Barrett will portray slick lawyer Billy Flynn, a role he played to much acclaim when he was part of the Chicago company at the Shubert Theatre. Chicago now plays the Ambassador. Barrett replaces Gregory Harrison in the role originated in this revival by Tony winner James Naughton. Harrison departed the Broadway cast to join the new road company of Chicago, which kicks off in Washington, D.C. June 10.

The Broadway cast of Chicago currently stars Roxane Carrasco as Velma Kelly, Tracy Shayne as Roxie Hart, Angie Stone as Matron “Mama” Morton, D. Sabella as Mary Sunshine and P. J. Benjamin as Amos Hart. Screen actress Melanie Griffith joins the company as Roxie July 11-Sept. 28. This will mark Griffith's Broadway bow.

Brent Barrett received an Olivier Award nomination for his role in the London company of Kiss Me, Kate. His other theatrical credits include the Broadway productions of Chicago, Annie Get Your Gun and Candide. Barrett received a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for his work in the L.A. production of Chicago and has been seen Off Broadway in Closer Than Ever, March of the Falsettos, The Death of Von Richtofen, The Time of the Cuckoo and Portrait of Jenny. His television and film appearances include "Hercules," "Longtime Companion," "All My Children," "Another World" and "Guiding Light."

Chicago 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.

Chicago now plays Tuesday through Saturdays at 8 PM, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2 PM and Sundays at 6:30 PM. The Ambassador Theatre is located at 215 West 49th Street. For ticket information, call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com.