Matteo Lane, a rising star in the world of comedy and entertainment, is set to bring his charisma to Broadway this summer. Lane will be taking on the iconic role of Billy Flynn in the enduring musical Chicago, starting on June 22 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City. This news was confirmed exclusively by PEOPLE.
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Chicago, renowned for being Broadway’s longest-running American musical, is gearing up for a significant milestone this autumn, celebrating its impressive 30th anniversary. Lane will be replacing Nik Walker in the role of the suave lawyer, joining a talented cast that includes Rachel Schur as Roxie Hart, Sophie Carmen-Jones as Velma Kelly, Jacqueline B. Arnold as Matron “Mama” Morton, Greg Hildreth as Amos Hart, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.
At the age of 39, Lane is currently on an international tour titled We Gotta Catch Up. Since embarking on his first global tour, Lane has captivated audiences in prestigious venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Chicago Theatre, and The Kennedy Center. In addition to his live performances, he has also released a series of acclaimed comedy specials, including The Al Dente Special, Hair Plugs & Heartache, and The Advice Special.
Lane’s television credentials are equally impressive, with appearances in Abbott Elementary and Survival of the Thickest, as well as Netflix’s notable all-queer stand-up special, Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution. Speaking candidly to PEOPLE about his career path, Lane reflected on his aspiration to be a comedic actor from a young age. “Even when I was four, I said I wanted to be a famous comedic actor like Jim Carrey. I knew I had something,” he shared, revealing a strong sense of purpose that guided him toward stand-up comedy.
While Lane has dreamt of portraying legendary characters like Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, he is enthusiastic about his upcoming role in Chicago, which has proven to be a remarkable platform for artists. The revival, which originally premiered in 1975, follows the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly—two women who use their infamy to achieve fame on the Vaudeville circuit.
Chicago is renowned for its captivating score, featuring the musical talents of John Kander and the lyrics of Fred Ebb. The musical includes timeless favourites such as “All That Jazz,” “When You’re Good to Momma,” “Roxie,” and of course, the titular “Razzle Dazzle.” The 1996 revival, directed by Walter Bobbie, has become a lasting mainstay in the Broadway scene, winning six Tony Awards shortly after its debut.
The star-studded film adaptation released in 2002, featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger, further cemented Chicago’s legacy, earning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film showcased a remarkable cast, including Richard Gere, Taye Diggs, Christine Baranski, and Queen Latifah as Matron “Mama” Morton.
To mark its three-decade journey, Chicago will also host a special performance during the 2026 Tony Awards, set for June 7. The event will feature a diverse lineup of celebrated stars, including Grammy Award-winner Pink and Tony winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Queen Latifah, who previously earned an Oscar nomination for her role in the film adaptation, will also return for this tribute.
Adding excitement to the celebration is Whitney Leavitt, who made her Broadway debut in Chicago, breaking box office records with her performance. This recent surge of talent in the production highlights the enduring appeal of the musical and its capacity to attract new audiences.
With tickets for Chicago currently available, theatre enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Lane’s debut this summer, as he joins the ranks of a legacy that has captivated audiences for generations. Lane’s anticipated performance as Billy Flynn marks yet another chapter in the storied history of this beloved musical, promising plenty of charm and razzle dazzle on stage.