Chicago: Christopher McDonald to play Billy Flynn

Christopher McDonald is to return to the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago from 15 Oct - 19 Nov 2006.

This will be Christopher McDonald's second stint in the Broadway production of Chicago, he made his Broadway debut playing the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn in July 2005.

McDonald will be replacing Usher who leaves the show on the 14 Oct 2006, and will himself be replaced by Huey Lewis who will assume thr role from 20 Nov 2006.

Christopher McDonald's recent film credits include 'Fat Actress,' 'Cracking Up,' 'Grind,' 'Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams.' He is currently filming 'The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.'

Chicago currently features,Usher as Billy Flynn, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Rob Bartlett as Amos, Roz Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

The musical has been playing on Broadway since 14 Nov 1996, it moved to the Ambassador Theatre on the 29 Jan 2003 where it is currently booking to the 25 Mar 2007.

The show has music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Book by Bob Fosse & Fred Ebb.

Chicago follows not your usual housewife, Roxie Hart, who gains dubious notoriety when she kills her boyfriend, invents her defense and manipulates everyone from her trustworthy husband to the fickle media and the unsuspecting public. Featuring well known songs, 'All That Jazz,' 'Razzle Dazzle' and 'Mr. Cellophane'.

The musical is directed by Walter Bobbie, with choreography by Ann Reinking, scene design by John Lee Beatty, costumes by William Ivey Long, lighting by Ken Billington and sound by Scott Lehrer.