Justin Guarini will make his Media Theatre debut tonight in the Kander and Ebb musical "Chicago". The show, which opens the theatre's 2011-2012 Broadway Series, runs September 28-November 6.
Guarini, who was the season one runner-up on FOX-TV's talent contest "American Idol", will play the role of Billy Flynn, the charismatic attorney who manipulates the press to keep his gorgeous female clients from death row. The musical is a satire on corruption in the criminal justice system and the ‘celebrity criminal' during the Prohibition Era.
He received rave reviews recently on Broadway in "American Idiot" and "Women on The Verge of A Nervous Breakdown". The LA Times referred to him as ‘captivating', while the New York Daily News stated he was ‘terrific'.
He is regularly seen on the TV Guide Network's as one of their resident hosts. His other television appearances include "The
Oprah Winfrey Show", "The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno , "
Larry King Live", "Showbiz Tonight" and "Good Morning America".
Two-time Barrymore Award winner
Jennie Eisenhower, who won her first honor for her performance in The Media Theatre's "The Wild Party", directs the musical. The popular show features the classic numbers "Razzle Dazzle", "Cell Block Tango", and "All That Jazz".
Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director of The Media Theatre, said "After I saw Justin in Broadway's "American Idiot" and "Women On The Verge" I felt he would bring a new and excitingly different dimension to the role of Billy Flynn."
The Media Theatre, part of the Philadelphia theatre community, adds Guarini to the list of celebrated actors who have performed on its stage. Comedienne and actress
Wanda Sykes portrayed the iconic role of Miss Hannigan in "Annie" in 2010 to packed houses and standing ovations. Others who have performed at the historic venue are Broadway's Tony nominated actress
Ann Crumb,
David Miller (of pop vocal group
Il Divo),
Andy Karl of "Wicked", and Tony winners
Betty Buckley and
Judy Kaye.
Its awards include ‘Best Of' honors from the Philadelphia Inquirer, Main Line Today magazine, and Delaware County Daily Times, as well as a Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre.
For tickets to "Chicago" with
Justin Guarini call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or order online at www.mediatheatre.org
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