Max von Essen, Max Clayton join 'Chicago' Broadway cast

The Tony and Drama Desk Award-nominated actor will enter the production of the classic Kander, Ebb, and Fosse musical at the Ambassador Theatre in November.

Gillian Russo
Gillian Russo

UPDATE: Max Clayton (The Music Man, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) will also join the Chicago Broadway cast as Fred Caseley.

He's giving the old razzle dazzle! Max von Essen will join the cast of Chicago on Broadway from November 6.

Von Essen is best known for his Tony and Drama Desk Award-nominated performance as Henri Baurel in An American in Paris. His other Broadway credits include Anastasia, Evita, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Dance of the Vampires.

He now replaces Ryan Silverman in the role of the lawyer Billy Flynn. The current Chicago cast also includes Charlotte d’Amboise as Roxie Hart, Kimberly Marable as Velma Kelly, Lili Thomas as Matron “Mama” Morton, Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

Chicago, directed by Walter Bobbie, centers on housewife Roxie and vaudevillian Velma, two murderesses who fight for the attention of Billy and the press to get acquitted — and become overnight celebrities.

The musical by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse has run at the Ambassador Theatre since 1996, making it the second-longest-running show in Broadway history.

Get Chicago tickets now.

Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG

Photo credit: Max von Essen. (Photo by Chris Ruetten)

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.

Originally published on

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