Before Chicago makes the leap from stage to screen ("Chicago," the film, is due Dec. 27), the Kander and Ebb musical will cross another border. The Russian production of the famed show will open Oct. 4 at the Moscow State Estrada Theatre in Moscow. Performed in Russian, the production will feature direction by Scott Faris, and Ann Reinking's Tony-winning choreography — in the style of Bob Fosse — has been re-created by Gary Chryst. The musical stars Anastasia Stotskaya as Roxie Hart, Lika Rulla as Velma Kelly, Philip Kirkorov as Billy Flynn, Valery Ermakov as Amos Hart, Lolita as Matron "Mama" Morton and Ya. Z. as Mary Sunshine. The biggest "name" in the cast is Philip Kirkorov, a popular Russian performer who has been honored as Singer of the Year. He has received eight nominations for the Russian National Premium Ovation and is the first in his country to be given the FAMA Award for his contribution to music and culture.

  This production of Chicago is being presented by Alla Pugacheva and Philip Kirkorov in association with Barry and Fran Weissler, who produce the current Broadway mounting.

  Bob Fosse, John Kander and Fred Ebb's Chicago continues to play Broadway's Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th Street. It won the Tony 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. For ticket information, call (212) 239 6200.