Ellie Roddy Stars as Roxie Hart in CHICAGO Tour

Categories: Events/What's HappeningNewsTheater

A scene depicting the vibrant energy of the CHICAGO national tour.

News Summary

Ellie Roddy, a 25-year-old performer from Orlando, will be playing Roxie Hart in the national tour of CHICAGO at the Providence Performing Arts Center from May 2 to May 4. This role signifies a career milestone for Roddy, who has been performing full-time since 18. Despite initial disappointment in auditioning for the role last year, her perseverance led to this breakthrough. The show promises an unforgettable experience for theatergoers as it tours across North America.

Providence – Ellie Roddy, a talented 25-year-old performer from Orlando, Florida, is set to take center stage as Roxie Hart in the national tour of CHICAGO, launching at the Providence Performing Arts Center from May 2 to May 4. This role marks a significant milestone in Roddy’s career as she brings the iconic character to life for audiences in Rhode Island.

Roddy has been a full-time performer since the age of 18, showcasing her talent in various roles across the theatrical landscape. She credits her formative years in Orlando, particularly the performances at local theme parks, for honing her skills and providing her with valuable industry experience. Roddy’s journey began at Universal Studios, where she first performed in the Hogwarts Universe.

Notably, Roddy earned her Equity Actors card through her time working in the production of “Finding Nemo” at Disney World, a position that allowed her to forge lifelong friendships in the competitive world of theater. Over the years, she has appeared in various regional shows and taken part in multiple theater tours. Her resume boasts impressive roles including Anytime Annie in ’42nd Street’, Rizzo in “Grease”, and an understudy role for Cynthia Weil in “Beautiful”.

Roddy’s road to playing Roxie Hart in CHICAGO was not without its challenges. In 2023, she initially auditioned for the role but experienced disappointment when she did not secure it. Demonstrating perseverance and resilience, she auditioned again the following year, resulting in her casting as Roxie Hart in the current tour. Rehearsals commenced in September, leading to the tour’s first performance in November in Birmingham, Alabama.

Roddy’s passion for performing was nurtured during her childhood; she began dancing at the age of three, inspired by her family’s deep connection to the arts. Her mother, a gig singer, and her father, a writer and director, have been influential figures throughout her life, steering her toward a career in show business. Roddy’s first taste of acting came early on in her life when she starred as Mister Mayor in “Seussical Jr.” at the age of 11.

As of now, Roddy is currently touring in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she has reported pleasant weather. Interestingly, she noted that she has not encountered any resistance from Canadians while performing as a U.S. artist on tour. This leg of the national tour is scheduled to conclude in June in Miami, with hopes for an extension into another year, showcasing the continued popularity of this acclaimed production.

Audience members eager to see Roddy’s portrayal of Roxie Hart can purchase tickets to CHICAGO at the Providence Performing Arts Center by visiting 401.421.ARTS or checking the venue’s official website for more details. With a talented cast and a dynamic performance, the show promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for theatergoers.