Chicago: Tom Wopat returns to the role of 'Billy Flynn'

Tom Wopat returns to the role of 'Billy Flynn' in the Broadway musical Chicago on 23 Mar 2009, replacing Tom Hewitt. Hewitt played his final performance on 22 Mar 2009.

Wopat returns to the Broadway company after starring in the current National Tour of Chicago.

Wopat's Broadway credits include 'A Catered Affair' (Tom, Tony nomination: 2008), 'Glengarry Glen Ross' (James Lingk: 2005 revival), '42nd Street' (Julian Marsh - replacement: 2001 revival), 'Annie Get Your Gun' (Frank Butler, Tony nomination: 1999 revival), 'Guys and Dolls' (Sky Masterson - replacement: 1992 revival), 'City of Angels,' (Stone: 1989) and 'I Love My Wife.' (Wally - replacement: 1977).

He has released successful albums with CBS, Capitol and Angel Records; has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe; and recently performed in a Carnegie Hall tribute to Harold Arlen. Wopat's CD tribute to Harold Arlen, 'Dissertation on the State of Bliss,' is now available.

Chicago now stars Amra-Faye Wright (Velma Kelly), Charlotte d�Amboise (Roxie Hart), Tom Wopat (Billy Flynn), Carol Woods (Matron 'Mama' Morton), Raymond Bokhour (Amos Hart) and R. Lowe (Mary Sunshine).

Now celebrating twelve years on the Great White Way, Chicago is the second longest-running production currently playing on Broadway, as well as Broadway's longest-running musical revival.

The show 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 through to 6 Sep 2009.

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'.

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

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.

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.