Schneider steps into the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn in the Tony-winning musical at the Ambassador Theatre through March 16. The stage and screen star succeeds Jeff McCarthy, who played his final performance Jan. 13.

Jan. 14 also marks the return of three of Chicago's former leading players: Bianca Marroquin, Rob Bartlett and Roz Ryan in the roles of respectively, Roxie Hart, Amos Hart and Matron "Mama" Morton. Brenda Braxton continues as Velma Kelly.

John Schneider made his Broadway debut in Grand Hotel, and his other theatrical credits include productions of The Will Rogers Follies, Brigadoon, The Music Man, The Civil War and Mame. His numerous screen credits include "The Dukes of Hazzard," "Nip/Tuck," "Smallville," "Collier & Company," "Snow Day," "Exit to Eden," "Eddie Macon's Run" and "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman." Schneider has released 11 solo recordings. In March he will be seen in the new HBO series "12 Miles of Bad Road."

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Bianca Marroquin began her career in Mexico City in the ensemble of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. For her portrayal of Roxie Hart in the Mexico City mounting, Marroquin received five awards from the Mexican Critics Association including New Revelation and Best Actress. Her other theatrical credits include Rent and The Phantom of the Opera. She has also appeared in the national tour of Chicago.

Rob Bartlett made his Broadway debut as author and star of the short-lived comedy More to Love. He received a Drama Desk Award for his work in Tabletop and also appeared in the City Center Encores! production of Golden Boy. His other Broadway credits include The Odd Couple, Sweet Charity, Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. Bartlett's screen credits include "Rob Bartlett's Not for Profit Television Special," which won an Emmy Award; and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Roz Ryan made her Broadway debut in the Fats Waller revue Ain't Misbehavin'. She also starred on The Great White Way in Dreamgirls and One Mo' Time and in the national tours of Annie, South Pacific and Blues in the Night. Ryan's film credits include "Went to Coney Island," "Cotton Club" and "Dark Indigo."

Chicago won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.

Chicago plays the Ambassador Theatre, located at 215 West 49th Street.

For more information, visit www.ChicagoTheMusical.com.