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Robyn Hurder, Star of ‘A Beautiful Noise,’ to Make Return in Broadway’s ‘Chicago’ Musical as Velma Kelly

Tony-nominated actress Roby Hurder, whose most recent theatrical contribution is on Broadway's "A Beautiful Noise" musical, will make a grand return to the Tony-winning revival of "Chicago" starting on March 26 at the Ambassador Theatre. 

Previously, Hurder played the role of Mona and acted as an understudy replacement for the characters of Roxie Hart and Matron "Mama" Morton, however, this time around, she will be taking on the role of Velma Kelly in a limited engagement until June 16. 

Nominated for a Tony for her involvement in the 2021 run of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," Hurder's Broadway credits also include "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "Grease," "The Wedding Singer," and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," even appearing on NYC Center's "Encores" of "A Chorus Line," "The New Yorkers," and "Paint Your Wagon."

Robyn Hurder attends the 74th Annual Tony Awards at Winter Garden Theater on September 26, 2021 in New York City.
(Photo : Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Robyn Hurder Joins Current Cast of 'Chicago' in Broadway

Hurder is set to take over Amra-Faye Wright in the role and join the current cast of "Chicago," comprising Ariana Madix as Roxie Hart (just until April 7), Max von Essen as Billy Flynn, Lili Thomas as Matron "Mama" Morton, Red Concepción as Amos Hart, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

The production company also includes Eddie Bennett, Max Clayton, Kristine Covillo, Jennnifer Dunne, Jessica Ernest, Jeff Gorti, Arian Keddell, Mary Claire King, Marty Lawson, Joseph London, Sharon Moore, Drew Nellessen, Kristen Faith Oei, Denny Paschall, Angel Reda, Jermaine R. Rembert, Michael Scirrotto, and Colt Adam Weiss.

The musical first opened on the Main Stem's Richard Rodgers Theatre in November 1996, running through February of the following year, in 1997. Then, the production transferred to the Shubert Theatre, where it stayed until January 2003. 

That said, it did reopen in the same month in the theater where it currently plays: the Ambassador Theatre. 

Since its inaugural Broadway run 28 years ago, "Chicago" has been enjoyed by over 34 million viewers across 33,5000 performances worldwide, including some 38 countries and 525 cities. 

The production currently holds second fiddle as the longest-running show in the Main Stem, the title of which belongs to "The Phantom of the Opera."

The current iteration of the Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award-winning stage show is produced by  Barry and Fran Weissler, alongside direction from Walter Bobbie, lighting design from Ken Billington, and choreography from the late Ann Reinking.

Read Also: Broadway Alums Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Emma Stone Win Big at the Oscars 2024 

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