The Broadway production of “Chicago” will welcome a new Velma Kelly. Sophie Carmen-Jones will take on the principal role beginning on Feb. 10 at the Ambassador Theatre. Carmen-Jones will succeed Kimberly Marable, who will play her final performance in the role on Feb. 9.
Jones made her Broadway debut replacing in the role of Nini in “Moulin Rouge!,” a role she originated in the musical’s West End staging. Carmen-Jones’ additional West End credits include “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys” and “ We Will Rock You.” On the big screen, she has appeared in “The Little Mermaid,” “Death on the Nile” and the upcoming screen adaptation of “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”
The current cast of “Chicago” includes Erika Jayne in a return engagement as Roxie Hart, as well as Max von Essen as Billy Flynn, Nakiya Peterkin as Matron “Mama” Morton, Greg Hildreth as Amos Hart and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine. Casting is by ARC/Duncan Stewart.
Directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, “Chicago” features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. The revival opened on Nov. 14, 1996 and is the second-longest running production in Broadway history.
“Chicago” is produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
