Should We Be Boycotting Broadway's "Chicago"?

Over the past couple of weeks, more and more information has been coming out about the alleged treatment of Chicago cast member Jeffrey Loeffelholz which, according to people close to him, caused him to commit suicide last month.

As more details are released and other former cast members are coming forward with their own experiences of bullying at the hands of Chicago leadership, the anger towards the producers and creative team is only getting more heated.

Now, with the addition of a reported legal battle between lawyers, some are saying enough is enough and are encouraging a boycott of the show.

BroadwayChristopher PetersonJuly 18, 2018Chris Peterson, Jeff Loeffelholz, Chicago

Issues at Broadway's "Chicago" All Too Familiar When It Comes to Bullying in Theatre

After spending 22 years in a cast of a Broadway show, one deserves a curtain call worthy of that achievement. It could be a standing ovation during the final bow. Or a backstage celebration. Or parting gifts from the cast, creative and producers.

But instead of being recognized for a rare achievement in New York theatre, Jeff Loeffelholz ended his own life with a mixture of painkillers and alcohol.

What led Jeff to this point is going to be the subject of investigations by multiple organizations and their results could lead to a complete reshaping of working conditions in professional theatre.

While Jeff's alleged treatment behind-the-scenes at Chicago is horrific, for many other performers, it's all too familiar.

Community Theatre, College, Broadway, High School TheatreChristopher PetersonJuly 10, 2018Chris Peterson, Jeff Loeffelholz, Chicago

Subscribe