Based on the strange headline and the day this article is being posted, this looks to have all the makings of one of those fake April Fool’s articles. However, it’s completely true. From April 25-30, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts will host a touring company that will perform Chicago. Though that’s not particularly notable, the unconventional actor who will star in the play might be, at least for football fans.

The role of slick criminal lawyer Billy Flynn will be played by none other than 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and four-time NFL Pro Bowl running back Eddie George. Following a storied collegiate career with the Ohio State Buckeyes and an impressive nine-year NFL career—in which he amassed more than 10,000 rushing yards and 78 total touchdowns—with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Dallas Cowboys, George eventually caught the acting bug. He’s had small film and television roles (including an appearance on IFC’s Comedy Bang Bang!), but the majority of his acting work has been on stage in his hometown of Nashville.

Now, he’ll helm the touring company of one of Broadway’s most respected musicals in a role that was previously played by Usher, Patrick Swayze, and (for some reason) Billy Ray Cyrus. Unless Ron Dayne earns a role in Wicked soon or Charles Woodson is rehearsing in secrecy for a local staging of Hamilton, seeing Eddie George in Chicago could be your only opportunity to see a Big Ten superstar and Heisman winner belting out show tunes. Tickets are on sale now.

About The Author

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Co-Founder and Editor

Before co-founding Milwaukee Record, Tyler Maas wrote for virtually every Milwaukee publication (except Wassup! Magazine). He lives in Bay View and enjoys both stuff and things.