Nancy Lemenager to Make Chicago Debut

Broadway veteran Nancy Lemenager will join the cast of Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre on May 19. Lemenager will play the role of murderess Velma Kelly, replacing Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton. R&B star Mya was supposed to make her Broadway debut as Kelly on May 12, but bowed out due to a broken foot.

Lemenager last appeared on Broadway as Brenda in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's hit dance musical Movin' Out. Her other Broadway credits include a starring role in the Jerome Kern musical Never Gonna Dance and appearances in Kiss Me, Kate, Dream, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Guys and Dolls.

Braxton played her final performance on May 11. Nicole Bridgewater will appear in the role until Lemenager steps in. Lemenager is scheduled to continue as Velma until July 13.

Chicago currently stars Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Jeff McCarthy as Billy Flynn, Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart and Kecia Lewis-Evans as Matron "Mama" Morton.

On June 2, Michele DeJean will return to the role of Roxie Hart, replacing Bianca Marroquin.