The musical “Chicago” has a knack for knowing who the next big star will be. From Melanie Griffith to Usher, the Weisslers have taken chances on names not usually associated with theater.
So, what matters most? Can they sing? Dance? Bring in the crowds?
This strategy has often paid off. “Chicago” is now the longest-running show on Broadway, right after “The Phantom of the Opera,” raking in about $800 million.
Whenever ticket sales dip, in comes a celebrity to revitalize interest. So, who’s been a hit, and who’s missed the mark?
Enter Whitney Leavitt. At just 32, she’s not your typical Broadway star. Known for her time on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars,” she recently helped “Chicago” reach its highest-grossing week ever, pulling in $1.4 million. An usher even compared the audience’s energy to “Yankee Stadium!”
Leavitt’s run continues until May 3, and her presence has sparked significant excitement among fans.
Looking back, Melanie Griffith made waves in 2003 as the first major star to join the cast. Although her singing and dancing skills were up for debate, she attracted huge crowds and set a standard for future celebrity singers: you don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be yourself.
Griffith wasn’t alone; others like Brooke Shields followed. Shields’ time in “Chicago” coincided with her own drama surrounding mental health discussions, further enhancing public interest in both her and the musical.
However, not all celebrity castings have been successful. Christie Brinkley faced harsh reviews but still managed to fill seats during her tenure. Other stars like Cuba Gooding Jr. brought mixed reviews but still performed well at the box office.
A more recent trend shows reality TV stars also pulling in crowds. Jinkx Monsoon broke box office records in 2023, and Ariana Madix gave “Chicago” a non-holiday sales boost in 2024.
Even as it approaches its 30th anniversary, “Chicago” isn’t slowing down. The musical continues to thrive on the strength of fresh faces, be they seasoned actors or reality stars. It shows that fame can take many forms. As illustrated in a recent episode of HBO’s “The Comeback,” the pressures of live theater are relentless—but so are its rewards.
There’s a saying in theater that goes, “The show must go on.” And “Chicago” proves that, with the right mix of talent, it can go on for quite some time.
For more insights on the economics of theater productions and audience preferences, check out the Broadway World site.
Source link
Theater,Entertainment,broadway,brooke shields,christie brinkley,cuba gooding jr.,Mira Sorvino,pamela anderson,usher
