Chicago: George Hamilton is once again to play Billy Flynn

George Hamilton is to once again step into the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn from 10 Sep 2007 in the Broadway musical Chicago. Hamilton assumes the role from Tom Wopat who leaves the show on 2 Sep 2007.

Hamilton made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in Chicago in November 2001, and later reprised the role in June 2002. Prior to this latest return engagement, Hamilton will appear in the National Tour of the musical at San Diego's Civic Theatre, from 4 - 9 Sep 2007.

A star of feature films, George Hamilton has appeared in Off Key, The Godfather Part III, Doc Hollywood, Love at First Bite and Zorro, the Gay Blade. In addition to countless television appearances, his theatrical credits include Love Letters, The Philadelphia Story, Barefoot in the Park and Gigi.

Hamilton will appear through to 7 Oct 2007. As previously announced, multi-platinum R&B star Brian McKnight steps into the role of Billy Flynn beginning 8 Oct 2007.

In other casting news Tracy Shayne is to return to the role of Roxie Hart on 4 Sep 2007, a role she has played on Broadway on three other occasions, and for which she has twice understudied. Her other Broadway credits include 'A Chorus Line' (1975), playing Cosette (replacement) in Les Mis�rables (1987) and playing Christine (replacement) in The Phantom of the Opera

Chicago currently features Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Michelle DeJean as Roxie Hart, Tom Wopat as Billy Flynn, Adriane Lenox as Matron 'Mama' Morton, Rob Bartlett as Amos Hart and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

Chicago 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 23 Dec 2007.

Chicago 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.