Things are moving just a little faster in the push to bring John Kander & Fred Ebb's musical, Chicago, to the big screen. Sources at Miramax films confirm the long-speculated casting of Goldie Hawn and Madonna, with "further announcements forthcoming." Feb. 6, columnist Liz Smith broke the news that Carousel's Nicholas Hytner will direct the film. Informed sources also told Playbill On-Line (Feb. 11) that Larry Gelbart (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Mastergate) is working on the screenplay.

Previously, columnist Smith reported (Jan. 23) that Rosie O'Donnell, once rumored for the role of "Mama," wants to stay home with her children and has declined the part. Weeks earlier, producer Sam Crothers told the Daily News, "We're holding off on making a decision about Rosie until we have a start date." That won't happen until the script is finished and a director is chosen. (Crothers works with partner Marty Richards as part of Producers Circle. Richards co-produced Chicago's 1975 Broadway premiere.)

For tickets for the London production of Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre, call 011-44-1-71-344-0055. For tickets to the Broadway Chicago at the Shubert Theatre, call (212) 239-6200.