Natalie Bassingthwaighte set to dazzle as Roxie Hart in Chicago musical

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has come full circle as a star of record-breaking musical Chicago, after injury kept her from having a shot at the coveted role 20 years ago.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has come full circle as a star of record-breaking musical Chicago.

Bassingthwaighte is playing Roxie Hart alongside Alinta Chidzey as Velma Kelly and Casey Donovan as prison warden Matron “Mama” Morton.

“Twenty years ago I was an ensemble dancer and was Roxie’s understudy but I fractured my rib and never got to do it,’’ Bassingthwaighte said.

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“This is where I started out and it feels thrilling.

“I wasn’t sure if I could go back to theatre with kids, but they’re a bit older and it’s possible now.

“It’s nice to have this strength in women and there aren’t many shows with three female leads.”

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, right, and Alinta Chidzey have been announced as the two leads of the musical Chicago, which opens in December. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Chicago, set in the 1920s, is the story of Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her.

The musical is coming to Melbourne from December 13 at State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Tickets are on sale now at chicagothemusical.com.au.

“My character sings the iconic number All That Jazz, and she’s a very empowering and strong woman,’’ Chidzey said.

“It’s a dream role for me.”