More Alumni Added to Chicago 10th Anniversary Benefit

Producers Barry & Fran Weissler have announced the latest group of "Chicago" star alumni added to the special 10th anniversary gala performance on Tuesday evening, November 14th at the Ambassador Theatre. They are Charlotte d'Amboise, Caroline O'Connor, Chita Rivera, Brent Barrett, Gregory Harrison and Rob Bartlett. They will be joining original cast members, Ann Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth, James Naughton, Joel Grey, Marcia Lewis and previously announced Stars in the special one night only, once in a lifetime performance, directed by Walter Bobbie.

Recently, producers Barry and Fran Weissler joined Safe Horizon CEO, Gordon J. Campbell announced the anniversary milestone performance of Chicago, which will celebrate the musical's record-breaking 10th year on Broadway and will help raise awareness and funds for Safe Horizon, the nation's leading victim assistance organization.

Barry Weissler said, "It's an amazing testament to the genius of the creators, Bob Fosse and John Kander & Fred Ebb that our production of Chicago has played over 4,500 performances and will celebrate its 10th year. Every talented actor who has graced our stage for the past 10 years as well as all of our backstage crew and musicians contributed to the enormous success of Chicago. Not only has it been a glorious ride on Broadway, but its many international and national productions have proven that Chicago is a timeless show which audiences have responded to for its brilliant concept, book, music and dancing."

For over a quarter of a century, Safe Horizon has been moving victims of violence from crisis to confidence. Whether it is child abuse, domestic violence, homicide or other violent crimes, Safe Horizon helps victims and their families heal and rebuild their lives. "We are thrilled to partner with the wonderful organization Safe Horizon which provides much needed assistance to victims of violence throughout the country," says Weissler.

Honorary Chairs for the evening are Rocco Landesman, James Nederlander, Sr. and Gerald Schoenfeld.

Chicago is the longest-running revival of a book musical in Broadway history.  Neuwirth and Naughton won Tony Awards for their performances, while Lewis was nominated and Reinking earned a Tony for her choreography (which channeled the original choreography of Bob Fosse).

Shields, Griffith, Henner, Swayze, Harrison, Thicke and Brady have all performed in the Chicago revival on Broadway.  The women have all played Roxie Hart, while the men have all performed as Billy Flynn.

Chicago opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 14th, 1996; it then played the Shubert before reaching its current home at the Ambassador.  Chicago received 6 1997 Tonys (including Best Revival of a Musical) under Bobbie's direction.  The revival, based on Bobbie's stylistically stripped-down Encores! staging, featured direction as well as choreography by Fosse in its original 1975 production. Chicago features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Fosse

Chicago currently stars Rita Wilson as Roxie Hart, Obba Babatunde as Billy Flynn, Branda Braxton as Velma, Kevin Chamberlin as Amos Hart, Lillias White as Matron "Mama" Morton, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.  On August 22nd, Bianca Marroquin returns to the show as Roxie and R&B star Usher begins performances as Billy.

Tickets range from $500-$5,000; The evening will benefit Safe Horizon. For all inquiries and tickets call Safe Horizon at 212 577-8291 or go to events@safehorizon.org. Visit www.chicagothemusical.com for more information.