Chicago: Tom Wopat to play Billy Flynn from 7 Aug 2007, for what will be a very short run.

Tom Wopat is to once again step into the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn from 7 Aug 2007 in the Broadway musical Chicago. Wopat assumes the role from Harry Hamlin who leaves the show on 5 Aug 2007.

This will be Tom Wopat's third stint in the role of Billy Flynn, he first played the part from 6 May - 16 Jun 2004, and then from 7 Dec 2004 - 2 Jan 2005.

Wopat is to play the father of the bride in Harvey Fierstein's new musical comedy A Catered Affair, which will have it's world premiere at San Diego's Old Globe, performances beginning on 20 Sep 2007, before opening on Broadway on 17 Apr 2008. This means he will soon be expected in San Diego and it is expected that he will only play the role of Billy Flynn from 7 - 12 Aug 2007 - though there has been no official confirmation when he will leave the show.

Wopat was last seen on Broadway as James Lingk in 'Glengarry Glen Ross' (2005 revival), he made his Broadway debut as Wally in 'I Love My Wife' (1977). His other Broadway credits are 'City of Angels' (1989), 'Guys and Dolls' (1992 revival), 'Annie Get Your Gun' (1999 revival) and 42nd Street (2001). He is best known to the world as Luke Duke from the TV series 'The Dukes of Hazzard'.

As previously announced, Michelle DeJean will play Roxie Hart on the 6 Aug 2007, she assumes the role from Lisa Rinna who departs the show on the 5 Aug 2007. Adriane Lenox is to play the role of 'Matron 'Mama' Morton' from the 7 Aug - 30 Sep 2007. Brenda Braxton has extended her stay in the musical and will now continue in the role of Velma Kelly through to 2 Sep 2007.

Chicago currently features Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Lisa Rinna as Roxie Hart, Roz Ryan as Matron 'Mama' Morton, Harry Hamlin, as Billy Flynn, 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.