Brandy and Eddie George to Reprise Broadway Roles in ‘Chicago: The Musical’ at Hollywood Pantages

John Turner

Los Angeles will get a double treat when “Chicago: The Musical” returns to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a one-week engagement starting April 26. The Nederlander Organization, Pantages’ parent corporation, recently announced that two superstars, GRAMMY-winning singer and actress Brandy and former NFL running back Eddie George, will reprise their Broadway roles specifically for the L.A. performances, joining the existing touring cast. Brandy made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in April 2015 in the musical’s revival at NYC’s Ambassador Theatre; though her run was scheduled to end that June, reviewers and audiences requested that she extend it until August. George, meanwhile, has established a successful acting career after his retirement from the NFL in 2005 and made his own Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in the same Ambassador Theatre production in January, playing the role for two months.

The “Chicago” musical itself, which is one of the most celebrated in Broadway history, is a satirical story that takes place in 1920s Chicago at the height of the Jazz Age. The plot centers on two vaudevillian women, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart who are both accused of murdering their lovers. Through clever manipulation of their attorney Billy Flynn, the ladies use their newfound fame to gain acquittals from their crimes. With more than 8,000 performances (and counting), “Chicago” holds the record for longest-running American musical on Broadway; its musical canon includes mega-hits like “All That Jazz” and “Mr. Cellophane.”

During her 2015 Broadway run, Brandy slayed with her signature R&B singing style. Theatergoers were eager to see how the “Moesha” star would handle the role following the likes of musicians Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child) and Sugarland star Jennifer Nettles; According to the numerous rave reviews, Brandy didn’t disappoint. Likewise, George, who had never sung professionally before taking on the role of Billy Flynn, shocked audiences with his utter commitment to (and mastery of) the part. Since the two have never performed together, Pantages audiences are in for a special treat.

“Chicago: The Musical” returns to Hollywood Pantages Theatre April 26-May 1. For information and tickets, visit the Pantages event page.