Singer and actor Ivy poses for a photo during a press conference at Chungmu Arts Center in central Seoul, Tuesday, announcing her Broadway debut in the musical "Chicago." Yonhap
Musical actor and singer Ivy, 43, is taking her signature role across the Pacific. After 15 years owning the part of Roxie Hart in the Korean production of "Chicago," she will make her Broadway debut in the role this August.
"Chicago" is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, having won Tonies in six categories, including Best Revival of a Musical in 1997. Set in 1920s Chicago, the show satirizes the era's justice system and a culture obsessed with fame. The story follows Roxie Hart, a woman imprisoned for killing her lover, and Velma Kelly, who is locked up for murdering her unfaithful husband and her sister.
In Korea, the musical has been staged regularly since Seensee Company's original 2000 production.
Ivy holds the record for the longest run as Roxie Hart in a Korean production — an experience she will bring with her to the Ambassador Theatre in New York from Aug. 17 to Sept. 7. Since first taking the stage in 2012, she has performed the role in nearly 600 shows, a run that helped transform her public image from singer to leading musical theater actor.
