Chicago: Adriane Lenox to play 'Matron 'Mama' Morton', Michelle DeJean to play Roxie & Brenda Braxton to continue as Velma

Adriane Lenox is to play the role of 'Matron 'Mama' Morton' from the 7 Aug - 30 Sep 2007 in the Broadway musical Chicago. She assumes the role from Roz Ryan

Lenox was last seen on Broadway playing Mrs. Muller in Doubt (2005) for which she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Her Broadway credits include: Caroline, or Change (2004), Kiss Me, Kate (1999 revival), The Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm (1999).

Michelle DeJean assumes the role of Roxie Hart on the 6 Aug 2007, she assumes the role from Lisa Rinna who departs the show on the 5 Aug 2007.

Rinna has been starring in the show along side her husband, Harry Hamlin, who has been playing Billy Flynn. Hamlin also leaves the show on 5 Aug 2007, no replacement has yet been announced, through Brian McKnight will assume the role from the 8 Oct 2007.

This will be Michelle DeJean's third stint in the role of Roxie Hart, she last played the role on Broadway from the 8 - 20 Aug 2006. DeJean played the role of Mona for six years in the Broadway production of Chicago.

Brenda Braxton, who until recently was only listed to play the role of Velma Kelly through to 29 Jul 2007, has extended her stay in the musical and will now continue doing so through to 2 Sep 2007.

This is Braxton's sixth stint in the role of Velma, she has been playing the role this time around since the 31 Dec 2006. Braxton's other Broadway credits include: Cats (1982), Dreamgirls (original and 1987 revival), Legs Diamond (1988), Jelly's Last Jam (1992), and Smokey Joe's Cafe (1995) - for which she was nominated for a Tony Award.

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.