Ashlee Simpson Confirmed as Chicago's Next London Roxie

Pop star Ashlee Simpson has been confirmed as London's latest Roxie Hart.

According to IMBD News, Barry Weissler, who co-produces the smash revival with wife Fran, told Star that Simpson began rehearsals in an NYC studio on Monday.  "Yes, it is true.  Ashlee Simpson is joining the cast of Chicago in London. We are very excited and are looking forward to gauging the London audience reaction."

The 21 year-old singer's albums include "Autobiography" and "I Am Me."  The singer, who is the sister of pop star Jessica Simpson and who also appeared on an eponymous reality show, has also appeared on film in Undiscovered and The Hot Chick, and on TV in "7th Heaven" and "Malcolm in the Middle." 

Simpson is the second pop star to have been cast in Chicago lately.  Grammy Award-winner Usher currently plays Billy Flynn in the Broadway production.

London's Chicago currently stars Linzi Hateley as Roxie Hart, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, Ian Kelsey as Billy Flynn, Brenda as Mama Morton and CC Mulaney as Mary Sunshine.  It plays the Cambridge Theatre.

The Broadway production of Chicago, which opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 14th 1996, has reached a run of over 4,000 performances at the Ambassador Theatre (215 W. 49th St.); the show will celebrate its 10 year anniversary in November. Chicago received 6 1997 Tonys (including Best Revival of a Musical) under the direction of Walter Bobbie and the choreography of star Ann Reinking. The revival, based on Bobbie's stylistically stripped-down Encores! staging, featured direction and choreography by Bob Fosse in its original 1975 production. Chicago features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse.

For more information on Chicago, visit www.chicagothemusical.com. For tickets, call Telecharge at 212 239 6200, or visit www.telecharge.com.

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