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Real Housewife Kandi Burruss Makes Her Broadway Debut in CHICAGO!

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Walter McBride

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress & TV sensation Kandi Burruss (Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”) made her Broadway debut in the role of “Matron “Mama” Morton” in Chicago on January 15. Burruss will be in the cast for eight weeks only, through March 11, 2018, at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.).

Check out photos from her debut below!

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling, singer, songwriter, TV personality and entrepreneur, Kandi Burruss-Tucker’s influence can be felt everywhere. Not only is she behind countless hit records and a star on the TV smash “The Real Housewives of Atlanta;” Kandi is also thriving in business with her own companies, Bedroom Kandi – an adult line, TAGS Boutique – luxury women’s apparel, Raising Ace – a baby line inspired by her son Ace, Old Lady Gang – a southern eatery, and other ventures.”

The production currently stars Tony Award nominee Charlotte d’Amboiseas Roxie Hart, Olivier Award Winner & Original Cast Member Leigh Zimmerman as Velma Kelly, Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

With a legendary book by Fred Ebband Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago is now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, Chicago is the winner of six 1997 TONY AWARDS including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, sound design by Scott Lehrer and casting by Stewart/Whitley.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

We Speak Actors

Marvel Actor Sebastián Capitán Viveros (‘Capi’) Stars as Series Regular in ‘Fightland’

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Sebastián Capitán Viveros, better known as ‘Capi,’ has quietly built an impressive international career, appearing in major productions including Marvel Studios’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Eternals,’ alongside acclaimed series such as ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ and the thriller ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue.’ He now stars as series regular Lazaro in the action crime drama ‘Fightland,’ now streaming in the U.S. on STARZ, with a UK release on Sky Atlantic and NOW planned soonExecutive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the series marks another major milestone for one of the industry’s most exciting rising international talents.

Having grown up between Mexico, the United States and Switzerland before establishing himself in the UK after graduating from the prestigious Drama Centre London, Capi brings authenticity, emotional depth and remarkable versatility to every performance. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his multicultural upbringing, working on blockbuster productions, landing the role he believes he was born to play, and why ‘Fightland’ represents the most exciting chapter of his career so far.

For readers discovering your work for the first time, could you tell us a little about your acting journey? Having grown up between Mexico, the USA and Switzerland before building your career in the UK, how has your multicultural background shaped you both personally and professionally?

The universe chose me to be an actor; there is nothing else that would sit right in my soul than living through the expression of my art. Growing up across different countries and learning several languages allowed me to see both the world and myself from different perspectives. Being away from my home country since I was five years old, theatre became my refuge. It gave me the freedom to discover who I truly was alongside my twin sister and soulmate, Ilse. We both found a sense of security on stage. My first acting coach, Judith Hall, taught me what it truly means to be a professional actor and helped me earn my place at Drama Centre London. That experience shaped me into the man I always dreamed—and knew—I was meant to become.

Courtesy of STARZ

Throughout your career you’ve appeared in productions including ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ ‘Eternals,’ ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ and now ‘Fightland.’ Looking back, which projects are you most proud of to date, and why?

“I went from serving Malaysian food in Camden Town to standing on a boat with Tom Holland and Zendaya in Venice while filming a Marvel production.”

That was my very first screen role in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ and it completely changed my life. It connected me to my higher self and made me feel aligned with my destiny. ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ was another unforgettable milestone because it was my first leading role. Filming alongside one of my closest friends from Drama Centre while portraying a Mexican lieutenant inspired by my grandfather—who was an admiral in the Mexican Navy—was incredibly meaningful. But ‘Fightland’ is on another level. The filmmaking, the people, the experience… It was one of the most profound, joyful, and unforgettable experiences of my career.

In ‘Fightland,’ you play Lazaro, a series regular. What attracted you to the role, what can audiences expect from your character without giving too much away, and what was it like working alongside such a talented cast?

The moment I read the audition scenes, I knew I was born to play Lazaro. An actor’s responsibility is to tell the truth, and Lazaro is my truth—apart from the criminal side! He’s a Mexican raised in the United States, and I connected deeply with him. Audiences can expect violence, strength, emotional depth and plenty of authentic Mexican swagger. Working with such an exceptional cast was a gift. Great actors elevate one another, and every scene became an opportunity to feed off each other’s performances. The showrunners, Damione and Raphael, as well as directors Otto and Seb, created an environment where I learned and grew in ways I can’t fully describe.

Courtesy of STARZ

Your role includes action and physically demanding scenes. How did you prepare for them, and what was the most rewarding or challenging part of bringing Lázaro to life?

The most challenging—and enjoyable—part was training with legendary stunt coordinator Will Mackay. We spent countless hours practising fight choreography, gun handling and knife work. 

“Audiences should prepare for intense action that will genuinely keep them on the edge of their seats.”

For me, preparation comes down to repetition. You rehearse until everything becomes instinct. Then, once you’re on set, you let go of all that preparation and simply live truthfully in the moment.


Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next chapter of your career, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance in ‘Fightland’?

What excites me most is seeing a future where I can continue doing what I love—telling stories through art. I hope ‘Fightland’ introduces audiences to my commitment as an actor and demonstrates my versatility. While I’m proud of my Latino heritage, I don’t want to be defined solely by it. I’m an artist, a human being, ready to play any role—to be vulnerable or strong, funny or serious—and I’m hungry for every life I get the chance to live through acting.

Featured photo credit: Courtesy of STARZ

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