Neuwirth to rejoin 'Chicago' in new role

NEW YORK, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Actress Bebe Neuwirth is returning to the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "Chicago," but this time she'll play Roxie Hart instead of Velma Kelly.

Neuwirth won critical acclaim and a Tony Award for her portrayal of Kelly in the original 1975 production.

Neuwirth joins the cast of the "Chicago" revival at New York's Ambassador Theater Dec. 31 in the other starring role, originated by Ann Reinking, Playbill.com reported Wednesday.

Despite a successful career on the Broadway stage that also saw her win a Tony for the revival of "Sweet Charity," Neuwirth is best known for Emmy Award-winning portrayal of the brainy and uptight Lilith on the TV comedies "Cheers" and "Frasier."

Neuwirth is scheduled to remain with the "Chicago" production through March 27, 2007.