The long-running, Tony-winning Broadway revival of Chicago, which recently celebrated its 10,000th performance, will welcome Charity Angél Dawson to the company next month at the Ambassador Theatre.
Dawson will step into the role of Matron 'Mama' Morton beginning August 1, according to a production spokesperson. Dawson, who will perform through November 6, will succeed Tony winner Jennifer Holliday. As previously reported, Waitress' Erich Bergen will also join the company August 1, as silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn.
Most recently seen in the new Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire, Dawson's Main Stem credits also include Waitress and Side Show.
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 played in 36 countries and been seen by 33 million people worldwide. It is now the second-longest running show in Broadway history (after 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 Ken Billington, sound design by Scott Lehrer, and casting by Stewart/Whitley.
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.
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Audience of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
Cast of Chicago celebrates 10,000th performance
