MY PAST PRODUCTIONS
CHICAGO
CHICAGO – THE MUSICAL returns! Following the 2005 sell-out success, CHICAGO is set to strut its stuff for a very limited 2008 season. And back in town for the show – direct from Broadway and the West End – is the incredible AMRA-FAYE WRIGHT who will match her Velma to SAMANTHA PEO’s rampant Roxie….!! Add to this explosive mix the powerful Mama Morton of ILSE KLINK – and now TV and stage star CRAIG URBANI as the deliciously devious Billy Flynn. And you have all the ingredients for a dynamic, irresistible and sizzling production. Award-winning Musical Director, Bryan Schimmel will lead the 14-piece orchestra and the sexy, stylish ensemble will once again razzle-dazzle South African audiences.
CHICAGO opens its very limited 2008 season in Cape Town at The Artscape Theatre on 18 March 2008, closing on 13 April 2008. Thereafter, the production moves to Johannesburg, to be staged at Montecasino’s spectacular new lyric theatre – The Teatro, for approximately 3 weeks, opening on 22 April 2008. In 2005, CHICAGO received rave reviews and nightly standing ovations throughout its sell-out seasons in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Now, it is back. “CHICAGO is one of the most successful productions ever staged in South Africa – and the demand for its return has been unbelievable. We are delighted to have most of the original company for our return, and I believe the tremendous individual growth by each member in the company over the past two years will take this all-South African production to even greater heights.” says Hazel Feldman, CHICAGO’s SA Producer. “From its unique Bob Fosse choreography to its sizzling score and intriguing plot performed by some of this country’s most talented performers makes it one show not to be missed.” So, if you have, or haven’t seen CHICAGO, you’re in for a treat. The 2008 production features a sizzling, sultry, seductive all South African 23-member cast including the sensual SAMANTHA PEO as “Roxie Hart”; sexy, vampish AMRA-FAYE WRIGHT as “Velma Kelly”, well-known actor CRAIG URBANI is the slick lawyer, “Billy Flynn” and award winning actress ILSE KLINK is Matron "Mama" Morton.
When CHICAGO’s Broadway producers, Americans Barry and Fran Weissler visited Cape Town in 2005, they were impressed with the high standard of the performances by the entire South African cast, especially that of Amra-Faye Wright which led them to offering her the coveted role of “Velma Kelly” on London’s West End. Performances in the same role on Broadway in 2006 and a return 2006 West End season followed. One of the highlights of Amra-Faye’s career is the fact that she is the only non-American to be invited to participate in the extravagant 10 Year CHICAGO Broadway Celebrations, where she shared the stage with Brooke Shields, Anne Reinking, Bebe Neuwith and Chita Rivera. Interestingly, CRAIG URBANI who joins the South African cast has also played a starring role on the West End, as “Buddy” in Buddy Holly Story.
From the opening line to curtain close - there’s nothing like CHICAGO on stage. You’ll be rocking in your seat to the ever popular ‘All that Jazz’ and the ‘razzle dazzle’ of this great musical which is simply – Broadway at its best.
From Melbourne to Mexico City, CHICAGO has razzle-dazzled the world over From Melbourne to Mexico City, CHICAGO has razzle-dazzled the world over with productions running in ten countries and two more set to open in Russia and Italy. The production has been played in 16 countries worldwide in over 250 cities. CHICAGO continues to be one of the most successful international musical hits of all time. CHICAGO's international appeal stems from its enticing tail of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery-characteristics the entire world is drawn to.
“I know a whoopi spot …..” With the limited number of shows, book now for CHICAGO – The Musical by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000, book on line at www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet.
CHICAGO – the Musical is brought to South Africa by INVESTEC, produced by Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management with a combined South African and international creative team. The Executive Producer is Global Capital.
FEATURING:
SAMANTHA PEO – Roxie Hart
AMRA FAYE WRIGHT – Velma Kelly
CRAIG URBANI – Billy Flynn
ILSE KLINK – Matron Mama Morton
PIERRE VAN HEERDEN – Amos Hart
K J HAUPT – Mary Sunshine
Diani Joubert, Tandi Meikle, Natasha Rabe, Salomé Sechele, Talia Kodesh. Jodie Renouf, Tanya Sticker, Timothy Le Roux, Duane Alexander, Cecil de Jongh, Grant Almirall, Angelo Collins, Nicol Sheraton, Jaco van Rensberg, Gary Mills
CREATIVE TEAM:
HAZEL FELDMAN - Producer
SCOTT FARIS – Director from New York
GARY CHRYST – Choreographer from New York
JILL SOMERS – Resident Choreographer and Company Manager
BRYAN SCHIMMEL – Musical Director
ALISTAIR KILBEE – Technical Director
ANTON LUITINGH – Resident Director