[jackissensational]

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/celebrities/index.ssf/2008/02/nicole_richie_may_be_headed_to.html

I've come to the conclusion that Broadway and West End have decided the role of Roxie requires no talent or experience. First Ashlee Simpson, now Nicole Richie? I mean, not only does it just sound awful for audiences, but she just had a child, and I imagine being a lead in an imensely popular Broadway show is very gruelling and time-consuming. Maybe she'll take this into consideration and turn down the offer.

Discuss.

[theatre4life]

yeah, well... kelly osbourne playing Mama?! tom wopat or usher playing Billy Flynn?! need i go on?!

[Sweeney Hyde]

Can we say "Stunt Casting?"

[jackissensational]

[pish123c]

While Chicago has really jumped the shark in recent years with stunt casting, I'm sure not all of the celebrity Roxies are bad. It's a relatively easy role to play. Do I hate that my favorite show has to hire big names to keep selling tickets? Of course I do, but that dosen't mean that all of them are horrible.

It could also be considered from the perspective that Chicago is about our celebrity obsessed culture. Having a big Hollywood name basically mimicking what their entire career is based on is quite interesting, if you ask me.

[theatre4life]

[pish123c]

[Kev]

The Weisslers have been stunt-casting for decades. It ain't gonna change, and it ain't nothing new, so I'm not sure why it really surprises/angers everyone anymore.

That said, some of the "celebrity" choices to fill the roles have surpassed expectations. I remember reading plenty of positive praise for Ashlee Simpson's Roxie, and seeing Usher live as Billy proved that he had more charisma just in one song than someone like Tom Wopat or Ron Raines had the entire show.

And I say bring on Mya; who knows what to expect, but at least there's the potential she'll bring some actual life to the role as opposed to the less-than-polished Ms. Braxton these days.