Will Chase joins the cast of Broadway's 'Something Rotten!'

NEW YORK, June 23 (UPI) -- Broadway icon Will Chase is joining the cast of the musical Something Rotten! as of July 18.

He is taking over the role of William Shakespeare after Christian Borle departs July 16.

Chase's stage credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rent, High Fidelity and The Full Monty. He has also had prominent roles in the celebrated, television dramas Nashville and Smash.

"We're thrilled to have Will Chase playing Shakespeare," producer Kevin McCollum said in a statement. "He actually played the part in the very first reading before Hollywood came calling for him to star in Nashville. We were privileged enough to have the brilliant Christian Borle take home a Tony for his inspired performance and now look forward to having Will come home to the role."