Billy Ray Cyrus Broadway Debut in "Chicago" as Billy Flynn
Billy Ray Cyrus is taking on the new challenge of song and dance on Broadway.
The country music star debuts on Broadway today in the hit musical "Chicago," according to Us Weekly.
The 51-year-old singer and father of pop star Miley Cyrus will star as the fast talking lawyer Billy Flynn, the role played by Richard Gere in the 2002 film adaptation of musical.
The revival of the Tony Award-winning musical runs from Nov. 5 to Dec. 23 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.
"My lead role in 'Chicago,' that's my celebration," Cyrus said, according to the Toronto Sun. "A lot of the fans are coming from different places around the world and that's kind of your 20-year celebration."
While the singer is excited about the opportunity, he admits his trepidations.
"I've been preparing for quite some time, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous .... OK, a lot nervous," said Cyrus, according to the Boot. "Last night, I was so tired -- I'd done interviews all day, but trust me, I ended my night studying that script and singing those songs. I'm really excited about getting up to New York City and living there. I've never lived in New York City, let alone step out on Broadway and pretend that I was Billy Flynn! It's going to be so fun."
On Twitter, Cyrus updated his fans on Sunday just before his Broadway debut.
"Just finished my last rehearsal! @ChicagoTheMusical before opening night tomorrow in NYC! Talk about your ThrillBilly!!!! Weeedoggies," posted the Kentucky native.
It's been 20 years since Cyrus first rose to fame with his breakout hit "Achy Breaky Heart. Since then he has sold over 25 million albums with a new album "Change My Mind" from Blue Cadillac Records due this month. The busy singer has also found the time to pen his autobiography titled "My Life" which hits bookshelves spring 2013.
