Bebe Neuwirth to return to Broadway's 'Chicago'

NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Singer and actress Bebe Neuwirth is set to return to the Broadway production of "Chicago" next month, producers announced Tuesday.

Neuwirth will begin her 8-week run as prison matron Mama Morton Jan. 14. Neuwirth won the 1997 Tony Award for her portrayal of jazz-age killer Velma Kelly in the show and she returned 10 years later to play merry murderess Roxie Hart.

"Simply put, Bebe Neuwirth is 'Chicago,'" producer Barry Weissler said in a statement. "When the revival opened 17 years ago, Bebe was honored with a Tony Award, an Astaire Award, a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama League Award for her unequalled performance as Velma Kelly. Hers was the performance of the season, and it made an indelible and lasting mark in the history of Broadway theater. Ten years later, she rejoined the company to star as Roxie Hart, and the results were equally spectacular. And this January she's back again, now as Matron 'Mama' Morton, making her the first leading lady in Broadway history to play all three principal roles. I'll say it again: Bebe Neuwirth is 'Chicago.'"

Neuwirth's other Broadway credits include "The Addams Family," "Fosse," "A Chorus Line," "Little Me," "Dancin'," "Sweet Charity" and "Damn Yankees."