Theater News

Smokey Robinson to Become Chicago‘s Billy Flynn on April 24

Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson

Legendary pop musician/songwriter Smokey Robinson will take on the role of Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago, April 24-June 11. The role is currently being played by John O’Hurley; his run is scheduled to end on March 26, but he may extend.

Robinson was the lead singer for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, whose numerous top-40 hits include “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “Shop Around.” As a songwriter, his many classic tunes include “My Girl,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and “One Heartbeat.”

Robinson is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. In 1989, he was named a Grammy Living Legend, and he received the National Medal of the Arts in 2003.

Chicago celebrated its ninth anniversary on Broadway in November, 2005. The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Revival.