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Chicago - Articles Page 31

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 31

Ruthie Henshall Tours UK with 'Sounds of Hollywood,' 10/26-11/28
by BWW News Desk - October 26, 2010


Olivier Award-winner Ruthie Henshall has announced through her website a special UK fall tour. 'Sounds Of Hollywood' is a salute to the golden age of movie musicals and popular screen hits. Henshell will perform a series of tunes, including 'There's No Business Like Show Business,' 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly,' 'People,' 'Don't Rain on My Parade,' 'Anything You Can Do,' 'The Man That Got Away,' and 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' from such musical films as 'My Fair Lady,' 'Funny Girl,' and 'A Star is Born.'

Brent Barrett Revisits 'Billy Flynn' in CHICAGO, 10/11
by BWW News Desk - October 11, 2010


Brent Barrett will revisit his role as Billy Flynn in CHICAGO for a limited engagement extending from October 11 through November 21. He joins a cast that includes other recent returns; Charlotte d'Amboise as Roxie Hart, original cast member Leigh Zimmerman as Velma Kelly and Roz Ryan as 'Mama' Morton.

Brent Barrett Revisits 'Billy Flynn' in CHICAGO, 10/11
by Leslie Fazin - October 8, 2010


Brent Barrett will revisit his role as Billy Flynn in CHICAGO for a limited engagement extending from October 11 through November 21. He joins a cast that includes other recent returns; Charlotte d'Amboise as Roxie Hart, original cast member Leigh Zimmerman as Velma Kelly and Roz Ryan as 'Mama' Morton.

STAGE TUBE: CHICAGO Supports Gay Youth with 'It Gets Better' Campaign
by Jessica Lewis - October 8, 2010


In light of the recent attention on suicide amongst gay youth driven by bullies, the Broadway company of CHICAGO has teamed up with the Trevor Project for the 'It Gets Better' campaign, encouraging gay or questioning youth to hold their heads high and seek help. Click below to hear about the company members own experiences with bullying and how it does, in fact, get better.

CHICAGO Welcomes Back Original Cast Member Leigh Zimmerman as Velma Kelly 10/8
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 21, 2010


Beginning Friday, October 8, 2010, the Broadway company of the international musical smash CHICAGO is pleased to welcome back original cast member Leigh Zimmerman in the starring role of merry murderess Velma Kelly.

CHICAGO Welcomes Tom Hewitt 9/13 As "Billy Flynn"
by BWW News Desk - September 13, 2010


On Monday, September 13, 2010, the Broadway company of the international musical smash CHICAGO is pleased to welcome back Tony Award nominee Tom Hewitt in the role of slick criminal lawyer Billy Flynn.

CHICAGO Welcomes Tom Hewitt 9/13 As "Billy Flynn"
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 9, 2010


On Monday, September 13, 2010, the Broadway company of the international musical smash CHICAGO is pleased to welcome back Tony Award nominee Tom Hewitt in the role of slick criminal lawyer Billy Flynn.

O'Hurley Extends Run in CHICAGO Thru 9/12; d'Amboise, Bokhour et al. Re-Join Cast for Fall
by Jessica Lewis - August 24, 2010


Summer may be winding down, but things are still heating up on Broadway, as the Tony Award-winning, international musical smash CHICAGO announces that stage and screen star John O'Hurley ('Seinfeld,' 'Dancing with the Stars,' Monty Python's Spamalot) has extended his limited engagement as Billy Flynn through Sunday, September 12.

CHICAGO Star Samantha Harris Expecting Second Child with Husband Michael Hess
by Jessikah Hackett - August 19, 2010


People.com reports that Chicago star Samantha Harris is expecting her second child with her husband Michael Hess. Harris' first daughter, Jocelyn Sydney Hess, was born in September of 2007.

InDepth InterView: Ruthie Henshall
by Robert Diamond - July 26, 2010


Recently, I had the privilege of conducting an InDepth InterView with British belting triple-threat diva Ruthie Henshall, currently lighting up Broadway as Roxie in CHICAGO. She previously has played Velma both in the original London revival cast as well as on Broadway opposite Sandy Duncan in a highly-praised run nearly ten years ago. In this revealing discussion, we discuss her experiences working on CHICAGO on Broadway and in the West End, playing ensemble roles in the original productions of CHILDREN OF EDEN and MISS SAIGON, working with Bob Avian, Matthew Bourne, Carol Burnett, Kelsey Grammer and John Barrowman, as well as what roles on Broadway she wants to do next (clue: 'I Miss The Mountains') and her upcoming concerts in Australia and appearances at Feinstein's next year! Broadway has welcomed Ruthie back with open hearts and open arms - and why not? In her own words, she is the 'real deal!'

TV: Broadway in Bryant Park - CHICAGO!
by Robert Diamond - July 23, 2010


The best of Broadway is being presented free on six consecutive Thursdays this summer with '106.7 Lite fm Presents Broadway in Bryant Park 2010' - a lunchtime series which began on Thursday, July 8th at 12:30pm on the Bryant Park Stage. Sponsored by Bank of America, and JCPenney 33rd & 6th, and hosted by Lite fm's on-air personalities, the tenth annual presentation of open-air, On- and Off- Broadway lunch hour performances runs through August 12th.

CHICAGO Says Goodbye To Colman Domingo 7/18, John O'Hurley Starts 7/20
by BWW News Desk - July 18, 2010


Broadway heats up this summer as the record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash CHICAGO welcomes two back-to-back Billy Flynn's -- Colman Domingo (Passing Strange, The Scottsboro Boys) and John O'Hurley ('Dancing with the Stars,' Monty Python's Spamalot).

CHICAGO Welcomes Back Amra-Faye Wright and Carol Woods 7/13
by BWW News Desk - July 13, 2010


On Tuesday, July 13, Broadway's record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash CHICAGO welcomes back two of its most beloved leading ladies, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly and Carol Woods as Matron 'Mama' Morton.

CHICAGO's Matthew Settle Joins Autism Speaks' N.Y. Celebrity Golf Challenge
by Gabrielle Sierra - July 7, 2010


Matthew Settle, star of Broadway's Chicago, was among those joining Bob and Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, and event co-chairs Kevin and Susan Murray on the fairways in support of autism awareness and research at the Autism Speaks' Twelfth Annual N.Y. Celebrity Golf Challenge on Monday, June 28th at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck.

CHICAGO Welcomes Back Amra-Faye Wright and Carol Woods 7/13
by Gabrielle Sierra - June 28, 2010


On Tuesday, July 13, Broadway's record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash CHICAGO welcomes back two of its most beloved leading ladies, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly and Carol Woods as Matron 'Mama' Morton.

Ruthie Henshall Tours UK with 'Sounds of Hollywood,' 10/26-11/28
by Nicolas Coburn - June 16, 2010


Olivier Award-winner Ruthie Henshall has announced through her website a special UK fall tour. 'Sounds Of Hollywood' is a salute to the golden age of movie musicals and popular screen hits. Henshell will perform a series of tunes, including 'There's No Business Like Show Business,' 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly,' 'People,' 'Don't Rain on My Parade,' 'Anything You Can Do,' 'The Man That Got Away,' and 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' from such musical films as 'My Fair Lady,' 'Funny Girl,' and 'A Star is Born.'

CHICAGO To Welcome Colman Domingo and John O'Hurley 6/14
by BWW News Desk - June 14, 2010


Broadway heats up this summer as the record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash CHICAGO welcomes two back-to-back Billy Flynn's -- Colman Domingo (Passing Strange, The Scottsboro Boys) and John O'Hurley ('Dancing with the Stars,' Monty Python's Spamalot).

CHICAGO To Welcome Colman Domingo and John O'Hurley This Summer
by Gabrielle Sierra - June 7, 2010


Broadway heats up this summer as the record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical smash CHICAGO welcomes two back-to-back Billy Flynn's -- Colman Domingo (Passing Strange, The Scottsboro Boys) and John O'Hurley ('Dancing with the Stars,' Monty Python's Spamalot).

CHICAGO Presents Talkback Tuesdays With Matthew Settle 5/25
by BWW News Desk - May 25, 2010


The Broadway company of CHICAGO is pleased to announce details for the next installment of 'Talkback Tuesdays,' the new series offering post-show discussions and audience Q&A sessions with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical.

CHICAGO Welcomes Its Six Millionth Audience Member
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 20, 2010


This past Tuesday, May 18, 2010, the Broadway production of the internationally acclaimed revival of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse's Tony Award-winning musical CHICAGO celebrated yet another milestone when it welcomed its six millionth audience member through the doors of the Ambassador Theatre.

CHICAGO Presents Talkback Tuesdays With Matthew Settle 5/25
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 19, 2010


The Broadway company of CHICAGO is pleased to announce details for the next installment of 'Talkback Tuesdays,' the new series offering post-show discussions and audience Q&A sessions with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical.

Ruthie Henshall Extends Her Run In CHICAGO Thru 7/18
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 10, 2010


Ruthie Henshall has extended for five additional weeks as Roxie Hart. She'll now play through Sunday, July 18 -- instead of June 13 as originally announced. Also, Terra C. MacLeod returns as Velma Kelly starting tonight May 10th.

Michelle Williams Extends in CHICAGO Thru 4/13; Joins Tour in LA
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2010


Spring is in the air at Broadway's Tony Award-winning hit musical CHICAGO, and producers Barry and Fran Weissler are pleased to announce that Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child) will extend her limited engagement as Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.).

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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