Woods will again play Matron "Mama" Morton in the long-running musical beginning Jan. 4, 2009, according to a show spokesperson. Woods will succeed LaVon Fisher-Wilson.

Woods will join a cast that currently features Melora Hardin as Roxie Hart, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Tom Hewitt as Billy Flynn, Scott Davidson as Amos Hart and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

Carol Woods' numerous theatrical credits include The Full Monty, Chicago, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Steppin' Out, The Goodbye Girl, Grind, Big River and the revival of Stephen Sondheim's Follies. Woods' London credits include Blues in the Night, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination, and the National Theatre's production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. The singer-actress was also seen in Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe."

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.

The long-running musical celebrated its 12th anniversary and its 5,000th performance on Broadway Nov. 14.

Visit www.chicagothemusical.com for additional information.