*Boris Kodjoe will join the cast of Broadway's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" to replace Terrence Howard while he takes a previously-arranged leave of absence to film a movie, reports Playbill News.

       Kodjoe, best known for his stint on TV's "Soul Food," will play the role of Brick from April 15 through May 22. Howard will return to the production on May 23.      

        The revival of the 1955 Tennessee Williams classic at the Broadhurst Theatre marks the first time the play has been seen on Broadway with an African-American cast.

         Debbie Allen is directing the production, which is currently in previews toward an official opening on March 6.      

       The cast includes James Earl Jones, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Giancarlo Esposito and Lisa Arrindell-Anderson.