Christie Brinkley Hits Broadway Stage In 'Chicago'

Christie Brinkley will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the Tony Award-winning production of Chicago on Friday. The former supermodel joins cast members Amra-Faye Wright (Velma Kelly), Brent Barrett (Billy Flynn), Raymond Bokhour (Amos Hart) and Roz Ryan (Matron "Mama" Morton) for an 11-week engagement. Brinkley, 57, was originally scheduled to begin performances on April 4, but suffered an injury during rehearsals. "While it's unfortunate that we must delay her start-date to make up for a few missed rehearsals, I'm happy to report that she's now rested, feeling great and ready to jump back into it. And I'm excited that our audience on Friday, April 8 will be the first of many to see the stellar performance that she's going to deliver," said producer Barry Weissler.

The role of Hart, the merry murderess, was originated by Gwen Verdon in 1975 and has been portrayed by many Hollywood stars over the current revival's 15 year run, including Anne Reinking, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson and Melanie Griffith. Renee Zellweger also embodied the role in Rob Marshall's Oscar-winning film in 2002. Although known for her famous face, Brinkley has dabbled in acting over the years. She starred alongside Chevy Chase in 1997's Vegas Vacation, and made a guest appearance on Ugly Betty in 2009. –EMILY EXTON