This spring, Broadway's razzle-dazzle hit musical CHICAGO is pleased to welcome "Gossip Girl" star Matthew Settle as he makes his Broadway stage debut in the role of slick criminal lawyer Billy Flynn for a ten-week limited engagement, Monday, March 29, 2010 through Sunday, June 6, 2010 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Matthew Settle currently stars as Rufus on the CW Network's acclaimed drama "Gossip Girl." The show, now in its third season, was developed from The New York Times best-selling novels of the same name by producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (both known for their success from "The OC").
Settle starred as lead character Jacob Wheeler in 2005's TNT epic six-week television event, "Into the West," from executive producer Steven Spielberg. The series was nominated for 16 Emmy Awards. He is also known for his unforgettable role as Capt. Ronald Speirs in HBO's Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning mini-series "Band of Brothers." Other television credits include "Brothers & Sisters," "The Practice" and "ER."
In film, Settle will next star in Ex-Terminators with Jennifer Coolidge and Heather Graham. Past film credits include Callie Khouri's film adaptation of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, in which he starred opposite Ashley Judd; Jonathan Mostow's World War II submarine drama U-571 and a critically lauded portrayal of Warren Beatty in Peter Bogdanovich's The Mystery of Natalie Wood.
Born in North Carolina, Settle moved to New York City at age eighteen to pursue acting. There his talent was recognized by the legendary producer/lawyer Jay Julien, whose clients included such brilliant "locals" as Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel and Christopher Walken. Julien awarded Settle a three-year scholarship with renowned acting teacher William Esper, which in turn lead to Settle's first role in Louis L'Amour's "Shaughnessy" for CBS-TV.
Now celebrating 13 glorious years of girls, glitz and glamour on the Great White Way, the record-breaking smash hit musical CHICAGO is the sixth longest-running production in Broadway history.
CHICAGO features a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, and is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, CHICAGO features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer.
Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, CHICAGO has become a worldwide phenomenon with productions in 24 countries and 11 languages since 1996.
The record-breaking London production of CHICAGO continues to hold the record as the longest-running American musical in West End history. CHICAGO is also on tour throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as international tours in Australia and the United Kingdom.
CHICAGO plays on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.). The regular performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are available by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Ambassador Theatre Box Office. Regular Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
For more information visit www.chicagothemusical.com.
