Conner, whose partying ways brought her (and Donald Trump) into the limelight earlier this year, had been in rehearsals to join the New York production of Kander and Ebb's Chicago. The show's producers hoped that Conner, who was recently in a rehabilitation program, would succeed Bebe Neuwirth in the role of Roxie Hart this spring.

Producer Barry Weissler recently told the New York Post, "Assuming both sides are comfortable, then this will be a win-win for all parties. We look forward to making a positive announcement about [Conner] joining the Chicago family."

The Post now reports, however, that producer Weissler let Conner go last week after deciding she was not up to the demands of the role in the Tony-winning production.

Conner would have followed a slew of actresses who have played the part of the merry murderess on Broadway, including Melanie Griffith, Rita Wilson, Brooke Shields, Marilu Henner and Denise van Outen, among others. Ann Reinking originated the role in the long-running revival.

Tara Conner hails from Russell Springs, KY. When she was crowned Miss USA, she had been studying business administration at Somerset Community College.

The Broadway production of Chicago currently features Bebe Neuwirth as Roxie Hart, Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Philip Casnoff as Billy Flynn, Roz Ryan as Mama Morton, Rob Bartlett as Amos Hart and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.

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.