Orfeh Instagram – The forever-running revival of @chicagomusical is such a well-written show that I appreciate it most as a showcase for Broadway’s incredible array of talent.
So what a thrill it was to attend the show last night and get to see three longtime industry friends shine brightly in signature musical comedy turns at the Ambassador, and to be exposed to new favorites on the rise that I’ll be sure to follow for years to come.
From left to right… Genuine triple threat @robynhurder is a Velma Kelly unlike any other. Velma is usually icy cool and confident, but her take showcases that same inner power with stunning singing and dancing, but adds a bawdy vaudeville humor and whiff of desperation that keeps us with her all night long.
As Mama Morton, @orfeh looks stunning, sings even better and gives the role real gravitas. This mistress of Murderers Row is a classy broad who can also play dirty for the chickies in her pen. Orfeh started in pop music and generally leans towards pop and R&B in concerts, but man, do I love hearing her voice sing more classic Broadway songs! Bring on more Kander and Ebb, Cy Coleman, Jerry Herman, Charles Strouse etc etc etc please!
@maxmclayton was a surprise addition to the line-up, filling in as Billy Flynn. Clayton has been a Broadway regular for a decade, doing mostly ensemble work and covering leading roles—including @thehughjackman as Harold Hill for a year during COVID. Seeing him step to center stage last night was so fun, and he nailed it as Billy. Max is one of the sweetest guys in town, so it was especially great to get to see his dark side, which he infused beautifully into the role.
And then there’s @arianamadix, who I caught as Roxie Hart in her final week! I am a fan of some reality TV, but admittedly don’t watch the show that made her a “Bravolebrity.” What’s great about that fact is that I just got to look at her as a new Broadway talent, with an appreciative audience cheering for her every step of the way, and she was fabulous—funny and bright, a perfect Roxie Hart.
Beyond those pictures here, the whole cast was electric last night and I applaud every one of them. Keep up the good casting, CHICAGO! 👏👏👏👏👏 | Posted on 29/Aug/2024 04:13:59
