support and love," Ivy said. "Please send me all your positive energy!"
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Photo credit: Ivy in Chicago in Korea. (Photos courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Chicago about?
See why this second-longest-running Broadway show has razzle-dazzled so many audiences. A scorching satire of celebrity culture with classic Kander and Ebb tunes, Chicago shows how two ladies use showbiz pizzazz to get away with murder. Get tickets to witness the criminally fun revival that won six Tony Awards.
Where is Chicago playing?
Chicago is playing at Ambassador Theatre. The theatre is located at 219 West 49th Street, New York, 10019.
How long is Chicago?
The running time of Chicago is 2hr 30min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age recommendation for Chicago?
The recommended age for Chicago is Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted..
How do you book tickets for Chicago?
Book tickets for Chicago on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote the Chicago musical?
The music for Chicago is written by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. Ebb also co-wrote the show's script with Bob Fosse. They adapted the musical from a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, also titled Chicago.
What songs are in Chicago on Broadway?
The songs for Chicago, written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, include "Cell Block Tango," "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," "Roxie," and "We Both Reached for the Gun." Learn about all the songs in Chicago on Broadway.
When did Chicago open on Broadway?
The current production of Chicago opened in 1996. It was the musical's first revival following its 1996 premiere. Chicago is now the second-longest-running show and longest-running revival in Broadway history.
Who directed Chicago on Broadway?
Walter Bobbie directs the current production of the Chicago musical. He has worked on Broadway as a writer, director, and performer since 1971, and he's also known for staging musicals like Sweet Charity, Footloose, and Bright Star.
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