Pamela Anderson’s debuting on Broadway in ‘Chicago’ lead role

Pamela Anderson is going from “Baywatch” to Broadway.

The actress/model will make her theater-district debut next month with a limited engagement playing Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” producers announced Monday.

The dancer-turned-murderer Roxie is the lead character in the long-running musical by Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse and John Kander.

“Playing Roxie Hart is a dream fulfilled,” Anderson said Monday in a statement. “Performing Fosse, you don’t have time to get in your head. You can’t dance, sing and think at the same time. There is a freedom, a unique joy in knowing it’s all about the work. Playing Roxie Hart is a sweet escape for me.”

The 54-year-old Anderson, who famously starred as C.J. Parker on “Baywatch,” begins her eight-week run in “Chicago” on April 12.

Her final performance is set for June 5.

Anderson becomes the latest big-name celebrity to portray Roxie on Broadway, others including models Christie Brinkley and Brooke Shields; singers Mel B, Brandy Norwood and Ashlee

Simpson; reality stars Erika Jayne and Lisa Rinna; and stage standouts Gwen Verdon and Liza Minnelli.

Based on a 1926 play, the musical version of “Chicago” originated on Broadway in 1975 with Fosse as director and choreographer and ran until 1977. The show was revived in 1996 and has been playing ever since, making it Broadway’s longest-running musical.

In addition to her beach-bombshell role on “Baywatch,” Anderson, a former Playboy centerfold, appeared on the Tim Allen-led sitcom “Home Improvement” and later starred on the action series “V.I.P.” which she also executive-produced.

“Chicago” plays eight times a week at the Ambassador Theatre .