Gregory Harrison Joins Broadway's Chicago May 6

By Andrew Gans
May 6, 2003

Gregory Harrison will join the Broadway company of Chicago in May.

A spokesperson for the production confirmed that Harrison will assume the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn May 6. The stage and screen star will play the role originated in this revival by Tony winner James Naughton through June 1. Others in the current cast include Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Tracy Shayne as Roxie Hart, Angie Stone as Matron “Mama” Morton, D. Sabella as Mary Sunshine and P. J. Benjamin as Amos Hart. (It was also recently announced that screen actress Melanie Griffith will play Roxie July 11-Sept. 28. This will mark Griffith's Broadway bow.)

Gregory Harrison made his Broadway debut in another Kander and Ebb musical, 1997’s short-lived Steel Pier. His other Broadway appearance — in the Matthew Warchus-directed Follies — cast the actor as Benjamin Stone opposite the Phyllis Stone of Blythe Danner. Harrison’s regional theatre credits include roles in The Fantasticks, The Promise, The Subject Was Roses, Festival, Child’s Play, Picnic, Billy Budd, Carnal Knowledge and The Hasty Heart (L.A. Drama Critics Best Actor Award).

Chicago won the Tony 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. The current cast includes Tracy Shayne as Roxie Hart, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Angie Stone as Matron “Mama” Morton, Clarke Peters as Billy Flynn, D. Sabella as Mary Sunshine and P. J. Benjamin as Amos Hart.

Chicago now plays Tuesday through Saturdays at 8 PM, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 PM and Sundays at 6:30 PM. The Ambassador Theatre is located at 215 West 49th Street. For ticket information, call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com.