Chicago: Jeff McCarthy to play Billy Flynn

Jeff McCarthy is to play the role of slickster criminal lawyer 'Billy Flynn' in the Broadway musical Chicago from 3 Dec - 13 Jan 2008; he will assume the role from Maxwell Caulfield, who is to play the role from 19 Nov - 2 Dec 2007.

The role of 'Billy Flynn' is currently being played by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum R&B singer Brian McKnight, who is making his Broadway debut.

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).

In other casting news, previously announced, HBO Sopranos stars Aida Turturro and Vincent Pastore will join the cast of Chicago as 'Matron Mama Morton' and 'Amos Hart,' respectively on 19 Nov 2007.

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), Adriane Lenox (Matron 'Mama' Morton), Brian McKnight (Billy Flynn), Rob Bartlett (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.