Discount Broadway Tickets

Brian O'Brien Reveals 10 Secrets Fans Don't Know About Life Backstage at Chicago

Last updated March 29th, 2016 by Brian O'Brien
Brian O'Brien Reveals 10 Secrets Fans Don't Know About Life…

As the Tony-winning, record-breaking musical Chicago

heads into its 20th year on Broadway, BroadwayBox enlists the aid of longtime Fred Casely and occasional Billy Flynn, Brian O'Brien, to uncover the show's secrets and tell us 10 things fans don't know about life backstage at the Ambassador Theatre.
Brian O'Brien- Chicago- Billy Flynn- Fred Casely- Broadway- Musical
Photo by Jeremy Daniel

1. TABLE FOR FOUR

Chicago- Broadway- Backstage
Amra Faye Wright, Barry Ernst, Kathy Dacey, Jason Patrick Sands & Sharon Moore

In the basement of the Ambassador Theatre there is a simple folding table surrounded by chairs. Its main purpose is to serve the needs of the Wardrobe Department, yet when their work is complete it becomes the heart of social life at Chicago. From birthday wishes to “Happy Trails,” anniversaries to “Bagel Sundays,” watching Dancing with the Stars or Presidential debates—everyone associated with the show at the Ambassador has sat at that table.

2. THE LEADER OF THE PACK

http://s3.amazonaws.com/broadwaybox/mediaspot/Leader-of-the-pack.jpg

Our wardrobe supervisor, Kevin Woodworth, has his desk out in an open area of the basement, which can spontaneously become our Green Room. While managing costumes for Broadway, National, and International companies of Chicago, he always has time to greet cast, crew, musicians, ushers, and others on a first name basis. His Iowan charm inspires friendly conversations, and, having been associated with the show since the early days, he’s a wealth of archival information.

3. LESS IS MORE

Chicago- Broadway- Backstage- Costumes- William Ivey Long

With the exception of a few costume changes made by Roxie and Velma, everyone at Chicago wears only one costume. The entire costume plot of the iconic, seductive and slinky designs by William Ivey Long can fit on one clothing rack.

4. UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS

Chicago- Broadway- Backstage- Alma Faye Wright- Velma
Current upstairs holiday display with Amra Faye Wright.

To keep things festive backstage during the various seasons and holidays we decorate the common areas in both the wardrobe room and the stair hall leading up to the dressing rooms. There is a spirit of competition in creating these displays and all are encouraged to participate.

Chicago- Broadway- Backstage- Ambassador Theatre
Current downstairs holiday display designed by Rick Meadows and Patrick Rinn.

5. THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

Chicago- Broadway- Backstage- Jason Patrick Sands
Triangular men's dressing room featuring Jason Patrick Sands.

Our wings and all the dressing rooms are triangular in shape. To quote the Shubert Organization website, “The plot of land for the Ambassador required that the auditorium be placed diagonally on its relatively small lot. This resulted in a lack of stage-wing space, and a uniquely shaped hexagonal auditorium.”

6. ALL HANDS ON DECK

Chicago- Broadway- Orchestra- Band
Photo by Jeremy Daniel

The staging of Chicago requires the actors to remain on stage in chairs that line both sides of the playing area. This is to signify that we are trapped observing the theatrical event of a court case. Our orchestra is also onstage in a larger than life jury box designed by John Lee Beatty.

7. BILLY BAR

Chicago- Broadway- Backstage- Billy Bar
Mahlon Kruse, Jo-Ann Bethel, and current Billy Flynn, Jason Danieley.

The company of Chicago has been gathering to celebrate special occasions in the “Billy Flynn” dressing room all the way back to our Shubert Theatre days. Thus BILLY BAR was formed. It is often overseen by “Billy Flynn” dresser Jo-Ann Bethel and catered by company chefs and stage managers, Mahlon Kruse and Anne McPherson.

8. SEEING STARS

Celebs at Chicago- Broadway
Photo by Bruce Glikas

Chicago is notorious for casting stars from Broadway, Film, TV, and even the NFL. Each brings a fresh and exciting approach to life backstage as well as the support of their famous friends and family. In the past year we were cheered on by Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson visiting Jennifer Nettles, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick visiting Brandy, and Bruce Willis and Demi Moore supporting their daughter Rumer Willis.

9. SAY MY NAME, SAY MY NAME

http://s3.amazonaws.com/broadwaybox/mediaspot/Brian.jpg

Every cast member receives an individual bow while his or her name is being called out. This is a testament to Bob Fosse, our director Walter Bobbie and choreographer Ann Reinking who all emphasize the importance of every performer.

10. FILL IN THE GAP

Chicago- Broadway- Playbill

The original production of Chicago closed on August 27, 1977. 19 years and 79 days later, it was revived on November 14, 1996. Having been open for 19 years and 131 days, the current production has been running longer than the gap of time between the original and the revival productions.

BONUS: WE KNEW HER WHEN

http://s3.amazonaws.com/broadwaybox/mediaspot/Sofia.jpg

Back in 2009, we were joined by an up-and-coming actress/model to play the role of Mamma Morton. She shared her small dressing room with three dancers and mentioned that she just shot a pilot for a new TV show but wasn't sure how good it was…she called it "American Family....something”…that was Sofía Vergara...

Now that you feel like part of the 'Chicago' family, go visit the Ambassador Theatre and check 'em out live.

BroadwayBox