A press conference by producer Joop van den Ende Theaterprodukties, where the cast of the new Dutch production of the musical Chicago would have been announced, was cancelled today at the last minute because of unspecified developments with the production. No new date has been set.

Previously actress Simone Kleinsma pulled out of playing the part of Roxie Hart because of pregnancy. Spokesperson for Joop van den Ende Theaterprodukties, Fred Boot said today that a replacement for the role of Roxie Hart had been found, but would not give a name.

Although not officially confirmed, Playbill On-Line has learned that Pia Douwes, who created the role of Elisabeth in the musical of the same name in Vienna and played the title role in the Dutch version of Evita, will play the role of Velma Kelly. According to industry sources other cast members will include Stanley Burleson, who recently starred in the title role of the Dutch musical Joe, as Billy Flynn, Serge Henri Falcke as Amos Hart, Marjolein Touw as Matron "Mama" Morton and Ellen Evers, who currently plays Ellen in the Dutch version of Miss Saigon as the alternate for both Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly.

The Dutch version of Chicago will be directed by Scott Farris, with Ann Reinking recreating her Broadway choreography in the style of Bob Fosse.

The revival production of Chicago, which opened on Broadway on November 14, 1996, is set to open on November 29th, 1998 at the Jaarbeurs Theatre in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Rehearsals are to start October 6, 1998 with previews from November 14th, 1998.