Harrison’s New York agent confirmed that the actor will join the Broadway company of Chicago as slick lawyer Billy Flynn. Although an official date has yet to be announced, it is likely that Harrison would join the company when actress Melanie Griffith assumes the role of Roxie Hart in July.
Gregory Harrison made his Broadway debut in another Kander and Ebb musical, 1997’s short-lived Steel Pier. His other Broadway appearance — in the Matthew Warchus-directed Follies — cast the actor as Benjamin Stone opposite the Phyllis Stone of Blythe Danner. Harrison’s regional theatre credits include roles in The Fantasticks, The Promise, The Subject Was Roses, Festival, Child’s Play, Picnic, Billy Budd, Carnal Knowledge and The Hasty Heart (L.A. Drama Critics Best Actor Award).
Chicago won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse. The current cast includes Tracy Shayne as Roxie Hart, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Angie Stone as Matron “Mama” Morton, Clarke Peters as Billy Flynn, D. Sabella as Mary Sunshine and P. J. Benjamin as Amos Hart.
Chicago now plays Tuesday through Saturdays at 8 PM, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 PM and Sundays at 6:30 PM. The Ambassador Theatre is located at 215 West 49th Street. For ticket information, call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com.