A conversation with Craig Urbani

My favourite musical is Chicago, a sultry, sexy, sensuous spectacle set in the sleazy jazz bars of the 1920s.

The show opens soon in Cape Town and Johannesburg with a red-hot cast including Craig Urbani, playing the smooth talking lawyer Billy Flynn.

Craig first played the role a decade ago, when he was on a downward spiral of drinking that almost cost his life. I love this interview for his honesty about his alcohol addiction and what he’s now doing to help others.

We chatted in the gym after a rejuvenated Craig had finished a 90-minute  routine with personal trainer, Bheki. The quality is poor because a photographer was working as we talked, so my phone had to be hidden under Craig’s muscly thighs!

But have a listen to this very honest chat about life, near death and recovery, then go and book your tickets!

Chicago runs at Artscape in Cape Town from March 15 to April 14, and Montecasino Teatro in Johannesburg from April 20 to May 26.

Photos by Christiaan Kotze & Ruphin Coudyzer.