cast of chicago national tour

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Chicago , the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history, has announced the casting for its upcoming National Tour.

Chicago currently stars Mollie Downes as Roxie Hart, Logan Floyd as Velma Kelly, Sam Hartley as Billy Flynn, Brian Kalinowski as Amos Hart, Nakiya Peterkin as Matron “Mama” Morton and J. Workman as Mary Sunshine. Ensemble includes Alexia Acebo, Michelle Attardo, Aubree Brown, Megan Campbell, Jason Carroll, Adam Flagella, Kelly Gleason, John Guaragna, Nick Gurinsky, Lyman Heung, Kristo Ruffennach, Andrew Natale Ruggieri, Sarah Sigman, Alex Smith, John Tupy and Elizabeth Yanick.

Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

The National Tour of Chicago is directed by Tânia Nardini and choreographed by Gary Chryst. Walter Bobbie is the director of the original New York Production and Ann Reinking was the original choreographer in the style of Bob Fosse. Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer. The production also features orchestrations by Ralph Burns, supervising music direction by Robert Billig.

Chicago is a production not to be missed. And all the reviewers agree. Time Magazine calls it “A Triumph,” Newsweek raves “Smashing” and Entertainment Weekly sums it up by calling Chicago “Broadway’s Most Electrifying Show.”

The National tour of Chicago previewed in Yakima, WA at The Capitol Theatre before premiering in Spokane, WA at INB Performing Arts Center on February 29th, 2020. Visit www.ChicagoOnTour.com for more information.

ALEXIA ACEBO ( Annie ) is elated to be in her very first musical! Tampa, FL native and University of Alabama grad. Alexia gives all glory to God, love to her incredible family, and gratitude to every teacher, mentor and friend that made this possible! Special thanks: MSA and Stewart/Whitley. www.alexiaacebo.com @alexia___faith

MICHELLE ATTARDO ( Swing, Dance Captain). BFA Dance, Marymount Manhattan College. Favorite credits: Christmas Wonderland (Tokyū Theatre Orb), Funny Girl , Singin’ in the Rain , Cabaret . Thanks to Stewart/Whitley, family and friends. @michelleattardo

AUBREE BROWN ( Liz) is thrilled to be making her first musical debut with the cast of Chicago the Musical National Tour! Aubree, from Baltimore, MD, is a dancer/lifestyle model currently based in NYC. She would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional love and support throughout her career! @_aubreebrown_

MEGAN CAMPBELL ( Mona). Favorite credits: Happy Hour Prohibition (Mr. Mac), ¡Havana!, Swing! , Broadway Christmas Wonderland (Tokyū Theatre Orb), Legends in Concert , Da-Bangg Reloaded . Many thanks to LDC team, Stewart/Whitley, and family! http://www.meganelizabethcampbell.com @megzycampbell

JASON CARROLL ( The Bailiff, Court Clerk ) is thrilled to be joining this fiercely talented cast. Past credits include the international tour of The Wizard of Oz , Vegas! The Show (Norwegian Cruise Line), Legally Blonde and more. Many thanks to Gregg, Kim, my Sunday family, and my ever supportive parents and sister. @Jason_CarrollNYC

MOLLIE DOWNES ( Roxie Hart). NYC native and LaGuardia H.S. of Performing Arts alumni. Regional: Damn Yankees (Lola), Pippin (Fastrada). International Tour: Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham). Off- Broadway: Spoolie Girl . Love to family, Lucius, Firestarter, and the Oslo crew. http://www.molliedownes.com @mollierosedownes

ADAM FLAGELLA ( Swing, Dance Captain ). National tour debut! Regional: North Shore Music Theatre. Point Park University. Love and gratitude to my family, friends, ImpactMTA, Stewart/Whitley and LINK. @adamflagella

LOGAN FLOYD ( Velma Kelly ) . Credits: Cabaret (Sally Bowles), A Chorus Line (Sheila). She would like to thank her parents, family, friends, MT’19 and TXST. She’s grateful to The Mine, Stewart/Whitley, and creative team. Special thanks to the cast… “I just can’t do it alone!” http://www.logan-floyd.com @logsss_floyd

KELLY GLEASON ( Hunyak ). Kelly is thrilled to be joining the cast of Chicago ! National Tour: 42nd Street . Favorite regional: Holiday Inn (Paper Mill Playhouse), 42nd Street (NSMT), Singin’ in the Rain – Girl in Green, Asst. Choreographer (Theatre by the Sea). Pace U. Thanks to Mom, Dad, MTA, and the Chicago team!

JOHN GUARAGNA ( Aaron ). National Tour Debut! BFA in Musical Theatre from Cap21/Molloy College. Theatre credits: Mamma Mia (Sky), A Chorus Line (Greg), On The Town (Gabey), Saturday Night Fever (Tony Manero). Thanks to everyone who has believed in me! Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Lisamarie & Jillian. @john_guaragna

NICK GURINSKY ( Harry, The Judge ). Inter/National Tour: The Wizard of Oz (Tinman). NYC: Head Over Heels (Ensemble). Regional: Anything Goes (Sailor), Mamma Mia! (Eddie), White Christmas (Phil). Norwegian Cruise Lines (RSS Explorer). Love and gratitude to the Chicago team, Stewart/Whitley, friends, family and his incredibly supportive parents. @nickgurinsky

SAM HARTLEY ( Billy Flynn). National Tour: Elf (Buddy), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Beast). Off-Broadway: The Lightning Thief (2017 Lucille Lortel Theater). Recent: Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), Ragtime (Stanford White, Ogunquit Playhouse), Young Frankenstein (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein), Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf). Special thanks to the Chicago team, Stewart/Whitley, and GBM. @samfred88

LYMAN HEUNG ( The Doctor). Thrilled to make his national tour debut. International credits: Footloose (Ren), Wild Swans (Young Vic), A Chorus Line , The Wiz . Looking forward to working on more Tony Award winning musicals! @lyman.heung

BRIAN KALINOWSKI ( Amos Hart ). From Wilmington, DE; graduate of DeSales University with a BA in Theatre: Acting/Directing; 16 year resident of NYC. Edna in Hairspray on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Regional: Joey in Sister Act , Amos in Chicago . Member of the singing wait staff at NYC’s “Don’t Tell Mama” Piano Bar! IG: @bkonbway

NAKIYA PETERKIN ( Matron “Mama” Morton). Nakiya is thrilled to be making her national tour debut! Credits: The Color Purple (Sofia), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman) and Rent (Joanne Jefferson). She would like to thank her family, friends, Stewart/Whitley, and her agents at Firestarter whom support her. Much love! @nakiyapeterkin

KRISTO RUFFENNACH ( Fred Casely ). National Tour Debut! Previous: Grease (Sonny, Palace Theater). Gratitude to Danny Prather at Hudson Artists and Stewart/Whitley. So much love to my Brianna and my family. @kristobryson

ANDREW NATALE RUGGIERI ( Martin Harrison ) is so excited to be a part of Chicago . National Tour: A Chorus Line (Mike); Regional: An American in Paris (Jerry), Ghost (Sam), Miss Saigon, (Chris), The Boy from Oz (Peter Allen), South Pacific (Ensemble). Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, and family for their constant love and support.

SARAH SIGMAN ( June ) . So excited to be making her national tour debut! Regional: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, A Chorus Line, All Shook Up ; Dance Lab NY; Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre; Kenyettà Dance Co. Big thanks to Stewart/Whitley and the creative team. All my love to Mom, Dad, Tyler, and family/friends! @sarahsigman_

ALEX SMITH ( Sergeant Fogarty, The Jury ) is so excited to join Chicago ! Regional: Sweet Charity (Marriott Theatre). Education: Northwestern University; Interlochen. Thank you Stewart/Whitley, Chicago team, friends, teachers and family.

JOHN TUPY ( Swing, Dance Captain ). National tour debut! Regional: Newsies , Singin’ in the Rain (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), A Chorus Line (Roxy Regional Theatre). BFA: University of Oklahoma. @johntupy

J. WORKMAN ( Mary Sunshine ). National tour debut! BFA Musical Theater, The Hartt School. Most recently: The Flamingo Kid (Hartford Stage). Huge thanks to The Roster Agency, Stewart/Whitley. So grateful!

ELIZABETH YANICK ( Go-to-Hell Kitty ) . Thrilled to be making her national tour debut! Regional: Crazy For You, Mary Poppins, Grease, Footloose. Proud IU Alumna. Love to my family, friends, Stewart/Whitley, and the LDC team! @elizabeth_yanick

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Broadway Show

Chicago The Musical Second North American National Tour on February 18 2020- Currently

Chicago The Musical News

CAST FOR THE CHICAGO NATIONAL TOUR ANNOUNCED

Chicago , the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history, has announced the casting for its upcoming National Tour.

Chicago currently stars Moana as Roxie Hart, Hailey Comet as Velma Kelly, Prince Eric as Billy Flynn, Aladdin as Amos Hart, Mary Poppins as Matron “Mama” Morton and Mr Smythe as Mary Sunshine. Ensemble includes Snow White, Sofia, Esmeralda, Mulan, Bert, Jiminy Cricket, Dj Deejay Ninth, Genie, Prince Naveen,Panchito Pistoles, Max Goof, Ariel,Finn Fiesta,Baloo and Mary Poppins .

CHICAGO Will Relaunch National Tour

The tour will celebrate 25 years of CHICAGO on Broadway

The National Tour of Chicago, which shut down as the pandemic began, will relaunch later this year. Dates and cities for the tour are yet to be announced, but BroadwayWorld has confirmed the production has confirmed dates coming up in fall 2022.

After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary - you've got to come see why the name on everyone's lips is still...Chicago.

With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago is now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history. It recently celebrated its 25th anniversary on Broadway.

Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, Chicago features set design by Tony Award winner John Lee Beatty, costume design by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, sound design by Tony Award winner Scott Lehrer and casting by Stewart/Whitley.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids

Complete Cast Announced for 25th Anniversary Tour of Chicago

The non-Equity tour will launch in October in Utica, New York. .

Casting has been announced for the 25th anniversary tour of the Tony-winning revival of Chicago , set to begin October 4 in Utica, New York, at the Stanley Theatre.

The non-Equity production will subsequently play engagements in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee, California, and more. Visit ChicagoOnTour.com for the current touring itinerary.

The cast will be led by Belle as Roxie Hart, Snow White as Velma Kelly, Prince Eric as Billy Flynn, Rapunzel as Matron “Mama” Morton, Aladdin as Amos Hart, and Kristoff as Mary Sunshine.

The ensemble includes Minnie Mouse, Eugene Fitzherbert, Daisy Duck,Alice,Prince Philip, Princess Aurora, Prince Naveen , Li Shang, Princess Tiana, Felix Madrigal,Esmeralda, Max Goof, Cinderella,Prince Florian and Jasmine.

With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Ebb, the revival of Chicago , which continues at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre, won six 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

The Broadway revival is directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography in the style of Fosse by Ann Reinking, set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Scott Lehrer. The supervising musical director is Robert Billigwith orchestrations by Ralph Burns and music direction by Cameron Blake Kinnear. Casting is by Stewart/Whitley.

The tour will feature a re-creation of the Broadway production directed by Tânia Nardini with a recreation of the Broadway choreography by Gary Chryst.

Apex Touring produces.

Chicago The Musical Second North American National Tour Will Being Preview on February 18 2020 at Atwood Concert Hall, Anchorage, AK

Chicago The Musical Second North American National Tour Will Opening Night on February 29 2020 at First Interstate Center, Spokane, WA

1 Chicago cast lists

Stage and Cinema

Arts and Entertainment Reviews

Highly Recommended Theater: CHICAGO (National Tour at San Diego Civic Theatre)

by Milo Shapiro on January 19, 2024

in Theater-Regional , Theater-San Diego , Tours

MY KIND OF SHOW, CHICAGO IS

Coming to the San Diego Civic Theatre is the National Tour of the 1996 revival of Chicago , now the longest-running revival in Broadway history, and the second longest running musical behind Phantom of the Opera . But it’s a short run, February 13-18, 2024 , so don’t say I didn’t give you fair warning. Presented by Broadway San Diego , Chicago is a must-see for any musical lover. And if you’re not a musical lover, this show will make you one. It is entertaining as hell, and you will be treated to camp, jazz licks, belting solos, a great band, and sexy dancers. So, go spend an evening and experience what Broadway is very good at. John Kander and Fred Ebb’s songs remain the catchiest score ever written. And the famous moves of director/choreographer Bob Fosse (who co-authored the book with Ebb for the 1975 original), remain in the revival, thanks to Ann Reinking ‘s re-creation of the Vaudeville-style numbers.

One of the wonderful things about period pieces is that they rarely feel dated. Chicago , taking the audience back to 1926, feels just as fresh today as it did when it debuted on Broadway in June of 1975. But its history dates back much further.

In the mid-20s, reporter Maurine Dallas covered a series of high-profile murders that had taken place in Chicago with a unique twist: All had been committed by women and most were acquitted by the all-male juries of the time. The public couldn’t seem to get enough of the coverage, which gave Dallas the idea that this could make a strong basis for a play. She chose two defendants, Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, as being two of the most interesting and created her play, Chicago, with a plot that weaved the two of them together, with the fictional names Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively. Her idea worked; it played 172 performances on Broadway in 1926 (a huge run at that time) and led to two film adaptations in 1926 and 1942.

The play found its way into the hands of actress/dancer Gwen Verdon in the 1960s and she saw the possibility of a musicalization. She brought it to husband Bob Fosse who approached Dallas, who refused repeatedly. Fortunately for theaterlovers, after her death in 1969, her heirs were less protective of the material and struck a deal with Fosse, who brought in Ebb to collaborate.

The story centers on Roxie Hart (played by Verdon originally, with Reinking in the revival), who murders her lover when he tries to end the affair. She convinces her dupe of a husband, Amos, that he was a burglar who tried to take advantage of her and Amos takes the blame, protecting her honor. Due to a flaw in her story, Amos sees through the ruse and turns on his wife, leading to her being jailed. There, she meets an interesting set of atypically-powerful women, including Velma (originally played by Chita Rivera; Bebe Neuwirth in the revival), who is also accused of mariticide. Velma is used to having a certain amount of clout in the jail but Roxie cuts into that and the sparks that are Chicago begin to fly. An interesting side note is that Velma’s role was originally intended to be smaller, but when Rivera got the part, they wanted to make more of having such a celebrity in the cast.

With great songs like “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “When You’re Good To Mama,” audiences fell for the dastardly duo and the show became a Broadway hit, running 937 performances for over two years and being nominated, in 1976, for twelve Tony nominations, losing out in Best Play to mega-hit A Chorus Line . The revival — based on the minimalist presentation by City Center’s Encores! — proved far more successful, its runaway success sparking a greater appreciation of the 1975 original production and renewing stalled interest in the film adaptation , which incorporates the influences of both productions, winning Best Picture in 2002).

photos of tour by Jeremy Daniel

Chicago National Tour presented by Broadway San Diego San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue February 13-18, 2024 for tickets, call 619.564.3000 or visit BroadwaySD for more tour dates and cities, visit Chicago The Musical

The cast of CHICAGO features Katie Frieden returning as Roxie Hart, Kailin Brown as Velma Kelly, Connor Sullivan as Billy Flynn, Illeana “illy” Kirven returning as Matron “Mama” Morton, Robert Quiles as Amos Hart and J. Terrell as Mary Sunshine. The cast also includes Paul Amrani, Olivia Lacie Andrews, Bentlei Benak, Faith Jordan Candino, Jason Carroll, Austin Taylor Dunn, Ed Gotthelf, Olivia Greco, Chelsea James, Liz Lester, Joe Meldrum, Adolfo Ortiz-Feder, Lauren Teyke, Kodiak Thompson, Francisco Thurston and Cait Zuckerman .

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Review: Well-danced ‘Chicago’ national tour worth a fresh look

The national touring production of "Chicago," in San Diego through Sunday, Feb. 18.

After a long absence from the San Diego Civic Theatre stage, the 1975 Kander and Ebb musical makes a welcome return

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Some musicals don’t improve with age. But “Chicago,” the Kander and Ebb musical that turns 48 in June, seems to only get better.

A terrific touring production now playing through Sunday at the San Diego Civic Theatre has spectacular dancing and two strong performers in the lead roles. And the musical’s script — with its deep cynicism of American society and our fascination with celebrity culture and true crime — feels more relevant than ever.

When “Chicago” debuted in 1975, the show’s book — co-written by Fred Ebb and director-choreographer Bob Fosse — was not well-received by Broadway critics. They found the self-absorbed, fame-craving, unsympathetic characters very hard to love. But over the years, stage and television shows with deeply flawed central characters have become much more popular with American audiences.

For those not familiar with the story, it’s a dark look at Prohibition-era Chicago, where the sensationalistic press turns killers into superstars of the moment. Roxie Hart is a vain chorus girl who murders her lover, then competes for media attention with the other “merry murderesses” in a women’s prison, including vaudeville dancer and double-murderer Velma Kelly.

Katie Frieden holds up a newspaper in "Chicago."

It’s been many years since a “Chicago” tour has visited San Diego, but the popular musical has continued to pop up in local productions every few years. This sharp-looking touring production retains all of Fosse’s original choreography and his original staging concept, with a jazz orchestra onstage in a band riser and each song introduced as if it were a ‘20s-era vaudeville act.

Kailin Brown, who plays Velma, starts the show off with a bang, leading the company in a meticulously performed “All that Jazz.” Brown is a stunning dancer — tall, lithe and muscular — with a decent singing voice. Brown contrasts well physically and stylistically with Katie Frieden as Roxie Hart. Frieden isn’t quite as strong a dancer, but she’s a more natural and spontaneous actor with more nuanced vocals. Side by side, the redhead Freiden and the black-wigged Brown are like fire and ice.

The show’s supporting cast is good, if not as memorable as Brown and Frieden. They include Robert Quiles as Roxie’s sad-sack husband Amos; Connor Sullivan as Roxie’s greedy lawyer Billy Flynn; and Illeana “illy” Kirven as prison matron “Mama” Morton.

The ensemble and dance scenes are the highlight of the show and the 19-member company is jam-packed with strong dancers who faithfully re-create the show’s most memorable numbers, including “We Both Reached for the Gun,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Me and My Baby.”

It’s nice to see “Chicago” back at the Civic in such fine form.

When: 7:30 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown

Tickets: $49 and up

Online: broadwaysd.com

[email protected]

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Cast Set for the Upcoming Six National Tour

The queens are coming to a city near you! Casting has been announced for the upcoming national touring production of Six . The tour will kick-off with a return engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre beginning on March 29.

The musical will star Khaila Wilcoxon as Catherine of Aragon, Storm Lever as Anne Boleyn, Jasmine Forsberg as Jane Seymour, Olivia Donalson as Anna of Cleves, Didi Romero as Katherine Howard, and Gabriela Carrillo as Catherine Parr. The cast also includes Erin Ramirez, Cassie Silva, Kelsee Sweigard and Kelly Denice Taylor.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, and directed by Moss and Jamie Armitage, the musical centers on the six ex-wives of King Henry VIII, who headline an electrifying pop-concert spectacle—flipping the narrative of the one-sided story from the history books.

Carrie-Anne Ingrouille choreographs the production which features a design team that includes scenic design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Tim Deiling and sound design by Paul Gatehouse. The show features orchestrations by Tom Curran with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton and U.S. music supervision by Roberta Duchak.

Six is currently running at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

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Complete 2022 Chicago tour cast revealed with Sheila Ferguson as Mama Morton

The tour continues from February

Complete casting has been revealed for Chicago 's 2022 tour stint.

Appearing will be The Three Degrees' Sheila Ferguson as Mama Morton alongside Russell Watson as Billy Flynn, Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Jamie Baughan as Amos Hart and B E Wong as Mary Sunshine.

The cast is rounded out by Ishmail Aaron, Michelle Andrews, Gabby Antrobus, Delycia Belgrave, Joel Benjamin, Tanisha-Mae Brown, Daniel Clift, Callum Fitzgerald, Emily Goodenough, Billie Hardy, Aaron Jenkins, Liam Marcellino, Theo Reece, Hollie Jane Stephens and Harrison Wilde.

The iconic show follows Roxie, a woman who murders her lover but tries to escape the wrath of the law. The piece is the winner of six Tony Awards, and has played in 36 countries worldwide. Numbers include "Razzle Dazzle", "Cell Block Tango", and "All That Jazz".

The hit 1996 production of Kander and Ebb's iconic musical, choreographed by Ann Reinking (recreated by Gary Chryst) in the style of Bob Fosse with direction by Walter Bobbie (recreated by Stacey Haynes), ran in the West End at the Phoenix Theatre in 2018.

The production has design by John Lee Beatty, costume by William Ivey Long, lighting by Ken Billington, original sound design by Rick Clarke, re-creation of original sound design by Matt Grounds, script adaptation by David Thompson, orchestrations by Ralph Burns, musical supervision by Ian Townsend, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and dance music arrangements by Peter Howard.

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The story of the legendary Neil Diamond is coming to a city near you! Don’t miss this uplifting new musical featuring hit songs, including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From those exhilarating early days in New York to the sold-out spectacles that defined his career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him “a national treasure” (Los Angeles Times).

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Rainier (Rainey) Trevino

RAINIER (RAINEY) TREVIÑO ( Annie ) is humbly honored to bring this spunky icon of optimism and resilience to life. Forever grateful to the Annie creatives and Paul Hardt. Special thanks to Kim Pedell, Marc Tumminelli, Lisa Wallace, Hugh Copeland, Candice Heidelberg-Denison, Amelia DeMayo, Gulnara Mitzanova, Dianna Swenson, Hurrah Players, my family and friends. @rainiertrevino

STEFANIE LONDINO

STEFANIE LONDINO ( Miss Hannigan ) is gleefully stepping back into her snakeskin pumps for season two. National tours: Annie (Miss Hannigan), A Bronx Tale (Rosina), Fiddler on the Roof (Shaindel). Off-Broadway: The Mayor of Williamsburg (HERE Arts Center), What Do Critics Know? (The York Theater), Flak House (Actors Temple Theater), Red Wine in Paper Cups (TheaterNOW). Selected regional: My Name is Asher Lev (Playhouse on Park), Honky Tonk Angels (STONC). BFA University of Utah. Lead singer of rock band West Side Waltz, music out everywhere. Endless gratitude to Hubs, JB, Boo. Follow the shen-Hannigans on IG @stefanielondino

CHRISTOPHER SWAN

CHRISTOPHER SWAN ( Warbucks ) is delighted to be returning to Annie for year two. Previously seen as Wilbur opposite Nina West in the 20th anniversary tour of Hairspray. Other national tours include R&H’s Cinderella(Sebastian), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), My Fair Lady (Doolittle), and the first national of A Christmas Story: The Musical (The Old Man). Regional: Footloose (The Rev), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre by the Sea), Angels In America (Ark Rep). Boston Conservatory graduate and U.S Army veteran. Thanks to Jenn and Patti and much love to my wife Laura. @chriswanlives

JULIA NICOLE HUNTER

JULIA NICOLE HUNTER ( Grace Farrell ) is thrilled to be returning to Annie. She is originally from Nashville TN, but currently based in New York City. Previous credits include: In The Heights (Nina) at the Walnut Street Theatre; The Color Purple (Nettie); Nunsense (Sister Amnesia); and a principal vocalist for Burn The Floor and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Forever grateful for her family and friends for their endless love and support! @ju1ia.nico1e

Jeffrey T. Kelly

JEFFREY T. KELLY ( Rooster Hannigan ) is ecstatic to be joining the company of Annie ! AMDA NYC grad, recent credits include Fluke ( Million Dollar Quartet , Shadowland Stages) & Tommy Devito ( Jersey Boys , Playhouse on the Square). Thanks to the fam, Chondra Profit/FSE Team, and the entire Annie creative team for the support and opportunity! IG: @jeffreytkellytheatre

Samantha Stevens

SAMANTHA STEVENS ( Lily ) National Tour debut! Samantha is a proud Brit based in NYC. Favorite Regional Credits: White Christmas (Betty), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), Kinky Boots (Lauren), The Handmaid’s Musical (Offred). Sometimes ‘Marilyn’ ( www.MonroeMoments.com ). Special thanks to Paul, Jenn, Patti & Matt. For Mom across the ocean & Dad amongst the stars. @SamanthauStevens

Mark Woodard

MARK WOODARD ( Franklin Roosevelt, u/s Oliver Warbucks ) Mark is overjoyed to be returning for the second year of the Annie North American tour! Regional Credits: Disney’s Newsies (Gateway Playhouse); Oklahoma! (Ogunquit Playhouse); 42nd Street (The REV); The Producers, Bells Are Ringing, South Pacific (Pittsburgh CLO); A Christmas Carol (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Spamalot, Mamma Mia, (Palace Theatre, NH). Television: Guest Star & Co-Star roles: “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “SVU,” “Billions,” “As The World Turns,” “Neon Joe: Werewolf Hunter.” IG: @actnman88

Savannah Austin

SAVANNAH AUSTIN ( July ) Savannah is thrilled to make her national tour debut with Annie ! Endless gratitude to Christian Arts Theatre, Rance Wright, Angela Pulsifer, Annie creatives, her coaches, family and friends. Savannah thanks her mom, dad and God. Inspiring others to continue to dream big! MATILDA (Matilda: CAT production) @savannahbanana_12

Arianna Guller

ARIANNA GULLER ( Duffy ) is delighted to make her National Tour Debut! Favorite roles: Matilda ( Matilda ), Charlie Bucket ( Willy Wonka ), Belle ( Beauty and the Beast ). Gratitude to Connecting Talent, my amazing teachers Jose Cruz, Daniel Stocker, Kirk Geritano, Philip Chen, Dance Molinari, Mom, Dad, Estee and Grandma. A dream come true! @ariannagullerofficial

Saylor Curran

SAYLOR CURRAN ( Pepper ) is honored to be making her national tour debut with Annie ! Biggest thanks to Paul Hardt, Jenn Thompson, and Annie team for making her dreams come true. Endless love and gratitude to Misti Koop, Ryan King and family. @saylorcurran

Addie Jaymes

ADDIE JAYMES ( Kate, u/s Molly ) Addie is grateful to be making her National Tour debut. Special thanks to her family and friends, Jenn Thompson, Patti Wilcox, Paul Hardt Casting, Daniella Castoria, Ginna Claire Mason, Nancy Carson, Allan Fawcett, Lauryn Ciardullo, Starlight PAC, and the amazing production team. Recent credits: “Annie Warbucks” ( Annie , Surflight Theatre). @addie_jaymes

Kylie Noelle Patterson

KYLIE NOELLE PATTERSON ( Tessie u/s Annie) . Debuting on the Annie National Tour has been a dream for Kylie. This California girl hopes to inspire others to explore their passion in theater. She is grateful to Royal Theater Academy and her friends and family for their support. @kylie.noelle.official

JADE SMITH ( Molly ). Jade is so excited to be a part of the Annie tour. This has always been her dream to play the role of Molly in the iconic theatrical production of Annie . She is so grateful to be a part of this amazing cast. She would like to thank all of her castmates, production, her agent Bonnie Shumofsky at Stewart Talent and her management at Parkside talent.

Savannah Fisher

SAVANNAH FISHER ( Star to Be, Ensemble ) previous credits: National Tour; Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Singer), Dog Man the Musical! (Flippy). Regional; Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Godspell and Ragtime . Other favorites include; Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier) and The Wiz (Glinda). A very special thanks to my loving family, friends, D’Marreon and The Price Group agency! @savannahmfisher

Jerquintez A. Gipson

JERQUINTEZ A. GIPSON ( Ensemble , u/s Rooster Hannigan ) received a B.F.A in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance. Some Theatre credits: National Tour: Elf The Musical (Store Manager). Regional: Sister Act (Eddie), The Color Purple (Preacher/Adam), Kinky Boots (Lola), Trouble in Mind (John Nevins) and much more. He enjoys performing any chance he gets and loves to inspire others to never give up. Thank you to Carla (Mother) and Terriney (Sister) for everything. To see more of him: Instagram @Jxlonzo

Caroline Glazier

CAROLINE GLAZIER ( Ensemble, u/s Grace Farrell, u/s Lily, u/s Miss Hannigan ) National Tour debut! Off-Broadway: Friends! The Musical Parody (Rachel Green). Other credits: The Sound of Music (Maria), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), Cabaret (Sally Bowles). University of Michigan: BFA Musical Theater. Thank you to HKA, as well as my family, friends, and fiancé Aaron for supporting me and my dreams!

Chance K. Ingalls

CHANCE K. INGALLS ( Ensemble ) is excited to be making his tour debut with Annie ! He’s from Kapolei, HI, and earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University. He is so grateful for the people in his life who support him. He couldn’t do it without them!

Kaleb Jenkins

KALEB JENKINS (Ensemble, Bert Healy, u/s Rooster Hannigan, u/s Drake) National tour: Hairspray (Brad). Regional: Parade (Britt Craig), Oklahoma! (Curly), Into the Woods (Baker), Saturday Night Fever . Charlotte, NC native. CCU alum #chantsup! Many thanks to Josh at ASA, Paul Hardt, the Annie team, and my wife/bff Karen. IG @kalebjacejenkins, TikTok @kaleslaw.

Jaelle Laguerre

JAELLE LAGUERRE ( Ensemble, u/s Miss Hannigan ) Leaping Lizards Jaelle is thrilled to return for her second year with the red head musical! Recent credits include Cinderella, Buddy holly, A Christmas Carol (NSMT)) Rock of Ages (The Engeman Theatre) Six (NCL) Mamma Mia (Argyle Theatre) Syracuse University (BFA) Love to her parents, brother and God. Thanks to HkA, Paul, Jenn, Pattie and the creatives! @ Jaellelaguerre

Tony Mowatt

TONY MOWATT ( Ensemble, Drake, u/s Oliver Warbucks, u/s FDR ) National Tour: CATS (2021-2023). Off-Broadway: Little Match Girl (St. Luke’s Theatre), Whiskey Pants: The Mayor of Williamsburg (HERE). Select NYC/Regional: Lumière in Beauty and the Beast (Rodeheaver Auditorium), Leo Frank in Parade (Bullet Theatre Collaborative); Twisted Operettas (Joe’s Pub); An Octoroon (Kean Stage); The Producers, Legally Blonde (Woodstock Playhouse). @baloneytones

RYAN MULVANEY

RYAN MULVANEY ( Ensemble ) National Tour: Elf (Ensemble). New York: Maddie (NYTF). International/Regional: Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Ens.) and Footloose (Garvin/Travis) with Norwegian Cruise Lines; A Chorus Line (Bobby); West Side Story (Big Deal); Xanadu (Terpsichore). BFA – CAP21/Molloy University. Sending all his love to dad, mom, Dori, & Piper. @r_mulvaney

Kaylie Mae Wallace

KAYLIE MAE WALLACE ( Ensemble u/s Grace Farrell, u/s Lily ) National tour debut! Kaylie is a Pittsburgh native with a BFA in Musical Theatre from University of Michigan. Now residing in NYC, her favorite credits include: Grey Gardens (Young Little Edie), Into the Woods , and Sweeney Todd. Thanks to Jenn, Patti, Jen, Paul, Crossroads Live, and all my loved ones!

Callie Alexa

CALLIE ALEXA ( Swing , Dance Captain ) is delighted to be making her National Tour Debut! Credits include: Mary Poppins, Elf, 42nd Street, Beehive, Annie (Prather Productions). International/Cruise Lines: RCCL, RWS, MSC. Much love to her Mom, Sister and supporters all over! Thank you to casting and creatives! Smile, darn ya, smile! @callieaalexa

Brooke Olivia Gatto

BROOKE OLIVIA GATTO ( Swing ) Brooke is delighted to be touring with Annie ! Credits include: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (National Tour), and Into the Breeches (International City Theatre). BFA: Cal State Fullerton. Special thanks to her family, friends, and agents at FSE! @brookeoliviagatto

Trent Tyson

TRENT TYSON ( Swing , Assistant Dance Captain ) is elated for his National Tour debut! Previous credits: Kinky Boots (Slow Burn), A Chorus Line (Interlakes), A Christmas Carol (ZACH), Production Singer/Dancer on Celebrity Cruise Lines. Boston Conservatory ’21, ZACH Theatre PPC Alumni. Huge thanks to Brian at The Hell’s Kitchen Agency and my amazing friends and family!

Seamus ( Sandy ) is thrilled to join Annie for his first National Tour! A Wheaten Terrier mix rescued in Northern California. He was adopted in May of 2018 and has since worked on numerous film and television projects. Recent credits include “Finch” and a Jeep Wrangler commercial.

KEVIN ( u/s Sandy ) is a labradoodle. He’s appeared in a series of Bravecto Commercials, the movie Dog Gone , and TV shows “Will Trent” and “Welcome to Flatch.”

Cast & Creative

North american tour, us tour cast.

Milika Cherée

Tyler Fauntleroy

Deon’te Goodman

Jared Howelton

Lencia Kebede

Blaine Alden Krauss

Paul Louis Lessard

Carvens Lissaint

Eddie Ortega

Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama

Jisel Soleil Ayon

Travante S. Baker

Allie Jordan Butcher

Stephen Carrasco

Yossi Chaikin

John Devereaux

Nicole deRoux

Malachi Durant

Victoria Fiore

Lili Froehlich

Cyndal Gilmore

Alexis Hasbrouck

Devin Tyler Hatch

Tristan Hill

Sabrina Imamura

Jorrel Javier

Dharon Jones

Vanessa Magula

Taeko McCarroll

Tyler McKenzie

Alex Nicholson

Erin Ramirez

Bella Rusli

Nick Sanchez

Modal content, creative team, lin-manuel miranda, thomas kail, andy blankenbuehler, alex lacamoire, ron chernow, david korins, paul tazewell, howell binkley, nevin steinberg, charles g. lapointe, michael keller and michael aarons, randy cohen, emmanuel schvartzman, matt gallagher, hudson theatrical associates, patrick vassel, stephanie klemons, michael mindlin, maggie brohn, j. philip bassett, jimmie lee smith, aldora neal, rolando a. linares, the telsey office bethany knox, csa, the press room, laura matalon, john gilmour, gabriella godinez, susan brumley, brad broman, the booking group, baseline theatrical, jeffrey seller, sander jacobs, jill furman, the public theater.

Gabrielle McClinton

Gabrielle McClinton originated the role of Angelina Baker in Paradise Square on Broadway. She has also starred as the Leading Player in Pippin on Broadway, First National Tour, and in Australia. Broadway: Paradise Square , Chicago , Pippin . First National Tour: Pippin , American Idiot . Upcoming Film: A Ramble Towards Rain. Film/TV: “Evil,” “The Mentalist,” 86’D , Won’t Back Down , Fun Size . BFA, Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. For Teda, who instilled in me my French Roots. www.GabrielleM.com .

Christian Douglas

is thrilled to be stepping into the role of Christian. He was last seen playing Tony in West Side Story at the Muny. Before joining the cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical , he made his New York City debut as Charlie Price in the Off-Broadway revival of Kinky Boots . Other credits include the National Tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical and the regional productions of Songs for a New World (The Gateway), Newsies (Arena Stage), and Gun & Powder (Signature Theatre).

Robert Petkoff

Harold Zidler

Broadway: Ragtime , All the Way , Anything Goes , Spamalot , Fiddler on the Roof , Epic Proportions . Tours: Fun Home , The Importance of Being Earnest , Tantalus , Spamalot . West End: The Royal Family (with Judi Dench and Emily Blunt). Film/TV: “Elementary,” “Madame Secretary,” “The Good Wife,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU.” Award-winning audiobook narrator.

Nick Rashad Burroughs

Toulouse-Lautrec

Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Ike Turner, OBC), Kinky Boots , King Kong . First National Tour of Something Rotten! , making history as the first Black man to play the role of “Shakespeare.” Pop Smash Radio Music Award Winner for his album Groove Machine . Broadway World Award Winner for Jesus Christ Superstar (as Judas).

Andrew Brewer

The Duke of Monroth

Broadway: Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Christian standby), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Swing). First National Tour: Beautiful (Gerry Goffin), Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Ensemble, u/s Christian & The Duke). Off-Broadway: Nymph Errant , Cougar: The Musical , Sex Tips…Man . Regional: South Pacific (Lt. Cable), Cinderella (Topher), Carrie (Billy). Love to Mom and Dad, Keyonna, and The Mine.

Danny Burgos

Broadway: On Your Feet! (Emilio Standby). First National Tour: On Your Feet! Overjoyed to be joining Moulin Rouge! The Musical on tour. When he isn’t on stage, Danny is a Registered Nurse at New York Presbyterian. Thank you to HCKR and the entire Moulin Rouge! The Musical team. Pa mi familia, y pa Hialeah: La Ciudad Que Progresa!

AK Naderer is thrilled to make her U.S Tour debut with Moulin Rouge! The Musical . International: Moulin Rouge! Das Musical (Nini), Anastasia (Anya), Wicked (Assistant DC), Ghost (Assistant DC), Mamma Mia! (Ali, Sophie), Hairspray (Penny), West Side Story (Anybodys), Footloose (Rusty), Romeo & Julia (Julia). I am beyond grateful to the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team, Matt & DGRW, Antonio, and my wonderful family and friends!

Arianna Rosario

Satine Alternate

Arianna Rosario joins the cast after originating the role of “Gloria Falbury” in the musical adaptation of the MGM film Summer Stock . Broadway: Moulin Rouge! The Musical , Cat s, On Your Feet! Other favorites: Rent (Mimi), Evita (Eva), OYF! (Gloria Estefan), ITH! (Carla). Film/TV: West Side Story (Spielberg), “The Waltons” (CW), “Queen Sugar” (OWN).

Nicci Claspell

Arabia/Ensemble

First National Tour: American Idiot (The Extraordinary Girl). Other favorites include Chicago (Velma), Cabaret (Sally), Dogfight (Rose), The Last Five Years (Cathy alt.), Rent (Mimi), Postmodern Jukebox . AMDA LA graduate. Love to my amazing family, Aligned, Headline, and the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team!

Max Heitmann

Baby Doll/Ensemble

Max is making his National Tour Debut in Moulin Rouge! after graduating from NYU in spring 2023. He is eternally grateful to the Moulin Rouge! team, Dave Secor at Daniel Hoff, and his friends and family for their support!

Renee Marie Titus

La Chocolat

She is thrilled to be joining the touring company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical . National Tour: The Color Purple . Select Regional: Summer (Gateway Playhouse), Rock of Ages (Engeman Theater). Love to my family and Hudson Artists Agency! Psalms 107:1

Amar Atkins

Principal Standby

First National Tour (Revival): The Color Purple (u/s Mister). Off-Broadway: As You Like It (The Public, Shakespeare in the Park), King Lear (NY Classical). Select Regional: Fat Ham (The Huntington), Toni Stone (Alliance Theatre/Milwaukee Rep); The Color Purple (Paper Mill Playhouse). TV: “Annie Live!” (Rooster Standby), “America’s Got Talent,” “City on a Hill,” “Blue Bloods,” “Bull,” “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” MFA in Acting, LSU. Love & light!

Carina R. Avila

is thrilled to be performing at the Moulin Rouge! Recent theater credits: Disney’s Aladdin (National Tour), On Your Feet! (Regional premiere), In the Heights (Mason Street Warehouse). TV: Nickelodeon, ABC, Disney. Thanks to her family, for their constant support.

Eric Allen Boyd

is a Miami native. Some credits include Chess (The Muny), Hairspray , and Grease (Royal Caribbean), and recently the Peter Pan National Tour. Very thankful for his fiancé, family, and friends.

Jada Simone Clark

Vacation Swing

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Jada is thrilled to be joining the Moulin Rouge! Her past theater credits include Jagged Little Pill (First National Tour), Rattlesnake Kate (DCPA), and In the Heights (The Madison Theatre). Jada would like to thank her family and friends for being her greatest support system.

Darius Crenshaw

Broadway: The Color Purple ; The Phantom of the Opera ; Motown the Musical ; Hello, Dolly! Opera: Un Ticket pour Broadway/Street Scene (Toulon Opera). Film: The Last Five Years . TV: “Saturday Night Live,” “Rent: Live.” Dance: New York City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet .

Nicolas de la Vega

Thrilled to be joining Moulin Rouge! The Musical . NY: Radio City Christmas Spectacular . Regional highlights: A Chorus Line , Cabaret , Oklahoma! Tours: Saturday Night Fever . TV/Commercial: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Halston,” “Feud,” Estée Lauder, Kate Spade. Training: Joffrey Ballet, School of American Ballet, Miami City Ballet. Dance: Charlotte Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet.

National Tour debut! Regional: Ghost (Beck Center for the Arts), The Sound of Music (Cleveland Orchestra), Mamma Mia! (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival), The Lightning Thief (Playhouse Square). BWMT ’23. Love and gratitude to all friends and family!

Jimena Flores Sanchez

Jimena is honored to make her Moulin Rouge! The Musical debut! Co-star of “Girls5eva” (Netflix). Ariel in Footloose , Diana in A Chorus Line , and Sweet Charity at Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Previously a professional ballerina. Endless love for her family and CESD.

Tommy Gedrich

National Tour debut! Recent credits include Guys and Dolls (Kennedy Center) and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair (The Rev). Huge thanks to the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team, Marc and Dustin at Daniel Hoff, and my magical family. “¡Te amo mucho!”

Tamrin Goldberg

Dance Captain/Swing

Advocating for tuberculosis awareness and elimination! #ThinkTB. Favorite credits: "Filament" with the NY Philharmonic, SUMMER (First National Tour), Oklahoma! (Goodspeed), The Wiz (Broadway Sacramento), Tamar of the River (Prospect Theater Co). NYIT Award for Outstanding Choreography. Barnard grad!

E.J. Hamilton

Universal Lady M Cover

Education: BA in Drama/Dance, Spelman College. Broadway: Diana: The Musical (Longacre Theatre). Off-Broadway: The Bubbly Black Girl… (NYCC). Regional: Something Rotten , Beauty and the Beast , The Wiz . Rep: CESD. Love to my support system. Always for Mom.

Cameron Hobbs

Cameron Hobbs is thrilled to be at the Moulin Rouge! Broadway: Disney’s Aladdin . National Tour: Aladdin , Something Rotten! BFA, Otterbein University. Thank you to the entire Moulin Rouge! The Musical team and everyone at Bloc. Would not be here without Mom, Kris, Derick, Braydon, and Auggie.

Nathaniel Hunt

Universal Vacation Swing

Broadway debut! BFA in Dance, LIU Brooklyn (Summa Cum Laude). Select Dance: Alvin Ailey II, Ballet Hispanico, Company XIV, Metropolitan Opera ( La Traviata , Aida , Samson et Dalila ) . Endlessly grateful to Mom & Dad, MSA, and my entire support system!

Chloe Rae Kehm

Chloe is thrilled to be joining her dream show! First National Tour: The Prom . PCLO: Thoroughly Modern Millie , Disney’s Beauty and the Beast , Grease , Oklahoma! , Brigadoon . Infinite thanks to CESD and the MR! team. Love to my family and those who made this possible.

National Tour debut! Regional: The Muny, Fulton Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita. A proud graduate of Elon University, BFA in Music Theatre. Love and gratitude to Mom, Dad, the Moulin Rouge! The Musical creatives, and the DGRW team.

Katie Lombardo

Broadway: Beetlejuice . National Tours: Beetlejuice , Elf , Flashdance . Regional: Broadway Sacramento, Ogunquit, TBTS, Engeman. TV/Commercial: “FBI: Most Wanted,” Aldo, DoorDash, Dave & Buster’s. Love to CESD & the MR! team. Extra love to Mom, Dad, Emily & my husband, Nathan.

Melissa Hunter McCann

Thrilled to be a Bohemian! Tours: Aladdin , Finding Neverland . Other favorites: Jerome Robbins’ Broadway , West Side Story , Paint Your Wagon , “The Blacklist,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Pace Commercial Dance. CESD Talent Agency. Love to Mom, Dad, James & the best touring pup, Nala.

Connor McRory

Broadway: Funny Girl (OBC). Off-Broadway: Trip of Love . National Tours: Finding Neverland , White Christmas . Metropolitan Opera: Eurydice . Regional: MUNY, PCLO, Goodspeed Opera, Sacramento Music, Ogunquit Playhouse, MSMT, and others. BFA, Penn State. Thank you to my friends/family and CESD.

Luke Monday

Tours: The Book of Mormon (Elder Price standby), Mamma Mia! (Sky u/s). Select regional: La Jolla Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Sacramento Music Circus. Other: Captain America in the world premiere of Rogers: The Musical at Disney’s California Adventure; Original Cast Recording now streaming. “Don’t compromise yourself. You’re all you’ve got.”

Tanisha Moore

BFA Music Theatre, Florida State University. Previous tours: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , Flashdance . Featured Cast Recordings: Disney’s Freaky Friday , Emojiland Off-Broadway . Certified yoga instructor (@FullOutFlows). Thank you to CESD, Mom, Dad, and Grandma!

Kenneth Michael Murray

Broadway: Anastasia , Paramour . Tours: Anastasia (Dance Captain), An American in Paris . NY/TV: Radio City Christmas Spectacular , “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” The Met Gala. Many thanks to Jessica; my family, both chosen & given; the entire MR! team; & CESD!

Elyse Niederee

Thrilled to be here and thrilled that you’re here. Broadway: King Kong . Tour: Elf . TV: “SNL,” “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Utah native. Avid outdoorswoman. Novice ukulele player. Lots of love and great gratitude to my friends, teachers, and especially to my parents and brothers for their nonstop encouragement.

Omar Nieves

Proud Puertorriqueño . Tours: Aladdin , Anastasia , West Side Story (Tokyo). Pre-Broadway: The Karate Kid . NYC: Smiley , Shadows . Regional: A Crossing (Best Supporting Actor Award), Godspell , La Cage aux Folles , Wit . Love and endless thanks to my husband, Bloc, chosen family, and friends.

Kent Overshown

It’s a dream realized to be a part of the Moulin Rouge! family. NYC: Promenade (City Center Encores!). National Tours: The Book of Mormon (Jumamosi), The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess , Memphis . Concert: “Bernstein: Mass” (Philadelphia Orchestra). Endless thanks to friends, fam, and HCKR. Go blue!

Stefanie Renee Salyers

Stefanie Renee Salyers is so honored to be at the Moulin Rouge! Credits: Tootsie (First National Tour), On Your Feet! (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Crossing (Barrington Stage Company). Thank you to my unbelievably supportive friends and family.

Adéa Michelle Sessoms

Credits: “10 Years Golden” Tour (Santigold), “99 Cents” Tour (Santigold). National Tours: Wicked (First and Second National Tours). Regional: North Shore Music Hall. TV/Film: “The Other Two” (HBO), “The Ellen Show.” BFA, The University of the Arts.

Jordan Vasquez

Tour: Chicago (Bailiff/Jury). Regional: The Full Monty (North Shore MT), Head Over Heels (Gateway), Cabaret (Barbara B. Mann). Cruise: Oceania , Regent , NCL . BFA in Musical Theater, Illinois Wesleyan University. “Thank you, fam! I love you, Joe and Lily!”

Will President Biden’s arrival in Chicago for DNC be met with a hug or a shrug?

C HICAGO — Chicago will play host to President Joe Biden’s renomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in August, but the voting in last week’s presidential primary indicates the city’s welcome may be less than wholehearted.

With mail-in ballots still being counted, results from the Chicago Board of Elections show that of the more than 300,000 Democratic ballots cast in the city, nearly 1 in 4 party voters — more than 73,000 — opted not to vote for president or cast a ballot for one of Biden’s three nominal challengers.

At the same time, the Republican primary election indicated a softness in support for former President Donald Trump in the suburbs, a key swing area that has gradually turned more Democratic.

Reflective of a low-enthusiasm election, nearly 15% of Democratic voters in Chicago chose to not cast a vote for president, according to unofficial results from Chicago election officials. In addition, more than 10% of city Democratic voters who filled out a ballot for president opted for someone other than Biden, the results showed. Combined, that meant more than 24% of Chicago Democrats either didn’t vote for president or didn’t vote for the current president.

The number of voters who didn’t cast a presidential vote likely included an unknown number who wrote in “Gaza” as part of an organized protest against Biden’s actions toward the Israel-Hamas war. Write-in votes are not legally counted in the city.

The unofficial outcome of the Democratic presidential vote in Chicago shows Biden received 89.6%, compared with 4% apiece for Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and activist Marianne Williamson and 2.5% for entrepreneur Frank “Frankie” Lozada.

Biden is not in danger of losing Illinois and its 19 electoral votes in November. But David Yepsen, former director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, said that if the support for Biden in about a half-dozen swing states is similarly soft, those states could end up going for Trump.

“It’s just an uninspiring, unexciting candidate at the top of the ticket,” Yepsen, a former national political journalist, said of Biden. “Voters could easily say ‘meh’ and not waste their time voting.

“I think in Illinois, that Democrats have that problem especially because it’s sort of taken for granted it’s going to be a Democratic vote, it’s a Democratic state,” Yepsen said. “And so, if you’re a Democrat, and you’re not excited about Joe Biden, why bother to vote?”

Yepsen said a lack of Biden coattails could come into play in closely fought U.S. Senate and congressional races around the country, including one congressional race in Illinois. On Tuesday, the stage was set for the November showdown in the northwest and west central Illinois 17th Congressional District, where freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen is being targeted by national Republicans and their nominee, Joe McGraw of Rockford.

The March 19 results contrast with recent presidential primary returns.

In 2020, with a contested primary for the Democratic nomination, only 2% of Democratic voters did not cast a ballot for president. Biden defeated U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont 53% to 42%. The two top candidates accounted for 95% of the presidential votes cast.

Four years earlier, with a contested primary between Sanders and former Secretary of State and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, the same percentage of Democratic voters in Chicago — only 2% — did not cast a ballot for a presidential nominee. Clinton defeated Sanders 54% to 45%, and the two accounted for 99% of the presidential ballots cast.

This time, before Illinois’ primary Election Day had even dawned, Biden had already amassed the needed number of nominating delegates to secure his renomination at the Democratic National Convention, which is being held at the United Center Aug. 19-22.

The results from this year’s presidential primary election results most closely compare in recent times to the city’s 2000 Democratic primary, when then-Vice President Al Gore had effectively locked up the nomination and rival former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey had dropped out weeks earlier. This year’s primary resulted in a Chicago voter turnout just below 23%. In 2000, voter turnout was higher, at 33%. As in this year’s primary, there were no statewide contested offices in 2000.

In 2000, Gore won with 86%. But 15% of city Democrats casting ballots did not vote for president then, and 27% of them either did not vote for Gore or cast a vote for president.

At the time, many liberals were soured by the prospect of Gore serving as a continuation of a moderate Bill Clinton administration and some became attracted to Ralph Nader’s Green Party candidacy.

Gore ultimately won the nomination and Illinois in the general election but was defeated by Republican George W. Bush in the controversial Supreme Court-decided outcome that gave Florida and its electoral votes to the Republican.

Whatever problems Biden may have in the city, the primary results also point to difficulties in the suburbs for Trump and Republicans seeking to make inroads after years of Democratic gains in the region.

Unofficial GOP primary results show Trump winning presidential preference contests with 72% in DuPage County, 72.5% in Lake County, 76% in Kane County, 78.5% in McHenry County and 81% in suburban Cook County despite all of Trump’s formal opposition having dropped out of contention months and weeks earlier. Trump’s best suburban showing was in Will County, where he garnered 84% of the vote.

Eric Adelstein, a longtime Chicago-based Democratic political consultant, said the overall numbers for Biden and Trump show that “obviously, what’s well documented, lots of people in this country don’t want either of them.”

But he said any loss of support for Biden by general election time will be minimal and will be more than offset by independent and Republican-leaning suburban women backing the president over issues such as abortion rights.

The question for Democrats, he said, is whether the tradition continues of a diverse political base coalescing for the general election fight.

“I think there’s no … greater motivator for Democrats to vote than Donald Trump. And it’s proven itself in the past,” Adelstein said. “Now, whether the past is prologue, we’re gonna find out in a major way.”

Poll worker Avaria Jones, right, hands paperwork to voter Tommie Brown during the Illinois primary election on March 19, 2024, at Marshall High School in Chicago.

Officers blocked Michigan Avenue at 36th Street with a CTA bus and their bodies on June 4, 2020, as Black Lives Matter protesters marched toward Chicago Police Department headquarters on the South Side, demanding justice for George Floyd.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere / Sun-Times

Russian propaganda push expected in Chicago for Democratic National Convention, experts say

“this is just a target-rich stew for the russians to try lots of things and see what works,” says max bergmann of the center for strategic international studies..

When the Democratic National Convention hits Chicago in August, demonstrators are expected to take to the streets to draw attention to a wide range of causes — immigration, police misconduct, abortion, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

What they might never know is how much Russia and other nations will have been aiming to influence the marches and demonstrations near the United Center and McCormick Place convention sites, experts on disinformation say.

“The eyes of the world are going to be centered on” the convention, says Max Bergmann, a former State Department official who says Russian has long sought “to exploit our divisions.” “There’s going to be protests, and I think that’s sort of red meat to Russian intelligence services.”

Bergmann, a program director with the Center for Strategic International Studies, a Washington think tank, says the convention is ripe for foreign influence campaigns to “sow chaos” and potentially stoke violence.

Some online influence efforts have become highly sophisticated. They don’t just focus on spreading propaganda and disinformation on social media and through their own fake news websites, according to Bergmann and others, who say Russians are now building sites that look nearly identical to mainstream Western news outlets with the aim of duping people as they spread their message.

Ahead of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Russian operatives were accused of hacking party leaders’ emails that showed a bias toward nominee Hillary Clinton over her challenger, Sen. Bernie Sanders. The disclosure caused shock waves weeks before the convention and led to the resignation of U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chairperson of that convention.

U.S. intelligence officials concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin directed an operation aimed at boosting the Republican candidacy of Donald Trump, who went on to defeat Clinton. Accusations that Trump and his associates colluded with Russia hung over his term in office, though a special counsel’s investigation found there wasn’t enough evidence to file any criminal charges.

Russia’s interference efforts this year is likely to be more wide-ranging, from using social media to stoke dissension over hot-button issues to using “human assets” to infiltrate protest groups, Bergmann says.

“It could be the case where there are perhaps Russian operatives that are then physically embedded with some of these groups,” he says. “And their job is to instigate on the ground, to be the one that throws the first rock that they set off a degree of violence.”

Also, social media has “become way more of a cesspool than it was in 2016,” Bergmann says, pointingto X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that billionaire owner Elon Musk has proclaimed to be a haven for free speech. Bergmann says the platform has “become sort of a safe space for extremists and many who want to do America harm.

“In some ways, it’s become a very permissive environment if you’re a Russian intelligence operative,” he says. “That’s the same with Facebook after getting the lion’s share of the scrutiny, I think, after 2016.”

Convention leaders say they’re ready for anything

Bergmann says Russians are primed to seize on issues such as undocumented immigration and racial justice just as activists are preparing to protest President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s war against Hamas and the erosion of abortion rights.

“This is just a target-rich stew for the Russians to try lots of things and see what works or what doesn’t work,” Bergmann says. “And they’re going to have a high failure rate. But the danger is that they are able to really figure out a way to stoke either violence or instigate a real contrived political scandal.”

Russia, the FBI, the First Amendment

For months, activists have been gearing up for the Democratic National Convention. At a conference in April for what’s being called the “March on the DNC 2024,” one activist, Jesse Nevel, spoke about a federal criminal case accusing him and colleagues of working on behalf of the Russian government to conduct a multi-year “foreign malign influence” campaign in the United States.

Nevel, Penny Hess and Omali Yeshitela, all Americans, are charged with conspiring to act as illegal agents of the Russian government within the United States without providing prior notification to the attorney general.

According to a 2023 indictment, a Russian named Aleksandr Ionov recruited them and others to create dissension in the United States and promote secessionist ideologies. With Russia’s supervision, Ionov directed an unsuccessful 2019 political campaign in St. Petersburg, Florida, according to the indictment. Ionov told Reuters in Moscow he wasn’t masterminding a misinformation campaign in the United States. “These charges are complete nonsense,” he told the news service.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Ionov also raised money for the legal defense of Maria Butina, a Russian national who pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as a foreign agent without registering with the Justice Department. Butina, deported in 2019 to her home country, was accused of infiltrating the National Rifle Association to forge ties with conservatives ahead of Trump’s election in 2016.

In 2015, Yeshitela — founder of the African People’s Socialist Party and the Uhuru Movement, to which Nevel and Hess belong — traveled to Russia and entered into a partnership with Ionov, according to the indictment. Ionov is accused of giving directions to the Americans, who lived in Florida and Missouri, to publish Russian propaganda and disinformation.

According to the government, the propaganda included a 2015 United Nations petition “on genocide of African people in the U.S.” and a 2016 statement supporting Russian Olympic athletes accused of state-run doping. The indictment also points to a 2022 speech in which Yeshitela supported Russia’s “defensive” war against Ukraine.

The indictment said Ionov was directly involved in U.S. politics, sending Nevel a message in 2017 offering to provide him with “campaign finance” for his unsuccessful run for mayor of St. Petersburg, during which he advocated reparations for African Americans and said the city was spending too much on the police. He got only 1% of the votes cast. In 2019, according to the indictment, Ionov exchanged messages with Russian security and counterintelligence officials about his efforts to elect another, unnamed political candidate in St. Petersburg.

In 2022, the FBI raided homes and offices connected to the African People’s Socialist Party and the Uhuru Movement. Nevel, Hess and Yeshitela, who were indicted the following year, now call themselves the “Uhuru 3.”

Attorney Leonard Goodman.

On Sept. 28, 2023, Chicago attorney Leonard Goodman, who was representing Hess, unsuccessfully urged a judge to dismiss the charges against her and the other Uhuru 3 defendants, saying, “This would blow a hole in the First Amendment.”

“This is a prosecution of the critics of the U.S. government, nonviolent, with no allegation that there’s any national security concern except that they somehow have a relationship with Russians,” he said, according to a transcript of the hearing.

Nevel’s attorney Akbar Thomas acknowledges his client spoke to the “March on the DNC” meeting in April about the Uhuru 3 but said there was nothing nefarious about it.

“This is the work that this group has been doing since the ‘70s in terms of anti-globalism, anti-capitalism, fighting for the rights of Black people, African people,” Thomas says. “It has nothing to do with Russia or Russian agents.”

Another American has seemingly positioned himself at the center of Russia’s information war. John Mark Dougan, a former sheriff’s deputy from Florida who fled to Moscow to evade criminal charges, has been linked to a network of more than 160 websites that post false news articles pushing Russian propaganda.

The network included a short-lived website called the Chicago Chronicle that published baseless claims that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer oversaw vaccine trials that killed dozens of Ukrainian children, according to a recent report published by NewsGuard, which scrutinizes online news and information.

The narrative was amplified by pro-Kremlin accounts on X and reported by Russian state television. Between September and this month, social media posts and news articles advancing the network’s false claims have been viewed more than 37 million times in 16 languages, according to NewsGuard.

The secret DNC communications center

‘I’ll have my popcorn ready to watch it all implode’

Welton Chang, chief executive of Pyrra Technologies, which tracks disinformation and online extremism for companies, think tanks and universities, says that, in 2016, Russians were largely “playing up different racial divisions” and trying to draw attention to Hillary Clinton’s failings. Chang says he’s now interested in the “potential violence-causing narratives” ahead of this summer’s Democratic convention.

Pyrra uses artificial intelligence to collect and filter posts from across the web. Most posts discussing — and in some cases cheering for — violence and destruction at the Democratic convention have originated on far-right platforms, along with disturbing conspiracy theories about the upcoming event.

A recent search of Pyrra’s computerized tracking system found numerous such posts, including one on the social network Gab — a hotbed for racism and extremism — that said: “The more insanity and chaos at the DNC convention in Chicago the better. Riots, fires, assaults, I’ll have my popcorn ready to watch it all implode.”

Antibot4Navalny, another group that researches Russian misinformation efforts, says pro-Kremlin computer robots posing as real people on X in recent weeks have been promoting articles focused on border security and immigration to the United States.

One of those articles was published by Breitbart News, a far right outlet previously run by Trump’s former chief strategist Steve Bannon.

Two other such articles appeared on a website that Facebook’s parent company Meta has flagged as being potentially malicious. According to Meta, that website is linked to Doppelgänger, described by the social media giant as “the largest and most aggressively persistent covert influence operation from Russia that we’ve seen since 2017.”

Launched after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Doppelgänger runs “a large network of websites spoofing legitimate news outlets” and shares links to those sites on social media.

Recently, Doppelgänger created a bogus version of The Washington Post’s website to promote a story that tied billionaire George Soros to recent campus protests against Israel’s war against Hamas.

The Kremlin-linked operation has also spoofed NATO’s website and has targeted other countries, including Germany, France and Ukraine, according to Meta.

The people behind those sites “appear to be agile in quickly responding to world events in real time” and have seized on anti-police protests in France and criticism of judicial reform in Israel, Meta said in a company report.

‘Decent amount of chatter’ so far

Chang says propaganda generally is rooted in some degree of truth and “nested in existing tropes and narratives.”

“When you invent total fictions, people find it hard to believe,” Chang says. “But, if you base propaganda in that kernel of truth, then you can at least launch off from there and get that buy-in right off the bat.”

Using his company’s search engine, Chang demonstrated for Sun-Times reporters how he can find social media posts about particular topics, including the Democratic National Convention. He found plenty, including hate speech and predictions of violence at the convention, though Chang says it’s hard to tell whether they came from America, Russia or somewhere else — and that’s the goal.

“There’s sort of a decent amount of chatter this far ahead of the event, you know?” Chang says.

“They don’t know in advance what’s actually going to get traction,” he says of Russian disinformation agents. “But once something starts to get attention, they will definitely double down.”

Ex-President Donald Trump and attorney Todd Blanche, both wearing dark suits and white shirts with ties, stand behind a metal barrier as they address media after Trump's guilty verdict on 34 felony counts.

Full Cast Revealed For the First National Tour of MJ THE MUSICAL

MJ will launch its First National Tour at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre from August 1 – September 2, 2023.

The full cast has been revealed for the First National Tour of MJ the Musical.

Joining previously announced Roman Banks (Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) as the title role of ‘MJ’ will be Jamaal Fields-Green (MJ – Alternate), Brandon Lee Harris (Michael), Josiah Benson (Little Michael), Ethan Joseph (Little Michael), Devin Bowles ( Joseph Jackson /Rob), Mary Kate Moore (Rachel), J. Daughtry ( Berry Gordy /Nick), Josh A. Dawson ( Tito Jackson / Quincy Jones ), Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (Little Marlon), Matt Loehr (Dave), Da’Von Moody (Alejandro) and Anastasia Talley (Katherine Jackson/Kate).

The ensemble includes JoJo Carmichael (Swing), Croix DiIenno (Ensemble), Kellie Drobnick (Ensemble), Kyle Dupree (Swing/Dance Captain), Zuri Noelle Ford (Swing), Jahir L. Hipps (Swing), Bryson Jacobi Jackson ( Jermaine Jackson /Ensemble), Rajané Katurah (Swing/Assistant Dance Captain), Jordan Markus (MJ/Michael understudy), Matteo Marretta (Ensemble), Janayé McAlpine (Ensemble), Jay McKenzie ( Jackie Jackson /Ensemble), Kendrick Mitchell (Swing), Chelsea Mitchell-Bonsu (Ensemble), Zion Pradier (Swing), Ayla Stackhouse (Swing), Brion Watson (Marlon Jackson/Ensemble), Charles P. Way (Swing) and Malcolm Miles Young ( Randy Jackson /Ensemble).

MJ will launch its First National Tour at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre from August 1 – September 2, 2023. Official press night is Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Tickets, details and current tour schedule are available at MJ TheMusical.com.

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson ’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to cities across the United States as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage , MJ goes beyond the singular moves and Signature Sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

The MJ creative team features Scenic Design by two-time Tony and Emmy Award winner Derek McLane , Lighting Design by seven-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz , Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell , Sound Design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen , Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini , and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe . The creative team also features Musical Supervision by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg , Orchestrations and Arrangements by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb , and Music Direction by Victor Simonson . Casting by The Telsey Office / Rachel Hoffman, CSA, Lindsay Levine, CSA.

The MJ First National Tour is general managed by Bespoke Theatricals . The stage management team is led by Production Stage Manager  Shawn Pennington , Stage Manager Geoff Maus and Assistant Stage Managers Nia J. Blizzard and Maya Bhatnagar. The company management team is led by Company Manager Justin T. Scholl and Assistant Company Manager Tameka Sadler.

MJ is produced on Broadway and tour by Lia Vollack , John Branca and John McClain.

For more information worldwide, visit: www.mjthemusical.com .

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Matt Rife Chicago Theatre comedy shows postponed after Indiana cancellations for 'medical emergency'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Comedian Matt Rife's shows at the Chicago Theatre this weekend have been postponed after he canceled shows in Indiana on Wednesday.

The Chicago Theatre announced Thursday all four of Rife's comedy shows this weekend will be rescheduled to December.

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This comes after Rife tweeted on his X account Wednesday he would have to reschedule his sold-out shows in Indiana due to a "last minute medical emergency."

"I've been doing 40+ shows a month for a year and half and never had to do something like this, I'm so so sorry, I hope you understand and I love you so much," the tweet read.

The "Matt Rife: ProbleMATTic World Tour" shows were supposed to be held at the Indiana University Auditorium. The venue also confirmed the cancellations .

The comedian later made a follow up post to his original tweet, saying "refunds are being issued."

Rife was scheduled to perform four comedy shows at the Chicago Theatre Thursday through Sunday, according to the theatre's website .

The comedy shows at the Chicago Theatre will now be scheduled for December 26-29.

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Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'

NEW YORK -- Jennifer Lopez has canceled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.

"Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends," they said in a statement.

The tour was to be her first in five years, in support of her first solo album in a decade, "This Is Me.... Now" and its companion film.

The tour was scheduled to kick off on June 26 in Orlando, Florida, and conclude in Houston on Aug. 31. Live Nation shared that attendees who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded.

Lopez offered her own statement to fans on her OntheJLo website and newsletter, writing, "I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn't do this if I didn't feel that it was absolutely necessary."

She continued: "I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again. I love you all so much. Until next time..."

"This Is Me... Now" was released early this year, 20 years after her hit album, "This Is Me... Then." Lopez told the AP that the new album was a "miracle," and "a second chance. And I'd love to capture this moment in time the way that album captured that moment in time."