Jennifer Nettles to star in 'Chicago' on Broadway

BY MELISSA RUGGIERI

We know that Jennifer Nettles can handle Bob Seger songs , but how about the work of Kander and Ebb?

The Georgia native with longtime Atlanta ties will put on her dancing shoes and slip into the iconic role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago” during a limited run on Broadway next year.

Nettles will perform in the show from Feb. 2-March 29 at the Ambassador Theatre. Tickets are available through www.telecharge.com and by calling 212-239-6200.

The country star, currently on break from Sugarland with partner Kristian Bush, is making her theater debut in the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and playing a character made famous by Gwen Verdon in the original 1975 production.

Since the 1997 Tony Award-winning revival of “Chicago,” a rotating cast of ladies including Brooke Shields, Bebe Neuwirth (who has played both Roxie Hart and her accomplice Velma Kelly) and Melanie Griffith has portrayed murderous chorus girl Roxie.

Nettles will replace Broadway actress Amy Spanger in the role. The show also currently stars Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, John O'Hurley as Billy Flynn, Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart and NaTasha Yvette Williams as Matron "Mama" Morton.

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