Chicago: Amra-Faye Wright assumes the role of 'Velma Kelly'

Amra-Faye Wright returns to the Broadway musical Chicago on 2 Feb 2009. Wright succeeds Tony nominee Brenda Braxton in the role of 'Velma Kelly.' Braxton played her final performance on 1 Feb 2009.

Since 2005, Amra-Faye Wright has played the role of 'Velma Kelly' throughout the world -- including Broadway, London's West End; Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa; and on tour throughout Europe and the United Kingdom.

She also took part in both the Broadway and London 10th Anniversary productions of Chicago.

Wright's other theatrical credits include 'Vi Moore' in 'Footloose' (UK Tour), 'Sandy' in 'Greas'e (Johannesburg Superbowl), 'Sheila' in 'A Chorus Line' (Civic Theatre, Johannesburg) and others. She has written and performed several one-woman shows, including 'It's Not Where I Start,' 'Drinks on Me' and 'Rouge Pulp.'

As previously announced Charlotte d'Amboise will return to the role of 'Roxie Hart' on 13 Feb 2009, and Tom Wopat will return to the role of slick criminal laywer 'Billy Flynn' on 16 Feb 2009.

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 28 Jun 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 now stars Amra-Faye Wright (Velma Kelly), Melora Hardin (Roxie Hart), Tom Hewitt (Billy Flynn), Carol Woods (Matron 'Mama' Morton), Scott Davidson (Amos Hart) and R. Lowe (Mary Sunshine).

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.