Family Illness Delays Brinkley's West End CHICAGO Debut

The producers of the musical CHICAGO announced today that the upcoming West End stage debut of world-renowned supermodel Christie Brinkley has been temporarily delayed.

Ms. Brinkley, who made her triumphant Broadway debut as Roxie Hart earlier this year, was set to reprise that role in the London production of CHICAGO for a four-week engagement beginning Monday 11 July, but on Wednesday, on the eve of her scheduled departure from the U.S., her mother, Marge Brinkley, was admitted into hospital to undergo an emergency medical procedure.

"In the theatre industry, we are sometimes forced to deal with circumstances beyond our control," said CHICAGO producer Barry Weissler. "However, it must be said that Christie's success on Broadway this spring was not just hers, but her parents' as well. In fact, at first she debated whether or not to accept the part because of her parents' health. But when she told them about the offer to star on Broadway, Christie's father, who is unfortunately unable to speak, simply wrote the words ‘take it' on a slip of paper. With that slip of paper, she knew her decision was made. And Christie kept that paper taped to the mirror in her backstage dressing room throughout her entire Broadway run. She did it for them. And speaking for the entire CHICAGO company, we all wish her mother a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing Christie reprise her remarkable performance in our West End production as soon as possible."

Ms. Brinkley is sorry to be disappointing all her London fans, but hopes they understand that she must be with her parents during this critical time. In a statement, Christie Brinkley said, "I am very sorry for the inconvenience and changes to the schedule in London. I thank my producers and new cast mates for being so flexible and understanding and I look forward to giving it my all in dedication to my loving, generous and supportive parents who set me on this ‘Broadway Adventure', which now leads me to London's prestigious West End, when my Dad said, ‘TAKE IT!'."

Amra-Faye Wright, who starred opposite Ms. Brinkley on Broadway in the role of Velma Kelly, will return to the West End production on 11 July as scheduled. The production's current Roxie Hart, Sarah Soetaert, will continue in the role until Ms. Brinkley joins the company.

Now in its 14th year in the West End, the Olivier Award-winning CHICAGO is playing at the Cambridge Theatre.

Additional information will be announced as it becomes available. Visit www.chicagothemusical.co.uk for updates.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos