Chicago the Musical Songs: Complete Guide to Every Track
Chicago the musical songs are some of the most recognisable in theatre, blending unforgettable tunes with sharp storytelling. With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, the songs bring the characters to life, from Roxie Hart’s quest for fame to Billy Flynn’s courtroom antics.
Whether you’ve seen the show on Broadway or watched the 2002 film adaptation starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, these songs leave a lasting impression.
In this blog post, we’ll explore all songs from Chicago the musical, what they represent, and how they fit into the story. We’ll also cover where you can see the show, either on Broadway or during its UK tour.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago the Musical Songs and Their Meaning: Learn how the songs bring the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly to life, reflecting their rise to fame and the courtroom spectacle created by Billy Flynn.
- Watch Chicago in the UK and on Broadway: Find out where Chicago is currently running, with details on its UK tour and Broadway performances.
- Memorable Musical Numbers: Discover why “All That Jazz”, “Razzle Dazzle”, and other key songs are still fan favourites, capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age.
What Are the Songs in Chicago the Musical?
The songs in Chicago are central to the story, reflecting the characters’ desires, ambitions, and schemes.
Here’s a breakdown of all the songs and what they mean in the show:
| Song Title | Description |
|---|---|
| All That Jazz | Sung by Velma Kelly, this opening number introduces us to the world of the Jazz Age with a flashy and bold performance. It sets the tone for the entire musical. |
| Funny Honey | Roxie Hart sings this as she manipulates her husband, Amos, into taking the blame for her lover’s death. The song begins sweetly but turns bitter as Roxie reveals her true feelings. |
| Cell Block Tango | Six women, including Velma, sing about why they killed their partners. Each woman tells her story, making it one of the most famous and darkly humorous songs in the show. |
| When You’re Good to Mama | Jail matron Mama Morton explains her philosophy of “reciprocity” – do favours for her, and she’ll return the favour. It’s all about working the system. |
| All I Care About | Billy Flynn, the flashy lawyer, sings this number to show his talent for twisting the truth. He claims all he cares about is love, but he’s really only interested in money. |
| We Both Reached for the Gun | In this number, Billy Flynn turns Roxie into a puppet, telling the press that she acted in self-defence. It’s a clever, media-manipulating song that turns the trial into a spectacle. |
| Roxie | Roxie Hart celebrates her newfound fame, dreaming of a career in vaudeville. She imagines her name in lights and revels in her celebrity status. |
| I Can’t Do It Alone | Velma Kelly tries to convince Roxie to join her in a double act after their trials. She sings about her old routine with her sister and tries to win Roxie over. |
| My Own Best Friend | Roxie and Velma both realise they can only rely on themselves. This duet marks a turning point where both women decide to focus on their own survival. |
| Me and My Baby | Roxie pretends to be pregnant to gain public sympathy. This lively song shows how she plays the media to her advantage. |
| Mr. Cellophane | Amos Hart laments how he is constantly ignored, both by his wife and everyone else. He feels invisible, like he could disappear and no one would notice. |
| Razzle Dazzle | Billy Flynn advises Roxie to put on a show for the jury, dazzling them with tricks and lies to win them over. It’s all about the spectacle, not the truth. |
| Class | Velma and Mama Morton bemoan the lack of “class” in the world, though their own actions show they aren’t exactly paragons of virtue. |
| Nowadays | After both Roxie and Velma are acquitted, they team up to perform as a double act. This song celebrates their freedom and the opportunities of the Jazz Age. |
Where to Watch Chicago the Musical
If you’re looking to experience Chicago live, there are plenty of chances to see it, whether you’re in the UK or heading to Broadway. The show brings all the drama, glamour, and unforgettable songs that fans love.
Here’s where you can catch the show and grab your tickets.
Chicago on Broadway
Chicago is still going strong on Broadway, where it’s been running since 1996. If you’re in New York, don’t miss the chance to see this classic with its sharp humour, brilliant choreography, and all the songs you know and love. It’s performed at the Ambassador Theatre, and you can easily book tickets through the official site or at the box office.
Chicago the Musical UK Tour
If you’re in the UK, Chicago is also on tour, bringing all its iconic moments to cities up and down the country.
Below are all the UK tour dates, venues, and how to book your tickets:
| Venue | Tour Dates | Where to Book Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Milton Keynes Theatre | 12th October – 19th October 2024 | Book Here |
| The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford | 21st October – 26th October 2024 | Book Here |
| Theatre Royal, Newcastle | 28th October – 2nd November 2024 | Book Here |
| Palace Theatre, Manchester | 4th November – 9th November 2024 | Book Here |
| Mayflower Theatre, Southampton | 19th November – 23rd November 2024 | Book Here |
| Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent | 25th November – 30th November 2024 | Book Here |
| His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen | 14th January – 18th January 2025 | Book Here |
| Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham | 20th January – 25th January 2025 | Book Here |
| Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield | 28th January – 1st February 2025 | Book Here |
| Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh | 4th February – 8th February 2025 | Book Here |
| Liverpool Empire, Liverpool | 10th February – 15th February 2025 | Book Here |
| New Theatre, Oxford | 24th February – 1st March 2025 | Book Here |
| Cliffs Pavilion, Southend | 3rd March – 8th March 2025 | Book Here |
| Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | 11th March – 22nd March 2025 | Book Here |
| Grand Opera House, Belfast | 17th March – 22nd March 2025 | Book Here |
| Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth | 31st March – 5th April 2025 | Book Here |
| Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham | 7th April – 12th April 2025 | Book Here |
| The Alexandra, Birmingham | 14th April – 19th April 2025 | Book Here |
| Hall For Cornwall, Truro | 21st April – 26th April 2025 | Book Here |
| Venue Cymru, Llandudno | 29th April – 3rd May 2025 | Book Here |
| Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff | 5th May – 10th May 2025 | Book Here |
| The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury | 12th May – 17th May 2025 | Book Here |
| Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol | 19th May – 24th May 2025 | Book Here |
| The Orchard Theatre, Dartford | 26th May – 31st May 2025 | Book Here |
| New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon | 9th June – 14th June 2025 | Book Here |
| Curve Leicester, Leicester | 16th June – 21st June 2025 | Book Here |
| Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton | 23rd June – 28th June 2025 | Book Here |
| New Theatre, Hull | 30th June – 5th July 2025 | Book Here |
| Congress Theatre, Eastbourne | 7th July – 12th July 2025 | Book Here |
| Theatre Royal, Norwich | 14th July – 19th July 2025 | Book Here |
| Winter Gardens, Blackpool | 21st July – 26th July 2025 | Book Here |
| New Victoria Theatre, Woking | 28th July – 2nd August 2025 | Book Here |
| Sunderland Empire, Sunderland | 4th August – 9th August 2025 | Book Here |
| The Hawth, Crawley | 11th August – 16th August 2025 | Book Here |
| King’s Theatre, Glasgow | 18th August – 23rd August 2025 | Book Here |
Overall
Chicago the musical songs are what make this show so special, capturing the ambition, greed, and glamour of the characters in the Jazz Age.
Whether it’s the boldness of “All That Jazz” or the courtroom spectacle of “Razzle Dazzle”, these songs continue to captivate audiences, both in theatres and on screen.
With its clever music, sharp lyrics, and unforgettable performances, it’s no wonder Chicago remains a favourite on Broadway and in the UK.
Further Reading: Is Chicago Based on a True Story? The Real-Life Crime Behind the Show.
FAQs
What is Chicago the musical about?
Chicago follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women accused of murder, as they use their trials to become famous. The show is set in 1920s Chicago and highlights society’s obsession with celebrity and scandal.
Who wrote the songs for Chicago the musical?
The songs for Chicago were written by John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics).
What are the most famous songs in Chicago?
Some of the most famous songs include “All That Jazz”, “Razzle Dazzle”, and “Cell Block Tango”. These numbers capture the show’s energy and wit.
Is Chicago the musical based on a true story?
Yes, Chicago is loosely based on real events from the 1920s, involving women on trial for murder who became media sensations.
Can I see Chicago the musical in the UK?
Yes, Chicago is currently on a UK tour, with performances across the country. Check the dates and venues listed above to find a show near you.
Where can I buy tickets for Chicago the musical?
Tickets for Chicago can be purchased through the official theatre websites for both Broadway and the UK tour.
How long is Chicago the musical?
Chicago runs for about two and a half hours, including an intermission.
What is the song “Razzle Dazzle” in Chicago about?
“Razzle Dazzle” is sung by Billy Flynn, where he advises Roxie to distract the jury with showmanship rather than facts.
Did Chicago win any major awards?
Yes, the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago won several Oscars, including Best Picture.
