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Shields Extends Five Weeks in Chicago with PetersDate: 15 June 2005
American screen and stage star Brooke Shields (pictured) has extended her West End run as nightclub dancer and murderess Roxie Hart in Kander and Ebb musical Chicago (See News, 6 Apr 2005) at the Adelphi Theatre. Originally contracted until 25 June 2005, Shields will remain in the show for an extra five weeks, until 30 July.
Chicago marks Shields’ British theatre debut, having appeared in numerous Broadways shows, including Wonderful Town, Grease, The Exonerated and Cabaret. She is best known for her film career, which she began as a teenager in the 1970s and 80s with roles in Pretty Baby, Endless Love, Blue Lagoon and King of the Gypsies. Her more recent screen appearances include her own sitcom, Suddenly Susan, and a guest appearance in US comedy series Friends.
Currently starring alongside Shields in Chicago, which celebrated its seventh anniversary in London in November 2004, are Charley Izabella King as fellow murderess Velma Kelly, Robert Hands as Amos Hart, Zee Asha as Mama Morton. Now co-starring as super slick lawyer Billy Flynn, Clarke Peters, who has previously appeared in the show, took over from Michael French after the latter reportedly had a disagreement with producers about Shields’ role in the show (See The Goss, 29 Apr 2005).
Chicago, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Scenic design is by John Lee Beatty, costumes by William Ivey Long, lighting by Ken Billington and sound by Rick Clarke. The production is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse and directed by Walter Bobbie.
The multi award-winning musical opened at the Adelphi Theatre in November 1997 and went on to win the 1998 Olivier for Outstanding Musical Production and the 1998 Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical. Chicago is currently booking until 3 December 2005.
- by Caroline Ansdell
