In Performance: Bebe Neuwirth Performs 'Nowadays' from CHICAGO

Bebe Neuwirth makes her return to Kander and Ebb's Chicago in the role of prison matron "Mama" Morton through March 9th. The actress has previously taken on the roles of both Velma and Roxie in the long-running musical. In today's New York Times In Performance video, the talented star performs the number "Nowadays," which she describes as "archetypical Kander and Ebb." Watch the performance here!

Bebe Neuwirth's other Broadway credits include The Addams Family (Morticia), Fosse(Principal), A Chorus Line (Sheila), Little Me (Monique), Dancin' (Principal), Sweet Charity (Nickie, Tony Award) and Damn Yankees (Lola).

Off-Broadway, she has starred in Terrence McNally's Golden Age (Manhattan Theatre Club), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Classic Stage Company), Everett Beekin (Lincoln Center), Here Lies Jenny (Zipper Theater), Ashley Montana... (Flea Theater) andWriter's Block (Atlantic Theater). In London's West End, she starred in the title role inKiss of the Spider Woman.

Her television credits include her two-time Emmy Award winning performance as Dr. Lilith Sternin in "Cheers" and "Frasier," Tabba Schwartzkopf in "Wild Palms," Dorothy Parker in "Dash and Lily" (Emmy nomination), D.A. Tracey Kibre in "Law & Order: Trial by Jury" and Caroleine in "Bored to Death."

Her film credits include Green Card, Summer of Sam, Celebrity, Liberty Heights, Bugsy, Jumanji, The Faculty, Adopt a Sailor, The Paint Job, Fame and many more.

About Chicago:

One of the most popular musicals in Broadway history, the revival of Chicago
first began in May 1996 with a weekend presentation as part of City Center's acclaimed "Encores!" series.

At the time, that brief four-performance engagement of Chicago -- helmed by director Walter Bobbie and choreographer Ann Reinking -- became the top-grossing production in the history of the "Encores!" series.

Produced by Barry & Fran Weissler, Chicago then opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 14, 1996. It transferred to the Shubert Theatre in February 1997, and played there through January 26, 2003. The revival reopened at its current home -- the Ambassador Theatre -- three days later on January 29, 2003.

With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago received six 1997 Tony Awards for Best Musical Revival, Best Direction of a Musical (Walter Bobbie), Best Choreography (Ann Reinking), Best Lighting Design (Ken Billington), Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Bebe Neuwirth) and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (James Naughton).

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.