Bebe Neuwirth, the surprise Jan. 14 star fill-in for an absentee, ailing Ute Lemper in Broadway's Chicago, leaves the role she created in the revival -- again -- Jan. 24.

Lemper, who walked out of the show Jan. 9 for two weeks because she was ill, according to the show's press agent, returns Jan. 26. Neuwirth had stepped in as a favor to the producers and to songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb.

The Jan. 24 show will also be Marcia Lewis' last Broadway Chicago performance (at least until spring) in the role of Matron Mama Morton. She leaves to join the Velma tour headed to Toronto and Las Vegas. (See related Jan. 22 PBOL Canada story headlined "Toronto Run of Chicago to Be Birthday Girl Chita's Tryout for Vegas, Feb. 2-26.")

Lewis will be back on Broadway May 25, the same day the long-rumored Sandy Duncan is expected to take over the role of Roxie, according to an insider.

In the meantime, Roz Ryan (of TV's "Good News" and "Amen") steps in Jan. 26 as the new Broadway Mama Morton. For tickets and information on Chicago at the Shubert Theatre call (212) 239-6200.