Mike Disciullo, bauergriffinonline.com
Billy Ray Cyrus is headed to the bright lights of Broadway! USA Today reports that the singer-actor will join the cast of Chicago as Billy Flynn from Nov. 5 to Dec. 23. While this isn't Billy Ray's first time on a theater stage -- he appeared in a Toronto production of Annie Get Your Gun in 2005 -- it does mark his Broadway debut.
About a year ago, the "Some Gave All" singer was invited by Chicago producers to see the show. At that time, he'd never seen the musical, but was impressed by actor John O'Hurley's interpretation of the calculating character.
"His performance was so brilliant, and I fell in love with this character," Billy Ray admits. "He's got a lot of heart and soul, but he's got an agenda, too. I like that contradiction."
In preparation for the gig, this famous father also viewed the film version of the show, which stars Richard Gere in the part. "I'm probably going to borrow from both performances -- but make it my own, as they say in this business," Billy Ray explains.
The entertainer may be best know for "Achy Breaky Heart," but he's acquired a slew of acting credits over the past decade, including the medical drama "Doc" and the long-running "Hannah Montana" sitcom, which featured his daughter Miley Cyrus in the title role.
Despite his credentials, the Kentucky native isn't entirely at ease with this new task at hand. "I get a little nervous thinking about it," he admits. "Maybe a lot nervous."
Read the full USA Today article here.
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