Her performance on Broadway is a success so far, and Ashlee Simpson was all smiles after Monday night’s (December 14) show.

Decked out in hair and makeup from her performance in “Chicago” the “Pieces of Me” singer looked quite pleased with herself as she was seen outside the Ambassador Theatre.

In other news, according to tabloid source, The National Enquirer, Nicole Richie wants to recruit Ms Simpson as her co-star on her still-in-development TV show.

It was reported last month that Richie will be developing a half-hour, scripted sitcom in which she is presented as a “professional woman with complicated family relationships.”

The show is yet to be titled and does not have a premiere date just yet.

ASHLEE SIMPSON-WENTZ has received a career boost from NICOLE RICHIE – she’s been handed a role in the socialite’s new TV sitcom, according to U.S. reports.
The Simple Life star will produce the series, in which she’ll appear as a working woman juggling her family and love life.

Simpson-Wentz was axed from U.S. show Melrose Place earlier this year (09) and has since bounced back by making her debut Broadway performance in Chicago on 30 November (09).

But now she’s set to make a return to the small screen, according to American tabloid The National Enquirer.
A source tells the publication, “Nicole adores Ashlee, and she truly believes in her talent. With few other job prospects on the horizon, Ashlee – who desperately wants to establish herself as an actress – was feeling down until Nicole stepped up and promised: ‘I’ve got your back. What are girlfriends for?’”

The singer/actress landed a role in the revamped version of the 1990s soap opera earlier this year (09), but it was announced in October (09) that her character Violet Foster would be written out of the series.

The tabloid press pounced on the news, portraying Simpson-Wentz’s axe as a career failure – but her dad Joe Simpson has come to the defence of the 25 year old, claiming the media will attack his showbiz family whatever they do.

He tells Usmagazine.com, “We as a family are under a lot of pressure. (People want) to make us look bad and want us to fail.

“(The Melrose Place axe) was never a loss. The world says whatever it says. (The world), again, always want to make it look like we’re failures but we’re really just a family that works hard.”

And the family patriarch is proud of the way Ashlee and her older sister Jessica Simpson deal with the harsh criticism: “My children look at ups and downs and rise up above it all and remain strong…We’re just normal people, and we always try to be who we say we are.”

Simpson-Wentz has since bounced back from the acting disappointment by making her Broadway debut in Chicago as Roxie Hart, reprising the role she first played on London’s West End in 2006.

Moving right along from her failed attempt on “Melrose Place,” Ashlee Simpson made a triumphant debut on Broadway last night in “Chicago.”

The “Pieces of Me” songstress looked lovely as she played the role of Roxie at the Ambassador Theatre, with husband Pete Wentz and parents Tina and Joe Simpson in the audience.

Also in the house was sister Jessica Simpson, who was reportedly quite nervous for her little sis. An eyewitness told press, “She kept turning to her mom and saying she had butterflies. It was very cute. She must have said it five times after she took her seat.”

And Jess was reportedly quiet pleased with Ashlee’s performance. “I love that she’s her own Roxie — she’s done it her own way. I’m always so proud of my sister. I think she frickin’ nailed it!”

Ashlee Simpson couldn’t hide her sense of pride after performing Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City on Monday night (November 30).

Looking waif-like and pale, the young starlet received applause and accolades following her portrayal of wannabe Jazz singer Roxie Hart.

Ashlee had the support of her family in the audience, including hubby Pete Wentz, father Joe Simpson and sister Jessica Simpson, who sparkled in sequins.

Before the performance, Jessica tweeted: “I’ve looked forward to this moment since I watched her own the stage in London.”

After the show, she added: “Roxie was all heart! Watching her up on that grandiose stage made me the proudest sister in the world. I love ya honey, I love ya! Grrrrrr!”

After the show, Ashlee ditched the costume, threw on her best pearls and joined her friends, family and crew for an afterparty at Inc. Lounge.

Ashlee will play Roxie in the Tony Award-winning musical for a 10-week limited engagement, through February 7, 2010

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