Chicago - The Musical
The musical, considered too dark when it failed in 1975, today seems right in keeping with hard-learned cynicism about the American justice system.
Variety
Why see Chicago - The Musical?
All That Jazz & More
An intoxicating mix of murder, sex, and razzle-dazzle, Chicago is Broadway at its most iconic. An ever-relevant satire of celebrity culture, it's the tale of two beautiful criminals in the Roaring Twenties who plan to get away with murder by putting on one hell of a show. Known for its sensual Bob Fosse choreography, lacy costumes and finger-clicking score, it is not only Broadway's longest-running American musical; but one of its very best.
Debuting on Broadway in 1975, Chicago was initially overshadowed by the year's other big musical, A Chorus Line, but is now firmly established as one of the Great White Way's most instantly recognizable shows, cemented by 2002's Oscar-winning movie adaptation in 2002, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, and Richard Gere.
What Is The Story?
It is Prohibition Era in Chicago and vaudeville performer Velma Kelly is stuck behind bars in the Cook County Jail, awaiting trial for murdering her cheating husband and sister. Fortunately, she has Billy Flynn on her defense team, a famed lawyer with a perfect track record, and a master at manipulating public opinion in favor of his clients. Everything is looking rosy until Roxie Hart turns up. Accused of killing her lover, Roxie is a fame-hungry wannabe, who immediately sets about stealing both Velma's limelight and her lawyer.
Each battling for their 15 minutes of fame, the women go head to head in the race to become Chicago's most notorious criminal and escape the rope.
Did You Know?
Chicago is inspired by the true story of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, two women who were tried for murder, and acquitted, in Chicago in 1924. Maurice Dallas Watkins, a journalist for the Chicago Tribune, covered their sensational trials and later turned their stories into the play upon which the musical is based.
Key Information
Audience
Chicago may be inappropriate for children aged 12 and under. Children under 4 years of age will not be admitted into the Ambassador Theater.
Run Time
Two hours 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission
Dates
Open Run
Upcoming Performances
Cast
- Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart
- Erika Jayne as Roxie Hart from January 20 until February 9
- Kimberly Marable as Velma Kelly
- Natasha Yvette Williams as Mama Morton
- Sebastian Yatra as Billy Flynn
- Red Concepcion as Amos Hart
- R.Lowe as Mary Sunshine
Further cast
Eddie Bennett, Jennifer Dunne, Jeff Gorti, Jaquez, Arian Keddell, Mary Claire King, Marty Lawson, Joseph London, Barrett Martin, Sharon Moore, Drew Nellessen, Celina Nightengale, Kristen Faith Oei, Denny Paschall, Jermaine R. Rembert, Mikayla Renfrow, Rachel Schur and Michael Scirrotto
Creative
- Music by John Kander
- Lyrics by Fred Ebb
- Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
- Directed by Walter Bobbie
- Produced by Alecia Parker
- Choreographed by Ann Reinking
- Scenic Design by John Lee Beatty
- Costume Design by William Ivey Long
- Lighting Design by Ken Billington
- Sound Design by Scott Lehrer
- Orchestrations by Ralph Burns
- Script Adaptation by David Thompson
- Dance Music Arrangements by Peter Howard
Awards
1976 TONY AWARDS
Nominated
Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical (Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb)
Best Original Score (John Kander and Fred Ebb)
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Jerry Orbach)
Best performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon)
Best Direction of a Musical (Bob Fosse)
Best Choreography (Bob Fosse)
Best Scenic Design (Tony Walton)
Best Costume Design (Patricia Zipprodt)
Best Lighting Design (Jules Fisher)
1976 DRAMA DESK AWARD
Winner
Outstanding Lighting Design (Jules Fisher)Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Jerry Obrach)
1976 GRAMMY AWARD
Nominated
Best Cast Show Album
1997 TONY AWARDS
Winner
Best Musical Revival
Best Director (Walter Bobbie)
Best Choreographer (Ann Reinking)
Best Actress (Bebe Neuwirth)
Best Actor (James Naughton)
Best Lighting Design (Ken Billington)
Nominated
Best Performance by a Feautred Actress in a Musical (Marcia Lewis)
Best Costume Design (William Ivey Long)
1998 GRAMMY AWARD
Winner
Best Musical Show Album (RCA Victor-Produced by Jay David Saks)
1997 DRAMA DESK AWARDS
Winner
Outstanding Revival of a Musical
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Walter Bobbie)
Outstanding Choreography (Ann Reinking)
Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Bebe Neuwirth)
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Joel Grey)
Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical (James Naughton)
Oustanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Marcia Lewis)
THE NEW YORK DRAMA CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD
A special award to the cast and creative team of CHICAGO for distinguished contribution to the Broadway season.
THE OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Revival of a Musical
Outstanding Director of a Musical (Walter Bobbie)
Outstanding Choreography (Ann Reinking)
Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Bebe Neuwirth)
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Joel Grey)
DRAMA LEAGUE AWARD
Distinguished Performance Award to Bebe Neuwirth
Reviews
Customer reviews
36 reviews, average rating: (4.2 Stars)
Vickie Seabon
Sexy, Energetic, Entertaining
The actors were original with great voices. You could feel the energy in every movement. The singing was chilling and the acts seemed impromptu. There was lots of spice in the performance that kept both men and women on the edge of their seats. Moma was a secret treat who really played the part.
It was a performance that made the audience want more. I love the diversity and beauty in all aged and races. It is definitely an adult show with all sorts of humor.
I love it, love it, love it!
This is a must-see! ... Read more
Wayne and Donna Mazurek
Chicago
This was an awesome version of the show. It had great singing , dancing and music. It was
funny and entertaining. Best of all was the enthusiasm of the cast. No matter where you
looked on the stage the cast members seemed to be genuinely enjoying performing. The
leads were top, top shelf. The theatre is beautiful and seating provided great views. Don't
miss it!! ... Read more
Anonymous
Rumer Willis blew me away
OK - every single person in the cast blew me away. After all these years I finally saw Chicago. What a show! Go see it, go see it, go see it. It's thoroughly
entertaining. I knew nothing about Rumer Willis, only that she's the daughter of Bruce and Demi. I think she's exceptional. Can I say that I think she
reminds me of a young Bernadette Peters? (Please don't hit me Bernadette) Who knew this young woman was so talented? I think she (Ms. Willis) might bring a
whole new audience to the theatre. ... Read more
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