Playhouse alumnus in the running to star in “Chicago” on Broadway

Bigfork Summer Playhouse alumnus and Belmont University musical theatre senior Ginny Swanson was named a semi-finalist in the national search for Broadway’s next Roxie Hart in the hit musical, “Chicago.” Casting directors, producers and former stars of “Chicago” chose Swanson as one of only 10 semi-finalists from hundreds of applicants who submitted video auditions. 

Swanson spent the past summer performing at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse in “Seussical The Musical”, “Oklahoma!,” “Catch Me If You Can,” and “The Wedding Singer,” and was one of the recipients of the 2019 BSP Scholarships.  

“She was a wonderful young lady. Always happy, always ready to go out and have a good time! A hard worker on and off stage. A delight to have in our company,” wrote playhouse associate producer Brach Thomson. “We’re only sorry that this great opportunity might keep her from returning to another summer season at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.”

Fans can help Swanson advance to the final three by casting their vote at www.chicagothemusical.com/roxiecasting through Nov. 8. The top three finalists will be flown to New York City in November to audition in person with the show’s directors and producers. 

Broadway.com will film and produce a five-episode video series documenting the audition process, including interviews with the cast and creative team of “Chicago,” former celebrity Roxie Harts and footage of the contestants learning the iconic Roxie songs and dances. This will culminate with the official Broadway debut of the show’s newest Roxie Hart onstage at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.

To see Swanson in action, visit www.broadway.com and select ‘Video’ from the top page menu. View the video titled “The Search for Roxie: Episode 2.” Swanson is featured at 2:18. ¦