Renee Zellweger Springboards from Chicago to Cabaret Remake

According to a report by the Broadway World News Desk, actress Renee Zellweger is rumored to be considering the lead role of torch singer Sally Bowles in a big screen remake of "Cabaret."

Zellweger received an Academy Award nomination for her starring role as Roxie Hart in the film version of "Chicago." Referring to the chance to head the "Cabaret film" cast, Sky News quotes Zellweger as stating, "I do love a challenge as an actress, and this would be one of the biggest."

A 1972 film adaptation helmed by Bob Fosse earned Academy Awards for Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles and Joel Grey as the Emcee.  However, the film differed extensively from the stage production, altering the storyline, characters, and songs. The Tony-winning musical has a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb and a book by Joe Masteroff. 

Based on the play "I Am a Camera" by John Van Druten from the original source "The Berlin Stories" by Christopher Isherwood, "Cabaret" explores the story of American transplant nightclub singer Sally Bowles in pre-war Berlin under the growing shadow of Nazi power.

The 1967 original Broadway production of "Cabaret" won 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. A highly acclaimed 1998 revival won 4 Tony Awards, including Best Actor for Scottish-born Alan Cumming for his take on the role of the Emcee.

Rankings by GuestStarCasting.com place TV stars Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") and John Stamos ("Jake in Progress") as the actors with the highest box office drawing power to currently be associated with the role of the Emcee. Both Harris and Stamos portrayed the role on Broadway.

Zellweger won an Academy Award for her performance as a manly mountain girl in "Cold Mountain" and was also nominated for her role in "Bridget Jones’ Diary."