Red Concepcion Joins ‘Chicago the Musical’ on Broadway

Red Concepcion Joins ‘Chicago the Musical’ on Broadway

Red Concepcion will be playing the role of Amos Hart for a limited engagement, starting January 15 until March 24, 2024, at The Ambassador Theater on Broadway. He is the first Filipino to play the role on Broadway. This also marks Concepcion’s Broadway debut.

He joins current cast members Charlotte d’Amboise as Roxie Hart, Kimberly Marable as Velma Kelly, Max von Essen as Billy Flynn, Lili Thomas as Matron “Mama” Morton, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine. Ariana Madix will play the role of Roxie Hart from January 29 to March 24, 2024.

When asked how he feels about getting the featured role, in his Broadway debut no less, Concepcion says, “I’m honored to be a part of it! It’s the longest currently running musical on Broadway, and it’s such an iconic musical – It’s surreal that I get to be a part of it.”

He adds, “I’ve always loved this musical! The score is a classic, and I get to sing a great song – Mr. Cellophane!”

Chicago is set in Prohibition-era Chicago and revolves around the stories of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who vie for fame and public attention while in jail. The musical offers a satirical look at fame, justice, and the media in America, set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s.

Amos Hart is Roxie Hart’s loyal but hapless husband. Throughout the musical, Amos serves as a stark contrast to the bold and ambitious women surrounding him, particularly Roxie and Velma Kelly. He is deeply in love with Roxie and is willing to go to great lengths to support her, even when he suspects her of wrongdoing.

The production is directed by Walter Bobbie, with choreography by Ann Reinking. It is written by John Kander and Fred Ebb (music, book/lyrics), with Bob Fosse as co-author, original director, and choreographer. It features a set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Scott Lehrer.

Chicago the Musical opened on Broadway in 1975 with a revival in 1997 (where it continues to run), winning 6 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

A Hollywood film adaptation starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, Richard Gere as Billy Flynn, Queen Latifah as Matron “Mama” Morton, and John C. Reilly as Amos Hart was also released in 2002. The film won Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Zeta-Jones, among other accolades, at the Academy Awards.