Capitalizing on the red-hot success of the current Broadway revival of Chicago, producers plan to send out not one, but two touring companies this spring.

Stressing that tour plans were highly tentative at this stage, various production sources indicated that one tour would launch in March 1997 and the other in May or June. According to Stuart Howard Associates, the tour casting agency, both tours will feature stars in the roles of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, parts currently played by Ann Reinking and Bebe Newirth on Broadway. Auditions are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16.

Further details about the tours are expected in the next couple of weeks.

Since opening on Broadway to rapturous reviews Nov. 14, the Kander and Ebb revival has been a hot ticket; since Thanksgiving week, the production has joined the heady ranks of Rent and Bring in 'Da Noise/Funk as a steady sellout. The $3 million Broadway production has amassed an $8 million advance sale. The production at the Richard Rodgers Theatre runs through Feb. 9, 1997 and then moves to the Shubert Theatre Feb. 12 to make way for the new Kander and Ebb show, Steel Pier.

This production of Chicago, directed by Walter Bobbie and choregraphed by Reinking ("in the style of Bob Fosse") originated as a 4 performance concert staging in May at City Center's Encores! series devoted to classic musical scores.