Chicago The Musical: Everything You Need to Know About the Show
Chicago The Musical is one of the most iconic and longest-running Broadway musicals of all time, captivating audiences worldwide with its sharp satire, sultry jazz numbers, and legendary choreography.
Set in the 1920s, the story follows the rise of two murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, as they manipulate the media, the courts, and public opinion to escape punishment and achieve fame.
With its signature style, unforgettable characters, and iconic songs like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” Chicago remains a favourite for theatre fans across the globe.
This guide will give you everything you need to know about Chicago The Musical, from its rich history and timeless songs to tips for catching a performance, whether on Broadway or during its many international tours.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago The Musical: Discover the thrilling plot of Chicago, where crime and showbiz collide in a spectacularly jazzy world.
- Famous Productions Timeline: Learn about the key milestones in Chicago’s history, from its 1975 premiere to its record-breaking Broadway revival.
- UK Tour: Find out when and where you can catch Chicago The Musical in the UK with a full list of upcoming tour dates.
What is Chicago The Musical About?
At the heart of Chicago The Musical is the story of Roxie Hart, a chorus girl with dreams of stardom. After killing her lover in a fit of rage, she finds herself behind bars at Cook County Jail, but instead of ending her dreams, this sets her on a path to becoming a media sensation.
With the help of slick lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie transforms her murder trial into a media circus, manipulating public sympathy to win her freedom.
The story is set against the backdrop of the 1920s, a time of gangsters, speakeasies, and the rise of sensationalist media. The musical explores themes of fame, corruption, and the public’s obsession with scandal, drawing sharp comparisons to today’s celebrity culture.
While in jail, Roxie meets Velma Kelly, a famous vaudeville performer also awaiting trial for murder. The two women initially become rivals, both seeking the limelight, but as the story unfolds, their relationship takes unexpected turns. Chicago is a biting satire of celebrity culture, the justice system, and the lengths people will go to achieve fame.
Timeline of Famous Productions
Since its original Broadway debut in 1975, Chicago The Musical has seen countless revivals, international productions, and a highly successful film adaptation.
Here’s a look at the key moments in the show’s history.
| Year | Production Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Chicago premieres on Broadway with Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart and Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly. Directed by Bob Fosse. |
| 1979 | Chicago opens in London at the Cambridge Theatre. |
| 1996 | The Tony-winning revival opens on Broadway, starring Ann Reinking and choreographed in the Fosse style. |
| 1997 | The West End revival opens, becoming one of the longest-running shows in London’s theatre history. |
| 2002 | Chicago is adapted into a film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere. The film goes on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. |
| 2021 | Chicago celebrates its 25th anniversary on Broadway following a brief closure due to the pandemic. |
The revival of Chicago continues to break records, holding the title of Broadway’s longest-running American musical.
The Characters of Chicago
Chicago features a cast of unforgettable characters, each bringing their own flair to the show’s themes of crime, fame, and manipulation.
Below is a breakdown of the main characters in the show.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Roxie Hart | A chorus girl with dreams of stardom. After killing her lover, she becomes a media sensation while awaiting trial. |
| Velma Kelly | A vaudeville star jailed for the murder of her husband and sister, she becomes Roxie’s rival. |
| Billy Flynn | A smooth-talking lawyer who never loses a case, he represents both Roxie and Velma in their murder trials. |
| Matron “Mama” Morton | The warden of Cook County Jail who helps inmates in exchange for bribes and favours. |
| Amos Hart | Roxie’s simple and loyal husband, who is often overlooked and mistreated by his wife. |
| Mary Sunshine | A reporter who covers Roxie and Velma’s trials, adding to their media spectacle. |
The Iconic Songs of Chicago
Chicago The Musical is known for its dazzling score, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Many of its songs have become classics in musical theatre.
Below is all the musical numbers in the show, split into Act I and Act II.
Act I Songs
| Act I Songs |
|---|
| Overture |
| All That Jazz |
| Funny Honey |
| Cell Block Tango |
| When You’re Good to Mama |
| Tap Dance |
| All I Care About |
| A Little Bit of Good |
| We Both Reached for the Gun |
| Roxie |
| I Can’t Do It Alone |
| My Own Best Friend |
| Finale Act I: All That Jazz (Reprise) |
Act II Songs
| Act II Songs |
|---|
| Entr’acte |
| I Know a Girl |
| Me and My Baby |
| Mr. Cellophane |
| When Velma Takes the Stand |
| Razzle Dazzle |
| Class |
| Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag |
| Finale Act II: All That Jazz (Reprise) |
From the sultry “All That Jazz” to the satirical “Razzle Dazzle,” the songs in Chicago have become synonymous with the show’s unique blend of glamour and grit.
The UK Tour of Chicago
For those who can’t make it to Broadway, you’re in luck! Chicago The Musical is currently touring the UK, bringing the magic of the show to theatres across the country.
Here is the full list of upcoming UK tour dates, so you can catch the show near you.
| Venue | Dates |
|---|---|
| Milton Keynes Theatre | 12 October – 19 October 2024 |
| Alhambra Theatre, Bradford | 21 October – 26 October 2024 |
| Theatre Royal, Newcastle | 28 October – 2 November 2024 |
| Palace Theatre, Manchester | 4 November – 9 November 2024 |
| Mayflower Theatre, Southampton | 19 November – 23 November 2024 |
| Regent Theatre, Stoke | 25 November – 30 November 2024 |
| His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen | 14 January – 18 January 2025 |
| Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham | 20 January – 25 January 2025 |
| Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield | 28 January – 1 February 2025 |
| Edinburgh Playhouse | 4 February – 8 February 2025 |
| Liverpool Empire | 10 February – 15 February 2025 |
| New Theatre, Oxford | 24 February – 1 March 2025 |
| Cliffs Pavilion, Southend | 3 March – 8 March 2025 |
| Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | 11 March – 15 March 2025 |
| Grand Opera House, Belfast | 17 March – 22 March 2025 |
| Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth | 31 March – 5 April 2025 |
| Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham | 7 April – 12 April 2025 |
| The Alexandra, Birmingham | 14 April – 19 April 2025 |
| Hall For Cornwall, Truro | 21 April – 26 April 2025 |
| Venue Cymru, Llandudno | 29 April – 3 May 2025 |
| Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff | 5 May – 10 May 2025 |
| Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury | 12 May – 17 May 2025 |
| Bristol Hippodrome | 19 May – 24 May 2025 |
| Orchard Theatre, Dartford | 26 May – 31 May 2025 |
| New Wimbledon Theatre | 9 June – 14 June 2025 |
| Leicester Curve | 16 June – 21 June 2025 |
| Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton | 23 June – 28 June 2025 |
| Hull New Theatre | 30 June – 5 July 2025 |
| Congress Theatre, Eastbourne | 7 July – 12 July 2025 |
| Theatre Royal, Norwich | 14 July – 19 July 2025 |
| Winter Gardens, Blackpool | 21 July – 26 July 2025 |
| New Victoria Theatre, Woking | 28 July – 2 August 2025 |
| Sunderland Empire | 4 August – 9 August 2025 |
| Hawth Theatre, Crawley | 11 August – 16 August 2025 |
| King’s Theatre, Glasgow | 18 August – 23 August 2025 |
Fun Facts About Chicago
- Chicago won six Tony Awards for its 1996 revival, including Best Revival of a Musical.
- The film adaptation starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere took home the Oscar for Best Picture in 2003.
- Bob Fosse’s choreography, featuring his signature style, is still used in productions of Chicago to this day.
- The character of Matron “Mama” Morton, famously played by Queen Latifah in the film, was originally played by Marcia Lewis in the 1996 revival.
- Donna Marie Asbury, a former Chicago cast member, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest time playing the same character in a Broadway show.
Overall
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Broadway musicals or new to the theatre scene, Chicago The Musical offers something for everyone.
From its satirical take on fame and crime to its dazzling choreography and unforgettable songs, it’s no wonder that Chicago remains a hit after decades on the stage.
If you get the chance, whether in New York, London, or on its UK tour, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this timeless show.
Further Reading: Is Chicago Based on a True Story? The Real-Life Crime Behind the Show.
FAQs
What is Chicago The Musical about?
Chicago The Musical is about Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who kills her lover and becomes a media sensation while awaiting trial, with the help of her lawyer, Billy Flynn.
Who wrote Chicago The Musical?
The music for Chicago was written by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb. The book was co-written by Bob Fosse and Ebb, based on a play by Maurine Dallas Watkins.
Where is Chicago The Musical playing?
Chicago is currently playing at the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway in New York, with ongoing productions and tours globally.
How long is Chicago The Musical?
The running time for Chicago is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
What are the most famous songs in Chicago The Musical?
The most iconic songs from Chicago include “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” “Roxie,” and “Razzle Dazzle.”
Is Chicago The Musical still running in London’s West End?
No, Chicago is no longer running in the West End, but it is currently on a UK tour, with dates scheduled across the country.
