Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix has been forced to call out of the February 27 performance of Chicago on Broadway, where Madix is currently in the midst of playing Roxie Hart. Madix announced the absence in an Instagram story, sharing that she began to experience vocal fatigue during the February 25 performance that has not yet fully dissipated.
"I'm so sorry I have to do this but the show tonight will be beyond fabulous without me," Madix writes in the post. "The cast and orchestra are the absolute best in every way! I'm hoping that whatever this is goes away fast because I hate this feeling and I don't want to let you down."
Madix, who began performances January 29 and was originally scheduled to play Roxie Hart through March 24, recently extended her run and will now continue in the role through April 7. She co-stars opposite the Velma Kelly of Amra-Faye Wright, who returned to the cast January 29.
READ: Jinkx Monsoon to Return to Cast of Broadway's Chicago
The current cast of Chicago, which just celebrated its 27th anniversary on Broadway, also features Red Concepción as Amos Hart, Lili Thomas as Matron “Mama” Morton, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.
The company also includes David Bushman, Max Clayton, Kristine Covillo, Jennnifer Dunne, Jessica Ernest, Jeff Gorti, Arian Keddell, Mary Claire King, Marty Lawson, Joseph London, Barrett Martin, Sharon Moore, Drew Nellessen, Kristen Faith Oei, Denny Paschall, Angel Reda, Jermaine R. Rembert, and Michael Scirrotto.
The revival of Chicago began life as one of the three annual Encores! presentations offered by City Center. The musical opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in November 14, 1996, where it remained through February 1997. The musical transferred to the Shubert Theatre, and played that house through January 26, 2003. The revival reopened at the Ambassador Theatre January 29 that year.
Since its debut in 1996, Chicago has been seen by more than 34 million people and played over 33,500 performances worldwide in 38 countries and in more than 525 cities. It is now the second-longest running show in Broadway history (after the recently closed The Phantom of the Opera).
READ: How the Chicago Costumes Have Evolved Over 25 Years
With a book by the late Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Ebb, Chicago features direction by Walter Bobbie, choreography by the late Ann Reinking, set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Scott Lehrer, and casting by Duncan Stewart of ARC Casting.
The current production, produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Bobbie, lighting designer Billington, and Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Fosse.
Ariana Madix in Chicago
Ariana Madix and Amra-Faye Wright in Chicago
Ariana Madix and Max Von Essen in Chicago
Ariana Madix and Amra-Faye Wright in Chicago
Ariana Madix and Amra-Faye Wright in Chicago
Ariana Madix and Amra-Faye Wright in Chicago
Amra-Faye Wright in Chicago
Ariana Madix in Chicago
