‘Uptown girl’ supermodel Christie Brinkley’s upcoming London West End stage debut in Chicago has been postponed for personal reasons.
Brinkley is playing the part of Roxie Hart in the West End production from July 11th for four weeks. She previously played the role in the Broadway production earlier this year and was about to leave the US. However, Brinkley pulled out after her mother was admitted into hospital for an emergency medical procedure.
Brinkley said: “I am very sorry for the inconvenience and changes to the schedule in London. I thank my producers and new cast mates for being so flexible and understanding and I look forward to giving it my all in dedication to my loving, generous and supportive parents who set me on this ‘Broadway Adventure’, which now leads me to London’s prestigious West End.”
Chicago producer Barry Weissler said: “It must be said that Christie’s success on Broadway this spring was not just hers, but her parents’ as well. In fact, at first she debated whether or not to accept the part because of her parents’ health. But when she told them about the offer to star on Broadway, Christie’s father, who is unfortunately unable to speak, simply wrote the words ‘take it’ on a slip of paper. With that slip of paper, she knew her decision was made. And Christie kept that paper taped to the mirror in her backstage dressing room throughout her entire Broadway run.
“And speaking for the entire Chicago company, we all wish her mother a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing Christie reprise her remarkable performance in our West End production as soon as possible.”
Sarah Soetaert, who plays Roxie Hart at the moment, will continue until Brinkley is able to join the company at the Cambridge Theatre.
11th July 2011
