Nicole Richie's Roxie role

Feb 29, 2008, 11:35 GMT

02/09/2008 - Nicole Richie - LACMA\'s Opening Celebration of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) - LACMA Museum - Los Angeles, CA, USA © Inez Lewis / PR Photos

Nicole Richie has been offered the lead role in 'Chicago', it has been claimed.

'The Simple Life' star - who gave birth to her first child, Harlow Winter Kate, with fiancé Joel Madden on January 12 - is reportedly considering playing murderess Roxie Hart in the stage show on New York's Broadway.

A source close to the star said: "She's definitely interested and weighing it up with the timing of the baby. It is in the super early stages of discussions and no decision has been made yet.

"It would give her a reason to really show her talent and to stay in the new apartment in New York Joel just bought. It also shows people are really excited about Nicole right now."

If Nicole doesn't accept the part of Roxie - who was played by Renée Zellweger in the film version of the musical in 2002 - she has many other career options to choose from.

The source added to Us Weekly magazine: "Nicole is also weighing some other amazing offers, 2008 is going to be really exciting for her. She is just working it all out and keeping Harlow in mind with everything she does, of course!"

While Nicole has shown her acting skills on US TV shows 'American Dreams' and 'Kids in America', she has yet to exhibit her singing and dancing talents.

Robert Viagas, founder of theatre industry website Playbill.com, said: "To play Roxie, you have to be able to act, dance and sing. If you are able to pull off all three, the entertainment world notices!"

If she plays Roxie, Nicole will follow in the footsteps of Ashlee Simpson, Brooke Shields and Gretchen Mol - who have all portrayed the character on Broadway.

(C) BANG Media International