SOMETHING ROTTEN's Will Chase May Still Appear on Next Season of NASHVILLE

As BWW reported last week, Tony Award-nominated Broadway favorite Will Chase (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rent, High Fidelity,The Full Monty) will take over the role of "Shakespeare" in Broadway's SOMETHING ROTTEN on Monday, July 18.

According to reports, the actor would have to depart ABC's music-themed drama NASHVILLE in which he portrays country singer Luke Wheeler. The series was recently picked up for a fifth season by CMT.

Today however, Variety reports that discussions are now underway to bring Chase back for a few select episodes next season in order to wrap up his storylines. In addition, the site reveals that NASHVILLE stars Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella and Chris Carmack are set to return as series regulars on the upcoming season.

Both CMT and Lionsgate have declined to comment on the report.

On stage Will Chase most recently starred as John Jasper in the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Tony, Outer Critics Nominations). Other Television includes Detective Doug Young on "The Good Wife," Michael Swift on NBC's "Smash," "Necessary Roughness," "Rescue Me," "Pan Am," "Unforgettable," "White Collar," "Royal Pains," "Blue Bloods," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Cupid," "Conviction," "Third Watch," "One Life To Live," "Guiding Light," "All My Children" and "As The World Turns." Best known for his work on stage, he has starred on Broadway in Nice Work If You Can Get It, Rent,Miss Saigon, The Full Monty, Aida, Lennon, High Fidelity, The Story of My Life and Billy Elliot. He was also seen at New York City CenterEncores! in Bells Are Ringing and Pipe Dream. Film includes Butterflies of Bill Baker, Four Single Fathers, Shaft and Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway.

Photo credit: ABC/Mark Levine