Fitzgerald, who made his Chicago debut last October as Roxie Hart's put-upon husband Amos Hart, will now step into the role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn, succeeding Brent Barrett, who played his final performance July 27.

With that, Fitzgerald becomes the first actor in the show's 18-year history to be contracted to perform both starring male roles.

"Chris Fitzgerald is one of the most versatile and in-demand actors working in the theatre today," said Chicago producer Barry Weissler in a statement. "We've followed his Broadway career for several years, and his character choices and interpretation of roles have always been remarkable. He was fantastic as Amos Hart last fall, and I can't wait for our audiences to see his portrayal of Billy Flynn in a few short days."

Chicago marks Fitzgerald's sixth Broadway show. In addition to his Tony-nominated performances in Finian's Rainbow and Young Frankenstein, he also appeared in Amour (Drama Desk nomination), Wicked and, most recently, The Merchant of Venice.

The cast also features Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, Paul C. Vogt as Amos Hart, Carol Woods as Matron "Mama" Morton and R. Lowe and Mary Sunshine. The revival of Chicago began life as one of the three annual Encores! presentations offered by City Center. The musical opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in November 1996 where it remained through February 1997. The musical transferred to the Shubert Theatre on Feb. 11, 1997, and played that house through Jan. 26, 2003. The revival reopened at the Ambassador Theatre, its current home, on Jan. 29, 2003.

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.

The Ambassador Theatre is located at 219 W. 49th Street.

Visit ChicagoTheMusical.com for more information.