Photo Flash: First Look at SMASH's Raza Jaffrey as CHICAGO'S 'Billy Flynn'

Life is imitating art for leading man Raza Jaffrey, as CHICAGO producer, Barry Weissler spotted him in the new Steven Spielberg TV series Smash, and immediately offered him the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of the musical. He just began his run in CHICAGO at the Garrick Theatre and will continue through July 14, playing the role between David Bedella, and Olympian Robin Cousins, who joins on 17 July. Check out a photo of Jaffrey as 'Billy Flynn' below!

CHICAGO originally opened at the Adelphi Theatre on 18 November 1997 to rave reviews and immediately became a sell-out hit. CHICAGO won the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for 'Outstanding Musical Production' as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for 'Best Musical'. CHICAGO transferred from the Adelphi Theatre to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006, where it ran for five years until 27 August 2011.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. CHICAGO is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse and directed by Walter Bobbie. The West End production of CHICAGO is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team. CHICAGO is produced in London by the Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler.

Performances are Mondays to Thursdays at 8.00pm, Fridays at 5.00pm & 8.30pm, Saturdays at 3.00pm & 8.00pm. Tickets are £26.00 - £67.50 (All prices include a £1 theatre restoration levy. Booking fees apply for ‘phone and online bookings. No booking fee on tickets purchased in person from the Garrick Theatre Box Office.) N.B. From 23 April – 22 September, there is an Under 20s ticket rate of £20, valid for Monday – Thursday evening performances and Friday matinees, available in advance online or in person on the day. The Current Booking Period is until 26 January 2013.

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