Chicago: Nancy Lemenage assumes the role of Velma, Carol Woods to return to show on 2 Jun

As previously announced Nancy Lemenager assumes the role of merry murderess 'Velma Kelly' from 19 May 2008 in the Tony Award-winning musical Chicago. Lemenager assumes the role from Brenda Braxton who played her final performance on 11 May 2008. Nicole Bridgewater appeared in the role until Lemenager's debut.

Lemenager appeared on Broadway as 'Brenda' in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's dance musical 'Movin' Out.' She has also starred on Broadway in the Jerome Kern musical 'Never Gonna Dance' (2002) and was featured in 'Kiss Me, Kate' (1999 revival), 'Dream' (1997), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1995), Guys and Dolls (1992 revival) and 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1989).

Grammy Award winner M�a, who was to have made her Broadway debut on 12 May 2008, assuming the role of 'Velma' has had to postpon her appearance due to a broken foot.

In other casting news Carol Woods is to return to the role of Matron "Mama" Morton, the reigning cell block diva of the Cook County Jail. Woods succeeds Kecia Lewis-Evans, who plays her final performance on 1 Jun 2008. In addition to Chicago, Woods' Broadway credits include 'One Mo' Time' (2002), '45 Seconds From Broadway' (2001), 'Follies' (2001 revival), 'The Goodbye Girl' (1993), 'A Little Hotel on the Side' (1992 revival), 'The Crucible' (1991 revival), 'Stepping Out' (1987) and 'Grind' (1985).

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 4 Jan 2009.

Chicago also features Bianca Marroquin as 'Roxie Hart,' Jeff McCarthy as 'Billy Flynn,' Kecia Lewis-Evans as 'Matron 'Mama' Morton,' Raymond Bokhour as 'Amos Hart' and D. Micciche as '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.

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.