CHICAGO In Rehearsal With Simpson, Barks & More

Pop star and former Broadway/West End CHICAGO lead AshLee Simpson returns to the celebrated role for the upcoming Hollywood Bowl production, directed by Brooke Shields, and a first look at the cast in rehearsal has been revealed.

Simpson stars alongside LES MISERABLES standout and UK stage star Samantha Barks as Velma, with Lucy Lawless as Mama Morton, Drew Carey as Amos Hart and Stephen Moyer as Billy Flynn filling out the main parts in the impressive cast.

In the new photos captured by CHICAGO company cast member Randy Slovacek, Simpson is spotting taking direction from Shields, while Barks leads the comely company in a group number.

Also, the ensemble members rehearse some special choreographic flourishes with come-hither looks befitting of Billy Flynn's "All I Care About", while the ladies of the Cook County Jail gear up for a risque and rousing rendition of the "Cell Block Tango".

Of note, Simpson previously essayed the role of Roxie Hart in the West End revival of the John Kander/Fred Ebb/Bob Fosse musical vaudeville in 2006 to mostly positive reviews. She reprised her role on Broadway in 2009.

For more information on CHICAGO at the Hollywood Bowl starring AshLee Simpson, Samantha Barks, Stephen Moyer, Drew Carey and more, running July 26-28, check out the official site here.

Check out The Randy Report for the original article on the matter, available here.

View the photos of the cast of the Hollywood Bowl production of CHICAGO below.

Photo Credits: The Randy Report