Jason Danieley (The Visit, Next to Normal, The Full Monty) is returning to Chicago the Musical tonight, Monday, February 29. Danieley will reprise his role as the love obsessed Billy Flynn, replacing Eddie George.
Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George stepped down from his role as Billy Flynn last night (Sunday, February 28) after a very short run. At the time of his casting, many were suspect that the former footballer could pull off the iconic character, as George himself told the New York Times:
“I know people are curious. ‘Eddie George? You mean the football player -- he’s acting?’..The goal is to quickly have them not see me, but to pull them into the story and character, and if I’ve done my job, they’ll see Billy Flynn.”
Co-Producer Barry Weissler also commented on trying to tap into the sports fan demographic:
“We felt we needed someone to draw on a different demographic. It was time to get a sports figure to reach the audience that would be interested in seeing him.”
Eddie George’s run with the show was always limited to only seven weeks.
Chicago is currently playing at the Ambassador Theatre,219 W. 49th Street, New York, NY 10019. For ticket prices and additional information, please visit ChicagotheMusical.com
What do you think about the cast shakeup? Are you sad to see Eddie George go? Are you glad to see Jason Danieley return? Let us know your thoughts on the subject in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
