The Bandleader Was Billy in the Musical
Most of the cast of the 2002 Chicago film had little to no experience with the Chicago musical. Some of them had seen it, but only one of them had starred in it! Taye Diggs, who plays the bandleader in the movie, also appeared in the 1996 Broadway revival, filling in as Billy Flynn when the original actor wasn’t available.
Taye Diggs in ‘Chicago’ 2002. Source: MoviestillsDB.com / copyright: Miramax Films
Diggs has enjoyed a lot of success in musical theatre. He originated the role of the landlord, Benny, in Rent and also appeared in the off-Broadway production of The Wild Party at Manhattan Theatre Club. He also filled in as Flyero in Wicked and has appeared in several other classic musicals over the years.