Remember how Ashlee Simpson got that role as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway after she got fired from Melrose Place last year? Yeah, well, it looks like she got fired again … Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny’s Child, has just be cast to take her place. Much Ashlee before her, Michelle first played the part in the West End production of the show in London … but now she’s headed for Broadway, y’all!

Former Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams will see her name in lights next month when she high-kicks her way into the starring role of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway. Williams, 29, will play the wannabe star-turned-murderess for a limited run in the hit musical from Feb. 8 to March 28. Williams will be taking over from Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, who debuted in the revival on Dec. 1. (A winner of six Tonys, this production of Chicago has been running on Broadway for 13 years.) Williams first played Roxie last year in London’s West End production. Williams, who won three Grammy Awards while she was with Destiny’s Child, has since released three solo albums and in 2003 made her Broadway debut in Aida, replacing fellow singer Toni Braxton. She also performed in the national tour of The Color Purple.

Well, at least we know that Williams can sing … so, on that accord, she’s got Ashlee beat. I was certain that Ashlee would be able to hang on to this role for more than just a couple of months but, well, them’s the breaks. I wish Michelle Williams nothing but the best of luck … Broadway can be tough but I think she can handle it well. Break a leg, kiddo!

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Earlier this month we learned that Ashlee Simpson was planning to make her Broadway debut in the NYC production of Chicago (the same show she performed in on the West End in London, England last year) after she was unceremoniously fired from her gig on Melrose Place … and last night was her premiere night! Here are a few photos of Ashlee on stage in the role of Roxie Hart last night:

Really, who needs a show that’s going to evict you after just 12 episodes? Certainly not Ashlee Simpson-Wentz! The former inhabitant of Melrose Place moved into her new home on Broadway officially last night, making her debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre. Of course, the star’s unfamiliar territory was made a bit more cozy given that she performed the role in London’s West End. And her star-studded support system in the audience didn’t hurt either. Husband Pete Wentz and sister Jessica Simpson were sitting with papa Joe and mom Tina with figurative bells on. “I’ve looked forward to this moment since I watched her own the stage in London,” Jessica tweeted. (Obviously, the long-running musical isn’t as “crappy” as a certain CW show). “Roxie was all Heart! Watching her up on that grandiose stage made me the proudest sister in the world.” Pete was downright nervous for his baby mama’s big moment. “When I get nervous I jitterbug and dance inside my head,” he tweeted. “It doesn’t matter what you’re, saying it just sounds like the Black Eyed Peas to me.”

Welp, if you can’t make it on TV it makes sense that you heed the call if Broadway comes calling. Ash is very lucky that she already played the part in London because, I’m sure, it make her transition to Broadway all that much easier. Even still, I’m sure all the supportive folks in the audience helped her out immensely. After the jump, check out a photo of hubby Pete Wentz and big sis Jessica Simpson chatting with one another during the show’s intermission last night and see a couple pics of Ashl33n on their way to the afterparty …

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Now that Ashlee Simpson has been relieved of her acting duties on Melrose Place, it appears that she’s now got herself a bunch of free time to fill up. Rumor has it that Ashlee will be heading to Broadway now that she is in need of a new job. As you may recall, we learned back in August of 2006 that Ashlee would be appearing on the London West End stage as Roxie Hart in their production of Chicago … word on the street is that Ashlee will be reprising that role in the Broadway production of Chicago sometime soon:

Where does a crazy Melrose Place character go after she dies? Apparently, the Windy City by way of the Great White Way. According to reports, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, 25, isn’t taking a break after getting axed from the prime-time soap. Instead, she’s set to play Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago, starting in December for six weeks, Gossip Cop reports. It’s not an unfamiliar role. Simpson-Wentz played the role in the London run of the musical. It would, however, be her Broadway debut.

HMMM … altho I remember hearing positive reports from folks who saw Ashlee’s Chicago stint in London back in ‘06-’07, I dunno how I feel about this rumored stint on Broadway. It makes sense that she would want to return to the stage now that she’s been fired from TV. At long last, folks on this side of the pond will be able to see if Ashlee’s got the acting chops to perform on the Broadway stage. Considering the dire economic straits that Broadway productions have been facing in recent months, it’s a risky move to pin one’s hopes on the acting/singing prowess of Ashlee Simpson. Are any of y’all excited to see Ashlee Simpson in Chicago?

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