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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

Cast

Alyssa Milano as Roxie Hart
Kimberly Marable as Velma Kelly
Natasha Yvette Williams as Mama Morton
Max von Essen as Billy Flynn
Sebastián Yatra as Billy Flynn from November 25 until December 22, 2024
Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart
R.Lowe as Mary Sunshine

With

Eddie Bennett, Jennier 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, in the style of Bob Fosse
Scenic Design by John Lee Beatty
Costume Design by William Ivey Long
Lighting Design by Ken Billington
Sound Design: Scott Lehrer
Orchestrations: Ralph Burns
Script Adaptation: David Thompson
Dance Music Arrangements: 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)

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

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

Chris

AWESOME SEATS at Broadway's Song & Dance CLASSIC!

BEST show on Broadway! We got orchestra seats for 50 bucks, without standing in line at the booth. There's a great website for discount seats to the show - ChicagoOnBroadwayDiscounts.com - get your tickets there, and have a blast at this awesome show! We LOVED the legendary music of Kander & Ebb, and Fosse's choreography. ... Read more

News

Jinkx Monsoon Returns To Chicago

Jinkx Monsoon Returns To Chicago

Saadiqah, February 13th, 2024
Double RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon is heading back to where she first made her Broadway debut in January 2023! She will be joining the cast of Chicago as, of course, Matron "Mama" Morton this summer....
Read more

Jinkx Monsoon Returns To Chicago

Jinkx Monsoon Returns To Chicago
Saadiqah, February 13th, 2024
Double RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon is heading back to where she first made her Broadway debut in January 2023! She will be joining the cast of Chicago as, of course, Matron "Mama" Morton this summer....
Read more

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