Backstreet Boy Richardson to Be Part of Chicago's Anniversary Performance

By Andrew Gans
October 5, 2006

Kevin Richardson, the former Backstreet Boy who made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in 2003, has joined the ever-growing roster of stars taking part in the gala 10th anniversary performance of Chicago.

Richardson joins the previously announced P.J. Benjamin, John O'Hurley, Obba Babatunde, Sharon Lawrence, Lynda Carter, Paige Davis, Bianca Marroquin, Chuck Cooper, Christopher MacDonald, Destan Owens, Tom Wopat, Ron Raines, Gerry McIntyre, Raymond Bokhour, Kevin Carolan, Tom McGowan, Ron Orbach, Bruce Winant Charlotte d'Amboise, Caroline O'Connor, Chita Rivera, Brent Barrett, Rob Bartlett, Melanie Griffith, Brooke Shields, Wayne Brady, Marilu Henner, Huey Lewis, Gregory Harrison and Alan Thicke as well as original cast members Ann Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth, James Naughton, Joel Grey, D. Sabella and Marcia Lewis for the Nov. 14 anniversary performance at the Ambassador Theatre.

Tony-winning director Walter Bobbie will helm the one-night-only event as the original stars and other Chicago performers present the musical revival in its entirety. Show time is 6:30 PM.

In a previous statement Chicago producer Barry Weissler said, "It's an amazing testament to the genius of the creators, Bob Fosse and John Kander & Fred Ebb that our production of Chicago has played over 4,500 performances and will celebrate its 10th year. Every talented actor who has graced our stage for the past 10 years as well as all of our backstage crew and musicians contributed to the enormous success of Chicago. Not only has it been a glorious ride on Broadway, but its many international and national productions have proven that Chicago is a timeless show which audiences have responded to for its brilliant concept, book, music and dancing."

The performance and post-show gala will benefit Safe Horizon, "a victim assistance agency that provides support, prevents violence, and promotes justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and their communities." Visit www.safehorizon.org for more information.

The current revival of Chicago began life as one of the three annual Encores! presentations offered by City Center. Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, the musical opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in Nov. 1996 where it remained through Feb. 1997. The musical transferred to the Shubert Theatre on Feb. 11, 1997, and played that house through Jan. 26, 2003. The revival reopened at the Ambassador Theatre, its current home, on Jan. 29, 2003.

Chicago currently features Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Usher as Billy Flynn, Rob Bartlett as Amos Hart, Roz Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

Chicago won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.

Chicago plays the Ambassador Theatre, located at 215 West 49th Street.

Tickets for the 10th anniversary gala, titled Chicago 10!, range from $500-$5,000; sponsorships begin at $10,000. For reservations call (212) 577-8291 or visit events@safehorizon.org.