A spokesperson for the musical said the change in plans is due to Wilson's other commitments. Michelle DeJean will step into the role of Roxie Hart once Wilson leaves, playing the merry murderess Aug. 8-20.

Chicago marks the Broadway debut for Wilson, whose film credits include "Sleepless in Seattle," "That Thing You Do," "Jingle All the Way," "Runaway Bride," "The Story of Us," "Now and Then," "Mixed Nuts," "If These Walls Could Talk" and "Volunteers." She met her husband, Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, filming the latter.

Michelle DeJean has appeared in the national and international tours of Chicago, West Side Story, Mame and Jesus Christ Superstar. She has also starred in productions of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, La Cage aux Folles, Evita, The Sound of Music and Oliver!.

Chicago currently features Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Obba Babatunde as Billy Flynn, Kevin Chamberlin as Amos Hart, Lillias White as Matron "Mama" Morton 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.