Chicago: Jeff McCarthy is Broadway's new Flynn, John Schneider to play the role from 14 Jan

Jeff McCarthy joins the cast of the Broadway musical Chicago on 7 Dec 2007, playing the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn.

McCarthy was originally scheduled to join the cast on 3 Dec 2007, but due to the recent strike by Broadways stagehands, his rehearsal period was delayed. McCarthy will continue in the role through to 13 Jan 2008.

Jeff McCarthy last appeared on Broadway as 'Dubhdara' in the Boublil and Sch�nberg musical 'Pirate Queen' (2007). His other Broadway credits include 'Urinetown' (2001), 'Side Show'(1997), Beauty and the Beast (1994), Smile (1986) and Zorba (1983 revival).

John Schneider wll assume the role of 'Billy Flynn' in the Broadway musical on the 14 Jan, and will continue in the role through to 16 Mar 2008.

This will be John Schneider's second Broadway appearance, he made his Broadway debut as Felix Von Gaigern (replacement) in the musical 'Grand Hotel' (1989).

Schneider shot to fame when he starred as 'Bo Duke' in the CBS television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979 - 1985). He is best known to modern TV viewers as 'Jonathan Kent,' the adoptive father of Super Man, in the TV series 'Smallville'. He is also an accomplished guitar player, singer and songwriter, and has released a total of 11 solo albums.

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 29 Jun 2008 2007.

Chicago currently stars Brenda Braxton (Velma Kelly), Michelle DeJean (Roxie Hart), Aida Turturro (Matron 'Mama' Morton), Jeff McCarthy (Billy Flynn), Vincent Pastore (Amos Hart) and R. Lowe (Mary Sunshine).

Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording. It is the eighth longest-running production in Broadway history, as well as Broadway�s longest-running musical revival. The show will celebrate its 11th anniversary on 14 Nov 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 defence and manipulates everyone from her trustworthy husband to the fickle media and the unsuspecting public. The show features the 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.