Broadway Friday

- John Schneider will join the cast of Chicago to play Billy Flynn for nine weeks beginning January 14th. Now in its 11th year, Chicago is the 8th-longest running show in Broadway history and the longest running revival ever.

- The cast recording of Xanadu hits stores on January 8th but will be available online two weeks earlier. The disc has 14 tracks and includes a 24-page booklet.

- The 2007 Grammy Awards nominations were announced yesterday. Nominated for Best Musical Show Album: A Chorus Line, Company, Grey Gardens, Spring Awakening, West Side Story. The soundtrack for Hairspray in among the nominees for Best Compilation Soundtrack.

- Oprah Winfrey is working on adapting the musical version of The Color Purple for the big screen. Fantasia is considered a lock to reprise her Broadway role.