Hal Linden, the star of the police comedy "Barney Miller" will soon replace Ben Vereen in the show "Chicago" at Mandalay Bay. An official announcement will be forthcoming - on major changes in Chicago's cast.

Those changes also include another TV personality, Jasmine Guy, stepping into the Velma Kelly role for Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, who assumed it briefly after Stephanie Pope returned to Broadway.

Jasmine’s partner in an L.A. version of the show, Charlotte d’Amboise, will replace Marilu Henner, who leaves at the end of the month as Roxie Hart.

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Mark
Talk Vegas Entertainment Moderator



[This message has been edited by Mark (edited August 05, 1999).]

Mark,

Will you PLEASE change the heading for this. I thought you were going to tell me about a big purple dino that was going to appear at my favorite casino! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

jm

I thought the same thing.I was thinking if that PURPLE THING is at Mandalay Bay I am not staying there.

Is it just me, or do they change show personel alot in this show? I still have the Neon section of a Las Vegas paper, that is telling of the start of Marilu Henner, It's dated July 9-19.
I'm not a broadway show person, but it seems the personal for the show has a revolving door. Are all broadway shows like this?


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Just home from LV. Saw MB production of Chicago and it is GREAT!The current Velma Kelly is a knockout in the role, better than Henner we thought. But Marilu was super. I think Hal will bring a lot to the show. Our complaint is the theatre's ticket policy stinks. Paid for the high price $88.00 ticket. Since we did book at the last minute we were not particularly surprised that the computer "that automatically selects the best available seats"(but only after you have booked the non-refundable tickets) put us in the back row of the $88.00 section. When we arrived WE WERE ANGERED that the "computer" seemingly thought that the back row was better than the 10 empty rows in front of us. Of course, at our return after intermission these empty rows were all filled with the patrons who paid $60.00 and moved. Never again, unless Mandalay Bay changes their policy!!!

Ah, now I see what you refered to in another post. It doesn't seem possible that the seats in the row in front of you were purchased and the people did not show up. You also have a good point that they basically charge you for the tickets before they tell you where your seats are. You should be able to ask about where you will be seated before you commit to buying. I think a lot of shows are doing this now.

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum

That is another reason that I am glad that I purchased my tickets on-line through ticketmaster. I get to see what ticket is offered, and a seat map. I pay a ticketmaster surcharge, which I consider cheap insurance.

JMT you refer to when you bought tickets through ticketmaster, and they were for Chicago? Just want to get this all straight as I have Penned my LETTER!~ to MB. Thanks Paula

Paula,

I like the letter idea - if you don't mind a tip. For an extra $ 2. Send it "certified - return receipt".

It will get their attention.



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Mark
Talk Vegas Entertainment Moderator

Paula, I really don't mind letting a computer have first crack at picking my seat, provided I know which seat it selected, have a visual reference of it's location, AND have the opportunity to decline that seat and try another choice.

I do not like what I have heard at several Las Vegas showrooms, in that they tell you it is a good seat, but they won't expand on it's exact location.

I bought my Chicago ticket for Mandalay Bay about a month before the show. I browsed ticketmaster on-line through the dates that I planned to be in town, and decided from there, which date I was going to see the show.

FWIW, I buy almost all of my theater tickets on-line, instead of season tickets. Mainly for seating selection options through the various dates. The convenience factor is certainly worth something. Depending on how I do it, I sometimes pay a Ticketmaster convenience charge AND shipping and handling charge. It sometimes seems steep, but standing in line at a department store Ticketmaster office and waiting in line, makes me remember why I buy on-line.

Dear JMT, I wouldn't mind either if I had the option to decline the given seat. But this was not the case at the Mandalay Bay ticket office. It was only after you booked.So you did confirm tickets and location before the purchase with ticket master for a Chicago performance? Yes or No?Thanks for the info Paula

YES

Thanks JMT, we have learned from you. We'll know better next time.!!!!!!

FWIW,

Hal Linden's opening nite will be Aug 31st.


Mark

Thanks to you for the info on seating. Going in Sept. & was thinking of seeing this show. If decide to do so, will definitely buy on puter.

As of right now, tickets to Chicago are being sold until February, 2000.