Lillias White, Bianca Marroquín to lead reopening cast of ‘Chicago’ on Broadway
Performances resume at the Ambassador Theatre September 14.
UPDATE: Marroquín and Ana Villafañe, who plays Roxie Hart, have extended their runs in Chicago through January 9, 2022. White has also extended her run as Matron "Mama" Morton, playing her final performance on December 26, 2021.
And all that jazz! The long-running musical Chicago has announced initial casting ahead of its reopening on Broadway September 14. Tony winner Lillias White and longtime cast member Bianca Marroquin will lead the cast as Matron "Mama" Morton and Velma Kelly, respectively.
Marroquín, who has played Roxie Hart at over 4,000 performances of Chicago in the past 20 years, will now debut as Velma Kelly. She joins only a handful of women including Chita Rivera and Ruthie Henshall that have played both of Chicago's leading women.
White will play Matron "Mama" Morton, reprising a role she first held in 2006. She has appeared in numerous Broadway shows in her career, including Dreamgirls, Cats, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and more. Her 1997 performance as Sonja in The Life won her multiple awards, including a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award.
Other principal cast members include Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart and Ryan Lowe as Mary Sunshine. Casting for the roles of Roxie Hart and Billy Flynn has yet to be announced.
The cast also includes David Bushman, Jennifer Dunne, Jessica Ernest, Jeff Gorti, Arian Keddell, Mary Claire King, Barrett Martin, Sharon Moore, Drew Nellessen, Celina Nightengale, Brian O'Brien, Denny Paschall, Angel Reda, Jermaine R. Rembert, Michael Scirrotto, Christine C. Smith, and Brian Spitulnik.
Chicago features a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The current production, which opened in 1996, is the longest-running American musical in and the longest-running revival in Broadway history.
Get Chicago tickets on New York Theatre Guide.
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 requirement 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.
Is Chicago on Broadway appropriate for kids?
Chicago is not recommended for young children; the age recommendation is 13 and up due to its themes of murder, sex, crime, and adultery. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
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.
Is Chicago on Broadway good?
New York Theatre Guide's 20th-anniversary review of Chicago calls the show "a living, breathing piece of musical theatre history, which rightfully remains at the Ambassador Theatre and reminds us that all you need is class and, of course, all that jazz," rating it five stars. Chicago is now more than 25 years old, proving the lasting appeal of its story, songs, and talent.
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