Is Chicago Based on a True Story? The Real-Life Crime Behind the Show
Chicago the Musical has dazzled audiences for decades with its iconic performances, catchy jazz tunes, and clever take on crime and celebrity.
But is Chicago based on a true story? The answer is yes. The musical is inspired by real-life events that took place in 1920s Chicago, where two women accused of murder became media sensations, turning their trials into public spectacles.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the real events behind Chicago. We’ll explore how true crime influenced the musical, the real-life inspirations for the characters, and how the vaudeville and jazz age shaped the show’s unique style.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago the Musical is Based on Real Crime Trials: The story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly is inspired by two real-life women, Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, who were both accused of murder in 1920s Chicago.
- Chicago Captures the Vaudeville and Jazz Culture of the 1920s: The musical uses the style of vaudeville to showcase its characters and events, reflecting the entertainment forms popular during that era.
- Billy Flynn’s Character Was Inspired by Real Lawyers: The smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, played by Richard Gere in the film, was based on real-life attorneys like William Scott Stewart.
What Is Chicago Based On?
At the heart of Chicago the Musical is the real-life crime stories of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, two women who stood trial for murder in 1920s Chicago.
Beulah, like Roxie Hart, was accused of killing her lover, while Belva, the inspiration for Velma Kelly, was a cabaret singer tried for killing her husband. Both women were acquitted, and their stories became sensationalised by the media at the time.
Maurine Dallas Watkins, a journalist for the Chicago Tribune, covered these trials and later wrote a play based on the events. This play would eventually inspire the musical Chicago, which was created by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse.
How the Vaudeville and Jazz Age Shaped Chicago the Musical
Chicago the Musical draws heavily from the cultural backdrop of the 1920s, using the lively world of vaudeville and the emerging jazz age to shape its characters, music, and overall style. The show’s creators, John Kander and Fred Ebb, structured the musical like a vaudeville revue to capture the way crime and entertainment collided during that era.
The influence of vaudeville can be seen in the show’s theatrical, almost over-the-top performances, such as “All That Jazz,” which reflects the glitz and glamour of the time. Numbers like “Cell Block Tango” echo the dark humour and sensationalism that were often part of vaudeville acts, where the line between entertainment and reality blurred.
The musical also taps into the free-spirited energy of the jazz age, with characters like Velma Kelly, a former cabaret singer, embodying the rebellious flapper culture. The jazz music and dance styles in the show mirror the rhythmic, bold nature of the 1920s, creating an atmosphere where both crime and performance became entertainment for the masses.
By framing the story around these two key cultural elements, Chicago the Musical captures the essence of the era, making it not just a tale of crime, but a reflection of how society turned legal drama into showbiz.
The Characters in Chicago and Their Real-Life Inspirations
The characters in Chicago are larger-than-life but based on real people from 1920s Chicago.
Here’s a look at how the musical’s iconic figures compare to their real-life counterparts:
Character | Real-Life Inspiration | Description |
---|---|---|
Roxie Hart | Beulah Annan | A housewife who shot her lover and became a media darling. |
Velma Kelly | Belva Gaertner | A glamorous cabaret singer accused of killing her husband. |
Billy Flynn | William Scott Stewart | A smooth-talking lawyer who knew how to work the media. |
Amos Hart | Albert Annan | Roxie’s loyal but naïve husband. |
Mama Morton | Cook County Jail Matrons | The matron of the jail where Roxie and Velma are held. |
Songs in Chicago the Musical
The music in Chicago the Musical is key to telling the story of crime, fame, and scandal in 1920s Chicago.
Each song not only highlights the characters’ ambitions and struggles but also reflects the vaudeville and jazz influences that define the show’s style.
From darkly humorous tunes like “Cell Block Tango” to the glamorous “All That Jazz,” the songs capture the chaotic world of media and celebrity that Roxie and Velma navigate.
Below is a list of all the songs from Act 1 and Act 2 of Chicago the Musical, in order of appearance.
Song | Description |
---|---|
Overture/All That Jazz | The show opens with Velma Kelly performing “All That Jazz,” introducing the glamour and chaos of 1920s jazz culture. |
Funny Honey | Roxie Hart sings about her husband Amos, believing he will stand by her, unaware of how his loyalty will change. |
Cell Block Tango | Six female prisoners, including Velma, share the stories of their crimes with dark humour and jazzy flair. |
When You’re Good to Mama | Mama Morton explains how favours and alliances operate within the jail, showcasing her power over the inmates. |
All I Care About | Billy Flynn claims to care only about love and justice, but it’s clear he’s really driven by money and fame. |
We Both Reached for the Gun | Billy Flynn controls Roxie’s press conference, manipulating the media to tell her story in the best light. |
Roxie | Roxie dreams of stardom, imagining herself as a vaudeville star, with her trial as her big chance at fame. |
I Can’t Do It Alone | Velma tries to convince Roxie to form a vaudeville act together, hoping to regain her own fame. |
Chicago After Midnight | Instrumental music that sets the scene for the nightlife and drama of 1920s Chicago. |
My Own Best Friend | Roxie and Velma both realise they can only truly rely on themselves, highlighting their individual struggles. |
I Know a Girl | Velma Kelly reflects on her past showbiz experiences, reminiscing about a fellow performer. |
Me and My Baby | Roxie pretends to be pregnant to gain sympathy and media attention, using the lie to her advantage. |
Mister Cellophane | Amos Hart sings about feeling invisible and overlooked, especially by Roxie and society at large. |
Razzle Dazzle | Billy Flynn reveals how courtroom theatrics can distract from the truth, using style to sway the jury. |
Class | Velma and Mama Morton lament the lack of class and decency in modern times, comparing it to a more elegant past. |
Nowadays | Roxie and Velma join forces to perform a vaudeville act, symbolising their shared triumph through fame. |
Hot Honey Rag | The final performance where Roxie and Velma dazzle the audience with a jazzy vaudeville number. |
Finale Act II | The show’s energetic conclusion, where the ensemble comes together to celebrate the spectacle and chaos of the story. |
The Legacy of Chicago
Since its premiere, Chicago has become one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. First opening in 1975, the show has gone on to break records as the second-longest-running production in Broadway history. The 2002 movie musical, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, introduced the musical to a whole new audience, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The show has seen countless revivals worldwide, including a popular West End revival. The timeless themes of fame, corruption, and justice continue to resonate with audiences today, making Chicago a must-see for lovers of both musical theatre and true crime stories.
Where Can You Watch Chicago the Musical?
If you’re eager to experience the magic of Chicago the Musical live on stage, here’s where you can currently catch the show. Whether you’re in the UK, New York, or further afield, you can enjoy this iconic musical in a city near you.
Location | Details | Book Tickets |
---|---|---|
Broadway | Ongoing performances in New York | Book Tickets |
UK Tour | Various cities across the UK | Book Tickets |
China Tour | Touring multiple cities in China | Book Tickets |
Head over to the official website to secure your tickets and keep an eye on future performances.
Overall
Chicago the Musical brilliantly combines the true crime trials of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly with the glamour of vaudeville and the music of the jazz age. The real events of 1920s Chicago, with all their sensational headlines and courtroom drama, inspired a stage show that has lasted for decades.
Whether it’s the catchy tunes like “All That Jazz” or the unforgettable characters like Billy Flynn and Mama Morton, the show has something for everyone, offering up both entertainment and a satirical look at how crime and fame often go hand in hand.
FAQs
Is Chicago based on a true story?
Yes, Chicago is based on the real-life trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, two women who were accused of murder in 1920s Chicago.
Who are Roxie and Velma based on?
Roxie Hart is inspired by Beulah Annan, while Velma Kelly is based on Belva Gaertner, a cabaret singer tried for murder.
What is Billy Flynn’s character based on?
Billy Flynn is inspired by real-life lawyers, including William Scott Stewart, known for his flamboyant courtroom style.
How accurate is Chicago the Musical?
While Chicago the Musical takes inspiration from real events, it exaggerates for entertainment, using vaudeville style to dramatise the trials.
Who wrote the music for Chicago?
The music for Chicago was written by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb.
What are some famous songs from Chicago?
Some of the most famous songs include “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle.”
Is Chicago still running?
Yes, Chicago is still running on Broadway and has had several successful West End revivals.
What is Cell Block Tango about?
“Cell Block Tango” is a song where the female prisoners explain the reasons behind their crimes in a darkly comedic way.
What inspired the vaudeville theme in Chicago?
The vaudeville theme reflects the popular entertainment style of the 1920s, with each song presented like a vaudeville act.
Who played Billy Flynn in the film version of Chicago?
Richard Gere played Billy Flynn in the 2002 movie musical version of Chicago.