Former Frasier star Bebe Neuwirth returned to Broadway's Chicago on New Year's Eve (31DEC06) with a new hip. The actress, who turned 48 on the same day, had her "strange" hip replaced last May (06) and her recovery went so well she decided it was time to return to the musical, for which she earned a 1997 Tony Award. She reveals she damaged cartilage while performing in the musical THE CHORUS LINE when she was 21 and she has suffered hip problems ever since. She says, "I've had a strange hip for a while... It bothered me every once in a while... and it never really got better." Neuwirth was suffering agonizing pain last year (06) and that prompted her to get the surgery she'd been told she'd need. After getting a new titanium hip in May (06), the actress used ballet classes to help her recovery - and quickly felt that she could tackle another Broadway show. She adds, "I wanted to get out and wiggle again."