Jennifer Holliday will play the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in “Chicago” starting June 9, producers announced Friday.
Having previously played the role in the summer of 2001, Holliday will return to the production for an eight-week engagement through the end of July. She takes over from Brenda Braxton, who is currently in the role.
The news follows the production’s announcement earlier this week that Emma Pittman, the winner of the “Search for Roxie!” contest, will play Roxie Hart for a two-week run as of June 6. Pamela Anderson, currently playing that role, will depart the production on June 5.
Holliday is best-known for her Tony-winning performance in the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls.” She has also appeared on Broadway in “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God,” “Grease” and “The Color Purple.”
Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, “Chicago” plays the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. The revival originally opened in 1996, and reopened on Sept. 14, 2021 following the industry shutdown.
