The longest-running musical revival and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, it's no wonder "Chicago" is "the name on everybody's lips." After premiering on Broadway in 1975 and then opening in the West End four years later, the show made its way back to the Great White Way in 1996 and has been running ever since. Six Tony Awards (including Best Revival of a Musical) and two theaters later, the beloved Jazz Age musical is still wowing audiences with its unabashed edginess, unfiltered rawness and good "ol' razzle dazzle." "Start the car" because we're breaking down our top four reasons to see "Chicago" on Broadway.
Top Reasons to See "Chicago" on Broadway
Without further ado, here are our top four reasons to see "Chicago" on Broadway. "Five, six, seven, eight!"
1. A scandalous look at Chicago's criminal history
The musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse is based off on a 1926 play of the same title by playwright and one-time reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins. In 1924, Watkins was assigned to cover the trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. Annan (who inspired the character of Roxie Hart) was accused of the murder of Harry Kalstedt (who inspired the character Fred Casely). The Tribune reported that she played the foxtrot record "Hula Lou" over and over for two hours before calling her husband, Albert Annan (who inspired the character of Amos Hart), to say she killed a man who "tried to make love to her." Albert bankrupted himself to defend his wife ... only for her to publicly dump him the day after she was acquitted.
Gaertner (who inspired the character of Velma Kelly), on the other hand, was a cabaret singer and society divorcée. A man's body was discovered slumped over the steering wheel of her abandoned car. Police officers testified that they had seen a woman getting into the car and, shortly thereafter, heard gunshots. The suspects' respective lawyers were models for the composite character, Billy Flynn, as they managed to get their trials acquitted by separate juries at the Criminal Courts building just days apart. Because of these cases and many others like them, a lore arose that, in Chicago, feminine and attractive women could not be convicted.
2. A scorching satire on celebrity and crime
A concept still incredibly relevant in today's society, the "celebrity criminal" is center-stage in "Chicago." (Pun very much intended.) While Roxie and Velma learn the hard way that their quest for fame (and willingness to do just about anything for it) is a fruitless pursuit, it's the audience who learns an even harsher lesson. As the Master of Ceremonies states at the top of the show, you're "about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery — all those things we all hold near and dear to our hearts."
By presenting criminal justice and murder as equivalent to show business, "Chicago" holds a mirror up to the audience. It throws our insatiable thirst for entertainment back in our faces and forces us to reconsider the people we put up on a platform and bestow 15 minutes of fame to. Whether it's true crime podcasts and streaming series or court trials that play out minute by minute on social media, we're a society eager to sensationalize scandal and the people caught up in it. A statement as true today as it was 50 years ago during the show's first performance and a century ago when the musical takes place.
3. A revolving door of famous faces
Many notable names have paid their dues at the Cook Country Jail. From famous Broadway performers to movie and TV actors to singers, the list of "Chicago" alum is incredibly impressive. Actresses who have stepped into Roxie's stilettos include Pamela Anderson, Mel B, Olivia Holt, Brandy Norwood, Chita Rivera, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson, Michelle Williams, Rumor Willis, Rita Wilson and many, many more.
Among the impressive roster of actors who have portrayed the fast-talking Billy Flynn are Wayne Brady, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taye Diggs, Colman Domingo, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael C. Hall, James Monroe Iglehart, Joey Lawrence, Huey Lewis, Adam Pascal, Jerry Springer, Patrick Swayze, Usher and many more, as well.
Additionally, never to be outdone, the no-nonsense Mama Morton has been portrayed by the likes of Jennifer Holliday, Patti Labelle, NeNe Leakes, Jinkx Monsoon, Bebe Neuwirth, Sofía Vergara, Wendy Williams and many others.
Stepping behind bars shortly are Alyssa Milano as Roxie (from Sept. 16 to Nov. 10, 2024) and Orfeh as Mama Morton (as of Aug. 26, 2024).
4. The quintessential Bob Fosse musical
Nine-time Tony Award winner Bob Fosse was known for his finger-snapping, hat-tilting, knee-turning, shoulder-rolling modern choreography. From "Damn Yankees" and "Sweet Charity" to "The Pajama Game" and "Pippin," Fosse was a Broadway legend. And while he unfortunately passed away before the Broadway revival of "Chicago" in 1996 (leading his muse, original Roxie replacement, Ann Reinking to choreograph the production in his stead), Fosse's iconic style is nowhere as prevalent as it is in this musical.
He always envisioned the show as a "musical vaudeville" — complete with genre staples, such as ventriloquism, soft-shoe dancing and female impersonation. The long-running revival (more so than the original 1975 adaptation) brings this vision to life as the audience is hit with number after number, connected by sketchy dialogue. Fosse wanted the songs to echo the old-time showbiz greats (e.g. Bert Williams, Helen Morgan, Eddie Cantor, etc.) and Kander and Ebb worked tirelessly to make that happen.
"Chicago" Broadway Tickets
You can get amazing seats for "Chicago" on Broadway (backed by a 100% buyer guarantee) and save up to $54 with Undercover Tourist. Check out our "Chicago" on Broadway page for a full schedule of dates and times. "Grand, isn't it?"
Tips for Seeing "Chicago"
We have a few tips for seeing "Chicago" live:
- Buy "Chicago" tickets early for the best selection.
- Use A View From My Seat to find the seats with the best view of the stage.
- Head to the stage door after the show and wait for some of the cast members to come out and sign your Playbill. (Not guaranteed for every performance.)
- Due to adult themes, the show is recommended for theatre-goers 13 years or older.
Are you ready to get "Chicago" Broadway tickets? Find great seats for "Chicago" and other Broadway shows (as well as hotels and other NYC attractions) through Undercover Tourist.
Related: Broadway Shows 101: A Theatre-Going Guide for Beginners
