Monday, July 13, 1998
Alexander breezes through from ‘Chicago’ to New York
THEATER: Actress covets chance to act with friend, work with
dance legend
By Stephanie Sheh
Daily Bruin Contributor
Theater lets numerous actresses perform the same great roles.
Each performer brings a different interpretation or insight to the
character. The multitude of these diverse performances has many
theater fans on the Internet and in coffee shops debating over
their favorite theater heroines.
"Chicago’s" recent move from the Ahmanson to the Shubert
provides more fodder for the theater-goers’ discussions. Beginning
tomorrow. actress Khandi Alexander ("News Radio" and "ER") will
join the cast as Velma Kelly, replacing Stephanie Pope, who has
moved to the Orange County production. Pope is taking over for
Jasmine Guy, who opened the show at the Ahmanson and has completed
her 14-month stint with "Chicago’s" national tour.
Alexander has just finished her third week of rehearsals. The
actress’ voice resonated her excitement for the upcoming role.
However, joining an already running cast has not been without its
difficulties. Alexander has yet to work with director Walter
Bobbie, whom she idolizes. Bobbie, along with choreographer Ann
Reinking, is in Australia putting up a production of "Chicago".
"The people in Australia have never even seen the show or Bob
Fosse and they have no idea," Alexander explains. "It takes so much
for (Bobbie) and Ann Reinking to put it together in this other
country that they just didn’t have the time, which I’m just
heartbroken about. But I know eventually they’ll get out and spend
some time with me. I’m just being a little selfish about it. I
think he’s a genius."
The actress says that she probably will not work with Bobbie
before performing at the Shubert. But the preparation keeps
going.
"I was just working with the assistant director who came out for
a few days," Alexander says. "That was a very good experience. But
I find that because I’m going into a show that has already been up,
that I’m having to fight for my choices and to be able to create a
unique and original interpretation of this character, which I don’t
think is fair."
Director aside, Alexander has not had much opportunity to work
with the rest of the cast either. She says that if she is lucky she
might get to work once or twice with the other cast members before
going on stage.
"On the flip side, it keeps it fresh and exciting for them and
for me because they have been doing it so long with someone else.
It might be kind of fun to have a couple of surprises for them in
store without them being fully aware of what’s going to happen. But
unfortunately for me I’m not so aware of what’s going to happen,"
Alexander laughs.
Though she may not be sure what will happen on stage, Alexander
is familiar with the show. One of her first jobs was dancing for
Fosse, who choreographed the original production of "Chicago." The
actress has also seen the musical.
"I saw Bebe (Neuwirth) who I love," Alexander gushes. "And my
rule of thumb is always see the person who has the Tony at her
house."
Alexander is grateful to producers Barry and Fran Weissler for
giving her the opportunity as an African American woman to play
Velma.
"Now this role was created by Chita Rivera, who is Latina, and
there’s certainly a little spitfire thing going on there with Chita
and that’s just her, and I think that’s why she’s a legend,"
Alexander says. "I’m thrilled because I get the opportunity to
bring my sauciness to this character. Bebe is so wonderful in the
role, and she plays it so very much like an ice princess and she’s
just great."
After playing Velma at the Shubert, Alexander will be moving on
to Broadway for six months.
"I can’t wait," Alexander says. "It’s a reason why I took this
job. I wanted to go home. My home is New York. I have a house out
here, but home to me is New York. That’s where my family is and
where I grew up and everything."
Another reason for doing the show was Alexander’s desire to work
with Charlotte d’Amboise, who will star alongside her as Roxie
Hart.
"I just love Charlotte in the show. She stole my heart,"
Alexander says. "I told her she had a lot to do with me doing the
job. Because when I saw her, I said, ‘That’s it. I love her. I got
to work with her.’ … (She) and Billy Flynn. Ah! I loved him so
much. I can’t wait to get up there. I’m so excited."
THEATER: "Chicago" is currently playing at the Shubert Theatre
through Aug. 2. For tickets, call (800) 447-7400.
Photo courtesy of Lori Dunn
Khandi Alexander stars in the musical "Chicago."