Broadway is preparing to welcome another Filipino trailblazer. Beginning August 31, Lissa de Guzman will take on one of musical theater’s most iconic roles. Specifically, she will wear Velma Kelly’s signature bob and sequins in the Tony Award-winning revival of Chicago at New York’s Ambassador Theatre.
In this production, the acclaimed performer follows in the footsteps of Sophie Carmen-Jones. As a result, she adds yet another major milestone to her impressive career on Broadway and beyond.
Broadway Body to The Center Stage
For theater fans, de Guzman’s casting feels like the next logical step in her rise. Previously, she wowed audiences as Elphaba in Wicked and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. In fact, she made history as the first Filipino actor to play Elphaba in the North American tour of Wicked. This landmark achievement firmly established her as a rising star.
De Guzman first took her Broadway bow as the alternate for Ann Darrow in King Kong. Since then, she has graced major stages across the U.S., including The Muny, Drury Lane Theatre, and The 5th Avenue Theatre. Most recently, she lit up the stage as Cassie in A Chorus Line in Manila. Additionally, her global journey includes singing for Disney and performing at Carnegie Hall.
From Wisconsin Roots to Broadway Fame
Originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, de Guzman found her passion for theater in high school. In particular, she was inspired by her older brother Matthew, who is also a Broadway performer. She later earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Belmont University. Interestingly, she once considered becoming a dermatologist. However, a theater director’s encouragement ultimately guided her toward the spotlight.
Filipina Plays Velma Kelly
By taking on Velma Kelly, de Guzman steps into one of Broadway’s longest-running shows. Set against the glittering backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, an ambitious dancer who manipulates the media after committing murder. At the center of this drama stands Velma Kelly, Roxie’s fiercely competitive rival. Ultimately, Velma’s sharp wit and show-stopping numbers have made the role truly legendary.
In conclusion, joining Chicago marks a defining new chapter for de Guzman. Above all, she continues to break barriers and highlight the incredible depth of Filipino talent on the world stage.
Read more Stories on Simpol.ph
Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas Held Its First Ever Papet Playlab!
DUP Attends To Rapid Historical Amnesia With “Paano Umalala nang may Pag-alaga?”
Navigating *Realistic* Adulthood With Bern — Unemployed Series
