Original Stars to Return for 11/14 Anniversary Performance of Chicago

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the ever-popular Chicago revival, there will be a starry benefit performance of the musical on November 14 at the Ambassador Theater. The show will be done in its entirety, with different stars each taking a number. Original principals Ann Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth, James Naughton, Joel Grey and Marcia Lewis will all participate in the event. Alums Brooke Shields, Melanie Griffith, Marilu Henner, Patrick Swayze, Gregory Harrison, Alan Thicke and Wayne Brady will also be part of the celebration.

This production of Chicago, directed by Walter Bobbie, began life as part of City Center's popular Encores! series in May of 1996. It first opened on Broadway on November 14, 1996 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. It remained at that theatre through February 9, 1997, at which point it headed to the more spacious Shubert, where it began performances three days later. The show played its final performance at the Shubert Theatre on January 26, 2003 and its first performance at the Ambassador Theatre on January 29 of that year. It has been playing at the Ambassador ever since.

Chicago currently stars Rita Wilson as Roxie Hart, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Obba Babatunde as Billy Flynn, Kevin Chamberlin as Amos Hart and Lillias White as Matron Mama Morton. Wilson will depart on August 6; Michelle DeJean is set to appear in the role from August 8 through August 20. On August 22, Bianca Marroquin and R&B star Usher will start performances as Roxie Hart and Billy Flynn, respectively. Usher is scheduled to depart prior to the anniversary.

Proceeds from the November 14 Chicago anniversary performance will benefit Safe Horizon, which helps victims of violence rebuild their lives. Tickets range from $500-$5,000 and can be purchased by calling Safe Horizon at 212-577-7749.