The Tony award winning Broadway hit Chicago opened on stage this week at Shea's Performing Arts Center. It stars an actor who is best known for his role in Seinfeld. John O'Hurley performs as lawyer Billy Flynn. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley talked with O'Hurley about his Chicago performances and his famous Seinfeld character.
"I think we are bringing to Buffalo probably the best production of Chicago that has ever been staged," said O'Hurley.
"I think we are bringing to Buffalo probably the best production of Chicago that has ever been staged," said John O'Hurley.
Hurley said he has acted the role of Billy Flynn more than one-thousand times.
"I say one prayer before I go every night on stage and say 'God let me be surprised' and I am, that show surprises me every night," said O'Hurley.
O'Hurley has an extensive background in acting and singing. He's appeared in other musical shows including Pirates of Penzance, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Brigadoon.
O'Hurley is also a New York Times bestselling author. One of his books, The Perfect Dog, is expected to be performed as a stage musical.
O'Hurley is best known as J. Peterman on "Seinfeld". "I never expected that I would be in such as smash-hit," said O'Hurley. During the WBFO interview O'Hurley provided some stellar Peterman dialog.
But there is more, O'Hurley also provides about 15 animation voices. He is the voice of King Neptune in the cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants". In fact, O'Hurley noted while in Buffalo this week for his Broadway show, he will be recording for Nickelodeon's cartoon Wallykazam. "So I'm recording while I'm here," said O'Hurley. "Animation is about story telling."
O'Hurley has also served as host of "Family Feud."
"I love game shows. I really do, because for me, hosting a game show is like having a cocktail party every night," said O'Hurley.
O'Hurley said that another new game show is in the works that he is expected to be host. But O'Hurley is not sure when or if it will make it to the airwaves.
"I will tease it by saying it is the funniest thing I've ever done if it goes on," said O'Hurley.
Chicago is on stage at Shea's through Sunday, February 22. Tickets are still available for all remaining performances.