Chicago: Broadway debut for Usher

NEW YORK (Reuters) – With five Grammies under his belt, R&B singer Usher is moving into Tony territory — making his Broadway debut in a revival of the musical “Chicago.”

The five-time Grammy winner will play the role of the devious lawyer Billy Flynn –
Richard Gere’s part in the 2002 Best Picture Oscar winner — producers Barry and Fran Weissler said on Friday.

Usher, 27, joins a list of stars who have appeared on Broadway this year that includes Julia Roberts (“Three Days of Rain”), Denzel Washington (“Julius Caesar”) and Christina Applegate (“Sweet Charity”).

Usher will be opening in the long-running revival of “Chicago” on August 22 and stay with the show until Oct 1.

“Being on Broadway allows you to connect to audiences in a whole new way that’s different from music and movies,” Usher said in a statement.

Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond, was discovered in a talent competition at 13 and has since released five albums with his hit songs including “Confessions,” “Burn,” and “Yeah!”

He has also appeared on several television shows and films such as the thriller “The Faculty,” the high school comedy “She’s All That,” and romantic comedy “In The Mix.”

We wish you all the BEST.

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