Filipina American Actress Lissa deGuzman Cast as Velma Kelly in Chicago
Photographed by JV Rabano
The Filipino American actress follows her acclaimed run in A Chorus Line with a starring role in Broadway’s longest-running American musical.
At this point in her Broadway career, it is no longer a breakout role; it is a career-defining showcase. In this decade alone, Lissa deGuzman landed the role of Jasmine in Aladdin when Broadway reopened after the pandemic, became the first Filipina to play Elphaba in the US National Tour of Wicked in 2022, and most recently starred as Cassie in A Chorus Line. This year, deGuzman keeps the momentum going as she takes on the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
When Chicago opened in 1975, it enjoyed a successful two-year run before closing in August 1977. When it returned in 1996 for a Broadway revival, however, it continued running and has remained on stage ever since, making it the longest-running current show on Broadway.
After wrapping up her role as Cassie in A Chorus Line, deGuzman takes on the lead role of Velma Kelly in Chicago, beginning August 31 at the Ambassador Theatre. She was in Manila last July to headline the “After Oz” 4th anniversary concert.
Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie, Chicago follows the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her secret lover after he threatens to leave her. Hoping to win the sympathy of the public, she manipulates public opinion alongside her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to turn her crime into a sensational headline. The production won six Tony Awards in 1997, including Best Revival of a Musical, as well as the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Joining deGuzman in the cast of Chicago are Ivy as Roxie Hart, the South Korean singer making her Broadway debut for a limited run; Mark Ballas as Billy Flynn; Jacqueline Arnold as Matron “Mama” Morton; Eddie Cooper as Amos Hart; and J. Workman as Mary Sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lissa DeGuzman is a Filipina American stage actress known for her work on Broadway and US national tours. She made history as the first Filipina to play Elphaba in the US National Tour of Wicked and has since appeared in productions including Aladdin, A Chorus Line, and now Chicago.
Chicago is a Broadway musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in the 1920s, it follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women accused of murder who compete for fame and public sympathy while navigating the criminal justice system.
Chicago is currently playing at the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway in New York City. The long-running revival has been staged there since 2003 and continues to welcome audiences throughout the year.
DeGuzman made her Broadway debut in 2021 as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin when Broadway reopened following the pandemic. She has since continued her Broadway career with roles in A Chorus Line and Chicago.
Before joining Chicago, DeGuzman starred as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, became the first Filipina to portray Elphaba in the US National Tour of Wicked, and most recently played Cassie in A Chorus Line.