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Chicago - Articles Page 16

Run Time:
2 hours 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
Ages: 12+
Opened: November 14, 1996

Broadway Schedule:

Mondays at 7pm
Tuesdays at 7pm
Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm and 7pm

Buy Tickets from: $75

Chicago Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More


Buy Tickets to Chicago


​Looking for some Broadway razzle dazzle? Since its Broadway revival in 1996, Chicago has captivated audiences with its razor-sharp satire, unforgettable score, and timeless story of fame, scandal, and corruption.



What's it all about? Set in the Prohibition-era jazz age, Chicago follows the trials of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women accused of murder, as they vie for the spotlight and a chance to escape conviction with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn. The show is a biting commentary on media sensationalism and the public’s fascination with celebrity, making it as relevant today as when it first premiered.



The original production of Chicago debuted on Broadway in 1975, with a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb​ and choreography by the legendary Bob Fosse. While it received critical acclaim, the show truly found its enduring success with the 1996 revival, directed by Walter Bobbie and featuring Ann Reinking’s Fosse-inspired choreography. The revival swept the 1997 Tony Awards, winning six, including Best Revival of a Musical, and has become a staple of Broadway ever since.



A minimalist yet striking production design sets Chicago apart. Eschewing elaborate sets, the show relies on sleek black costumes, a prominently featured jazz band on stage, and Fosse’s signature choreography. The stripped-down aesthetic highlights the performers and the music, creating an intimate and electrifying atmosphere that feels fresh even decades later.



The score is a major highlight, with iconic numbers like “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle” capturing the glitz, grit, and irony of the show’s world. The music, paired with Ebb’s witty lyrics, delivers a captivating blend of humor, cynicism, and drama that has made Chicago a musical theater classic.



Now the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, Chicago has also found international acclaim with productions around the world and a 2002 Academy Award-winning film adaptation, starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.



Whether you’re drawn to its sizzling dance numbers, unforgettable music, or its sly critique of society, Chicago remains a landmark of musical theater, proving that some things truly never go out of style.


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Chicago - Broadway Articles Page 16

Photo Coverage: Mel B Spices Up CHICAGO and Takes First Bows as Roxy Hart!
by Walter McBride - January 4, 2017


International superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' just began her eight-week limited engagement (through Sunday, February 19, 2017) in CHICAGO. Now in its 20th year on Broadway, Chicago plays at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

STAGE TUBE: The Name on Everybody's Lips! Behind the Scenes with Mel B at CHICAGO Photo Shoot
by Stage Tube - December 28, 2016


International superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' will star in CHICAGO for an eight-week limited engagement starting tonight, December 28, 2016, through Sunday, February 19, 2017. Now in its 20th year on Broadway, Chicago plays at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC). In the video below, go behind the scenes with Mel B as she prepares for her debut as 'Roxie Hart'!

Spice Girls Star Mel B Does the Cell Block Tango in Broadway's CHICAGO, Starting Tonight
by BWW News Desk - December 28, 2016


The Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago welcomes international superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' to the show for an eight-week limited engagement starting today, December 28, 2016, and through Sunday, February 19, 2017.

VIDEO: Mel B Talks Taking on CHICAGO's Roxie Hart; Possible Spice Girl Reunion
by Caryn Robbins - December 23, 2016


On last night's LATE NIGHT, guest Mel B talked to Seth about how her American-born daughters are helping her prepare for her starring role in Broadway's CHICAGO.

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Spice Girl Mel B on the Cell Block for Broadway's CHICAGO
by BWW News Desk - December 22, 2016


International superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' will star in the show for an eight-week limited engagement starting Wednesday, December 28, 2016 and through Sunday, February 19, 2017. Now in its 20th year on Broadway, Chicago plays at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC). BroadwayWorld has a first look at Mel B in character as 'Roxie Hart' below!

Photo Coverage: Meet CHICAGO's Next Roxy Hart- Spice Girls Superstar Mel B!
by Walter McBride - December 22, 2016


International superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' will star in the show for an 8-week limited engagement starting Wednesday, December 28, 2016 and through Sunday, February 19, 2017. Now in its 20th year on Broadway, Chicago plays at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

TV: Broadway is About to Get Spicer as Mel B Prepares for Her CHICAGO Debut!
by Nicole Rosky - December 21, 2016


International superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' will star in the show for an 8-week limited engagement starting Wednesday, December 28, 2016 and through Sunday, February 19, 2017. Now in its 20th year on Broadway, Chicago plays at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

Christopher Sieber Returns to the Courtroom in Broadway's CHICAGO Tonight
by BWW News Desk - December 12, 2016


The Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago announced today that Tony Award nominee Christopher Sieber will return to the show as 'Billy Flynn' beginning tonight, Monday, December 12 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

STAGE TUBE: CHICAGO Debuts Music Video for CAROLS FOR A CURE Tune 'Holiday Melody'
by Stage Tube - December 5, 2016


Cast members of Chicago, the longest-running American musical on Broadway, are launching a music video today, December 5, 2016, to accompany their original song 'Holiday Melody,' which appears on the 2016 edition of the annual Carols for a Cure album. All proceeds from the album benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Watch the video below!

Exclusive Photo Coverage: CHICAGO Ushers in the Holidays for Carols For A Cure
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - December 18, 2016


The holiday season is not complete without the perfect music to accompany it. 'Broadway's Carols for a Cure' is the latest compilation album that embodies the spirit of the season like nothing else can. A project born completely out of love, 'Broadway's Carols for a Cure' pairs the casts from famous Broadway musicals with songs that are both classic and new. The result is pure gold that will make you reach for the 'repeat' button over and over again.

Photo Coverage: CHICAGO Cast Members of Past and Present Reunite to Celebrate 20 Years on Broadway!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - November 15, 2016


Just yesterday, original, former and current members of the Chicago cast gathered at the Ambassador Theatre for a family photo on the actual date that Chicago opened 20 years ago. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the special day below!

Spice Girls Star Mel B to Do the Cell Block Tango in Broadway's CHICAGO
by BWW News Desk - November 2, 2016


Producers of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago announced today that international superstar Mel B, 'Scary Spice' of the iconic Spice Girls and judge on 'America's Got Talent,' will star in the show for an 8-week limited engagement starting Wednesday, December 28, 2016 and through Sunday, February 19, 2017.

BRIGHT STAR's Paul Alexander Nolan Will Take to the Courtroom as 'Billy Flynn' in CHICAGO
by BWW News Desk - October 26, 2016


The Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago announced today that Paul Alexander Nolan will return to Broadway as 'Billy Flynn' beginning Monday, October 31 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

CHICAGO Unveils Vinyl Edition of Grammy-Winning 1996 Cast Album
by BWW News Desk - October 14, 2016


To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Broadway's Record-Breaking hit musical Chicago, Sony Music has released the first ever vinyl edition of the Gold-Certified, Grammy Award-winning 1996 New Broadway Cast Recording.

Disney Channel's Veronica Dunne to Make Broadway Debut as CHICAGO's Next Roxie Hart
by Caryn Robbins - September 21, 2016


Disney Channel star Veronica Dunne will make her Broadway debut in the role of Roxie Hart in the long-running musical CHICAGO.

Photo Coverage: CHICAGO Struts to Central Park for 20th Anniversary!
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - September 2, 2016


Earlier this week, the company of CHICAGO took their act uptown, to Central Park. To celebrate the musical's 20th Anniversary, fans got to experience the razzle dazzle with a free concert at SummerStage in Central Park. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the special day and you can check out photos below!

TV: Watch NYC's Smoothest, Slinkiest Criminals Rehearse for CHICAGO's 20th Anniversary Concert!
by Liz Cearns - August 31, 2016


The cast of Chicago, Broadway's longest running musical, is celebrating this production's twentieth birthday today!

Photo Coverage: Come on Babe, They're Gonna Paint the Town - CHICAGO Rehearses for Central Park Concert!
by Jennifer Broski - August 31, 2016


The cast of Chicago, Broadway's longest running musical, is celebrating this production's twentieth birthday today! For this momentous day, the cast are taking to the streets, with a free concert at SummerStage in Central Park. Doors open at 7PM and the show begins at 8PM. We were lucky enough to catch up with some of the cast as they made their final preparations for today's show.

CHICAGO Presents Free SummerStage Concert Tonight
by BWW News Desk - August 31, 2016


On Today, August 31st, the cast of Broadway's Longest Running American Musical will celebrate its 20th Year on Broadway with a free concert at SummerStage in Central Park.

Lineup Announced for CHICAGO's Free SummerStage Concert
by BWW News Desk - August 24, 2016


On Wednesday, August 31st, the cast of Broadway's Longest Running American Musical will celebrate its 20th Year on Broadway with a free concert at SummerStage in Central Park.

Chicago FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get Rush Tickets for Chicago on Broadway?

Price: $49.00
Where: Box Office only
Limit: Two per customer
Restrictions: Not available for Saturday evenings - Subject to availability.

How do I get Standing Room Only for Chicago on Broadway?

Price: $27
Where: Box Office
Limit: Two per customer
Restrictions:  Available day of performance only when the performance is sold out.

How long has Chicago been running on Broadway?
Chicago opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (Broadway) on Thursday Nov 14, 1996 and has now been running for 27 years.
What are the songs in Chicago and what's the order?
All That Jazz
Funny Honey
Cell Block Tango
When You're Good to Momma
Tap Dance
All I Care About
A Little Bit of Good
We Both Reached for the Gun
Roxie
I Can't Do It Alone
Chicago After Midnight
My Own Best Friend
I Know a Girl
Me and My Baby
Mister Cellophane
When Velma Takes the Stand
Razzle Dazzle
Class
Nowadays
R.S.V.P.
Keep It Hot
Ten Percent
No
It
Loopin' De Loop
Rose Colored Glasses
Pansy Eyes
Overture
Entr’acte
Hot Honey Rag
Finale
Chicago does not include any gunshot noises. In the show, the drummer creates 'gunshot' like sounds, but these would not be confused with actual gunshot noises.

Chicago History

Other Productions of Chicago

1975   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1979   West End London Production
West End
1996   Off-Broadway Encores! Concert
Off-Broadway
1996   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1997   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1997   West End London Revival
West End
1997   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
2012   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2014   US Tour National Tour (2014-2015)
US Tour
US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2018   West End West End Return Engagement
West End
2022   US Tour US Tour
US Tour

Chicago Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1997 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Bebe Neuwirth
1997 Tony Awards Best Choreography Ann Reinking
1997 Tony Awards Best Costume Design William Ivey Long
1997 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Walter Bobbie
1997 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Ken Billington
1997 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical James Naughton
1997 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Marcia Lewis
1997 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Bebe Neuwirth
1997 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Barry and Fran Weissler
1997 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Kardana Productions, Inc
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Bebe Neuwirth
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Ann Reinking
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Walter Bobbie
1996 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Joel Grey

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