Schneider will play slick lawyer Billy Flynn in the Tony-winning musical at the Ambassador Theatre through March 16. The stage and screen star will replace Jeff McCarthy, who begins his Flynn stint Dec. 7. McCarthy, whose engagement was delayed due to the recent strike, will play his final performance Jan. 13.

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 2008 he will be seen in the new HBO series "12 Miles of Bad Road."

The Chicago company currently features Michelle DeJean as Roxie Hart, Tony nominee Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Aida Turturro ("The Sopranos") as Matron Mama Morton and Vincent Pastore ("The Sopranos") as Amos Hart.

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.