Grammy-Winning Singer & Acclaimed Actress Michelle Williams Lands Starring Role as 'Roxie Hart' in London West End Production of 'Chicago'

Grammy-winning singer, acclaimed actress and Music World/Columbia Records artist Michelle Williams has landed the coveted role of murderous chorus girl Roxie Hart in the enormously popular West End production of "Chicago The Musical."

Michelle will appear at the Cambridge Theatre (Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2) during a limited six-week engagement running from July 13 through August 23.

Ticket information for Michelle Williams' "Chicago" performances may be found at: www.chicagothemusical.com/uk_site

"It's a real thrill to be given the opportunity to play Roxie Hart in the West End's spectacular production of 'Chicago,'" said Michelle Williams. "She's one of the greatest characters in the history of musical theater and it's both a challenge and a lot of fun to bring her to life on-stage. I hope that everyone who comes to the show enjoys it as much as I do."

"Michelle is a prime example of an all-round entertainer," says Mathew Knowles, President & C.E.O. of Music World Entertainment. "She has enjoyed many successes as a music artist and now theatre goers are going to experience her far reaching talents once again.

Chicago is the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history and longest-running Broadway musical revival ever. The West End production which opened in November 1997 and won the 1998 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical is the longest running Broadway musical ever to play in London.

As one of the few African-American actresses to play Roxie Hart and the first in the West End's 12-year-run, Michelle Williams joins an illustrious roster of previous stars including Ruthie Henshall, Brooke Shields, Tina Arena, Denise Van Outen, Ashlee Simpson, Lisa Rinna, Robin Givens, Melanie Griffith and Bebe Neuwirth.

The American singer-songwriter-performer Michelle Williams rose to international renown after joining Destiny's Child, the top-selling female group of all time, in 2000. As a member of Destiny's Child, Michelle received three Grammy Awards and performed on several #1 hit singles by the group.

With the arrival of her debut album, the gospel-infused Heart To Yours in 2002, Michelle Williams -- who'd originally entered show business as a backing vocalist for the R&B performer Monica -- became the first member of Destiny's Child to release a solo record. Heart To Yours entered the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart at #1, peaked at #3 on the Top Contemporary Christian Albums chart and became the year's top-selling Gospel album.

Her second solo album, Do You Know, achieved similar success to her debut, peaking at #2 on the Top Gospel Albums chart and #3 on the Top Christian Albums chart following its release in 2004.

Released in October 2008, Unexpected, her third solo album, introduced a bold new dance/pop sound for Michelle, showcased by the #1 Billboard Hot Dance tracks "We Break the Dawn" and "The Greatest."

Michelle Williams made her on-stage acting debut in 2003, replacing R&B icon Toni Braxton in the title role of "Aida," the hit Broadway musical with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice.

Michelle made her television acting debut in February 2006 on the UPN comedy series, "Half & Half."

Beginning in April 2007, Michelle Williams joined the national touring company of the hit musical "The Color Purple" performing extended runs in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix with members of the original Broadway cast.

About Music World Entertainment

Michelle Williams is managed by Music World Entertainment (MWE) headed by Mathew Knowles, President and C.E.O. Music World Entertainment is one of the world's leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment around the globe. The MWE worldwide ventures include successful record labels, recording artist and producer management, artist development services, merchandise, film and television properties, master catalog series, and investment and real estate holdings with offices in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and London.

  www.michellewilliamsonline.com

  www.myspace.com/michellewilliams

  www.musicworldentertainment.com

  www.columbiarecords.com

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SOURCE: Music World/Columbia Records

CONTACT: Yvette Noel-Schure, Senior Vice President Media, Columbia
Records, Sony BMG Entertainment, +1-212-833-4483, Fax: +1-212-833-8536,
yvette.noel-schure@sonybmg.com

Web Site: http://www.chicagothemusical.com/uk_site