Ashlee Simpson To Star In Chicago On London Stage (Wizbang Pop!)

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From our friends at Star...

Ashlee Simpson has finally signed on to play murderous vixen Roxie Hart in the London run of the musical Chicago, a Simpson source exclusively told Star - the first publication to break the official news - Monday morning. Then, when contacted by Star, Chicago producer Barry Weissler, confirmed, "Yes, it is true. Ashlee Simpson is joining the cast of Chicago in London. We are very excited and are looking forward to gauging the London audience reaction."

Plus, Star has exclusively learned from the Simpson source that Ashlee kicked off rehearsals for the legendary musical in New York City studio on Monday!

The Ashlee-Chicago deal, which was rumored to be in the works in recent weeks, was finalized this past weekend, the Simpson source confirms to Star. Ashlee is slated to begin starring in the musical in October in London's West End. A rep for the musical declined to comment, telling Star, "We can't comment."

"Ashlee's a dancer; her background is in dance," the source tells Star. "She wants to do live theater. This will put all of those critics to rest. She's always wanted to be on stage, but she got diverted when she started selling so many albums."

Meanwhile, the Simpson source tells Star that an official announcement will be made in coming weeks, likely out of London, and that Ashlee will be photographed for the musical's posters in the coming days.

Earlier this year, Ashlee attracted attention for having a nose job. Coincidentally, Roxie Hart sings about her nose - and how being a celeb means that everyone is aware of your body parts. In a song from the musical, Roxie Hart, sings:

I'm gonna be a celebrity
That means
Somebody everyone knows
They('re) gonna recognize my eyes
My hair my teeth my boobs my nose