Broadway

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! The musical *Elf* will return to Broadway this holiday season, with performances running from November 9 to January 4 at the [Marquis Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/marquis-theatre), with opening night on November 17.

*Elf* is adapted from the 2003 film of the same name, which stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf at the North Pole. When he travels to New York City to find his...

‘Elf’ to play limited Broadway run this holiday season

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The musical adaptation of the beloved Christmas film starring Will Ferrell has played two holiday runs in New York before, most recently in the 2012-13 season.

It’s Broadway or nothing! John Mulaney will return to Broadway in the new play *All In: Comedy About Love by Simon Rich*, which will play a limited run at the [Hudson Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/hudson-theatre) for 10 weeks beginning December 11.

Mulaney is a two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian for his stand-up comedy specials *Kid Gorgeous* and *Baby J*. His other best-known works include the stand-up specials *The Top Part*, *New in Town*, and *The Comeback Kid*,...

John Mulaney to star in ‘All In: Comedy About Love by Simon Rich’ on Broadway

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Fred Armisen, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Chloe Fineman, and Richard Kind are also among the cast of this world-premiere play directed by Alex Timbers.

Dreaming of a white Christmas (and a Happy New Year)? Where better to go than the Great White Way? Snow isn't guaranteed to fall on the holidays, but theatre is sure to be there. If you're planning to celebrate the holidays in New York, there are plenty of Broadway shows waiting for you when you get here.

Many shows add extra performances in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's, and plenty even have performances right on the holidays. Catch a Christmas Eve matinee before heading to...

Here are the Broadway shows you can see over the holidays

Lindsay Pearce in 'Wicked' on Broadway. (Photo by Joan Marcus)

Find out the Broadway shows performing on Christmas and New Year's, and see which shows have added additional performances during the holiday weeks.

“Let me entertain you.” That famous line from [*Gypsy*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/41161-gypsy-on-broadway) is an invitation that all 16 shows opening this fall on Broadway are sending out.

While each production is distinct, themes, motifs, and other elements overlap. As the 2024 season approaches, New York Theatre Guide looks ahead at trends – big picture and close-up – playing out on Broadway stages. If you’re keen on a certain trend, use our roundup to find your next great...

Check out the trends appearing throughout Broadway shows this fall

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Every play and musical on stage this season is unique, but some share topics, themes, and details — find one that interests you, and get your tickets.

Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! John Cardoza, Solea Pfeiffer, and Pepe Muñoz will join the cast of [*Moulin Rouge! The Musical*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/15911-moulin-rouge-the-musical-on-broadway-tickets) on Broadway at the [Al Hirschfeld Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/al-hirschfeld-theatre) this fall, playing their first performances on October 15.

Cardoza will star as Christian, a role he previously played on the first national tour of *Moulin Rouge! The...

John Cardoza, Solea Pfeiffer, Pepe Muñoz to join ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ Broadway cast

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They will replace current stars Aaron Tveit, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, and Ricky Rojas in the musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-winning 2001 movie.

All he cares about is love! Award-winning Latin music artist Sebastián Yatra will join the cast of [*Chicago*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets) on Broadway from November 25 to December 22 only.

Yatra is best known for performing the Oscar-nominated song "Dos Orugitas" from the animated Disney film *Encanto*. His music career has earned him a Latin Grammy Award and a Grammy nomination.

"Getting to Broadway was something I had imagined but it seemed impossible and now...

Sebastián Yatra to join 'Chicago' Broadway cast

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The Latin Grammy Award-winning musician will make his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in the long-running musical at the Ambassador Theatre for four weeks only.

Spooky season is underway, and it's the perfect time to have a frightfully fun night at the theatre. Legend has it that ghosts haunt most Broadway theatres, so you could be in for a fright at any show. If you really want to get into the spirit, though, there are plenty of New York stages showcasing Halloween theatre that celebrates all things witchy, magical, and downright scary.

The whimsical magic of [*Harry Potter and the Cursed...

Top theatre to see in New York for Halloween

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Check out these Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre shows, plus seasonal exhibits and interactive experiences, featuring all things spooky and spellbinding.

It is Audra’s turn. Theatrical legend [Audra McDonald](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/audra-mcdonald) takes on the role of Mama Rose in the hotly anticipated Broadway revival of the classic musical [*Gypsy*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/41161-gypsy-on-broadway). Directed by Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe and choreographed by four-time Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, the production marks McDonald’s first musical role on Broadway since 2017.

Based on the memoir...

All the songs in 'Gypsy' on Broadway

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Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald takes on the iconic role of Mama Rose in visionary director George C. Wolfe’s revival of the classic showbiz musical.

Fall is upon us in New York. The cool fall breezes have blown in not just color-changing leaves, but a cornucopia of seasonal events all across the city. And there's a show or event out there for you no matter how you like to ring in the fall season.

Is the pumpkin patch at the top of your itinerary? Stop at a show set in the countryside on the way to the actual farm. Prefer to stay cozied up inside with a warm sweater? You can do that in a Broadway theatre. Can't wait for Halloween? Celebrate...

Plan a fall day in New York with these shows and events

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Whether your fall vibe is spooky, cozy, or outdoorsy, New York has plenty of attractions and shows to suit your interests — check out our itineraries here.

A haunting story of survival, brotherhood and redemption, the new Broadway musical [*Swept Away*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31122-swept-away) recounts the impossible choices faced by four sailors after a shipwreck casts them adrift in a small lifeboat. 

The songs of *Swept Away* are drawn from the catalog of folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, including several tunes [first...

All the songs in 'Swept Away' on Broadway

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The stirring new survival-adventure musical from The Avett Brothers draws on the folk-rock band’s 2004 album *Mignonette* and other tunes from its catalog.

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be Alyssa! [Alyssa Milano](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/alyssa-milano) will star as Roxie Hart in [*Chicago*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets) on Broadway this fall, playing a limited run at the [Ambassador Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/ambassador-theatre) from September 16 to November 10.

Milano makes her Broadway debut with *Chicago*. She is best known for her screen roles as Phoebe Halliwell in *Charmed*, Jennifer Mancini in *Melrose Place*, and Samantha Micelli in *Who's the Boss?* She has also starred in Off-Broadway plays including *Tender Offer* and *All Night Long*.

"I could not be more excited to be getting back to my roots in musical theatre," Milano said in a statement. "When I was 8 and first joined the national touring company for *Annie*, I never could have imagined the 40+ year career ahead of me.

"To finally be making my Broadway debut in the role of Roxie Hart in the iconic musical *Chicago* and to stand on the shoulders of such honorable lineage is all that a little girl who loved to sing and dance and make people smile could have ever dreamt of. I can’t wait to hit the stage." 

She will succeed current star [Ariana Madix](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/ariana-madix) as Roxie. The current *Chicago* cast also includes Robyn Hurder as Velma Kelly, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Matron "Mama" Morton, Max von Essen as Billy Flynn, Red Concepción as Amos Hart, R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine, and Max Clayton as Fred Casely.

John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse's classic musical follows murderesses Roxie and Velma as they compete for the public's sympathy and a lawyer's attention in order to get acquitted. *Chicago* is the longest-running musical currently on Broadway, having played since 1996.

Get [*Chicago* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets) now.

*Photo credit: Alyssa Milano. (Photo courtesy of production)*

Alyssa Milano to star in 'Chicago' on Broadway

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Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted.

Chicago on Broadway - NYC [22]

Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

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A group of performers in black outfits stand in dynamic poses on stage, arms raised, under dramatic blue lighting.

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Are you ready for all that jazz? Chicago on Broadway has brought the razzle dazzle for more than 25 years. See *Charmed* star Alyssa Milano from September 16 to November 10. Get Chicago tickets on New York Theatre Guide now and have a killer night at the theatre.

The Chicago musical had its Broadway premiere in 1975, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera. That production ran for two years. New York City Center's Encores! program for seldom revived musicals mounted a brief concert production in 1996, which transferred to Broadway and is the same production still running today.

The *Chicago* Broadway revival, directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking in Fosse's style, is now the longest-running American Broadway show and longest-running revival in Broadway history. Chicago officially opened at the <a href="/theatres/richard-rodgers-theatre">Richard Rodgers Theatre</a> on November 14, 1996, and it later moved to the <a href="/theatres/shubert-theatre">Shubert Theatre</a> and finally the <a href="/theatres/ambassador-theatre">Ambassador Theatre</a> in January 2003.

Chicago on Broadway was nominated for eight Tony Awards in 1997. The show&nbsp;ultimately won six trophies, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Direction of a Musical. The&nbsp;production's highly stylized costumes as well as its Fosse-inspired choreography have made the musical one of the most widely recognised Broadway shows worldwide.

A Chicago film adaptation was released in 2002, starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, Richard Gere as Billy Flynn, Queen Latifah as Matron "Mama" Morton, and John C. Reilly as Amos Hart. The film went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture at the 75th Academy Awards, becoming the first movie musical to do so since Oliver! in 1968.

## What is the *Chicago* musical about?

Chicago is based on a same-named 1926 play by journalist Maureen Dallas Watkins, who covered real-life trials like Roxie's and Velma's. Step into the Jazz Age at the Chicago musical, about murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery — and old-fashioned showbiz and razzle dazzle.

Housewife and aspiring vaudevillian Roxie Hart lands in jail for murdering her lover, and she quickly learns that making headlines is the only way to get acquitted. She and veteran vaudeville star Velma Kelly, a fellow murderess, vie for the attention of the press and a smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn, in this satire of celebrity culture and the justice system.

## Who wrote the *Chicago* musical?

Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse wrote the book for the *Chicago* musical, with Ebb also writing lyrics and John Kander composing the music.

Along with Cabaret, Chicago is often considered as one of the best pieces of musical theatre from the legendary songwriting duo Kander and Ebb. They won the the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for Chicago, with a jazz-infused score including hits like "Cell Block Tango," "When You're Good to Mama," "Mr. Cellophane," and "Razzle Dazzle."

## Is the *Chicago* musical kid-friendly?

*Chicago* is recommended for ages 13 and up, as the show contains strong language and references to sex and crime throughout.

There's nothing quite like experiencing this sizzling show and musical score live! Get Chicago tickets in New York now.

(Photos by Jeremy Daniel)

Chicago - NYC - New York Theatre Guide

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Chicago Broadway Tickets | The Official NY Theatre Guide

See why this second-longest-running Broadway show has razzle-dazzled so many audiences. A scorching satire of celebrity culture with classic Kander and Ebb tunes, *Chicago* shows how two ladies use showbiz pizzazz to get away with murder. Get tickets to witness the criminally fun revival that won six Tony Awards. 

True crime stories are popular nowadays, but the obsession is nothing new. This tale of murderesses in Prohibition-era Chicago is based on a 1926 play, also titled *Chicago*, by former crime journalist Maurine Dallas Watkins. She based her play on two 1920s court cases involving a housewife and cabaret singer, respectively, accused of murdering their husbands. 

The *Chicago* musical, similarly, follows housewife Roxie and vaudevillian Velma, who mimic each other’s publicity stunts and hire the same lawyer in the hopes of making front-page news. It’s the only way to get acquitted, and maybe even make it big.

The original production starred Chita Rivera as Velma and Fosse’s wife, Gwen Verdon, as Roxie and played from 1975 to 1977. The current production, *Chicago*’s first revival, opened in 1996 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, hopping to the Shubert in 1997 and the Ambassador in 2003. This production has far surpassed the original production’s success and set multiple Broadway records. *Chicago* is the second-longest-running Broadway show of all time, only behind *The Phantom of the Opera*.

*Chicago* borrows heavily from 1920s vaudeville variety shows. These included singers, dancers, acrobats, ventriloquists, and more. Different events in *Chicago* on Broadway — like a trial, a press conference, and even an execution — are staged like these different types of acts. An emcee also introduces the songs as though they were a lineup of vaudeville performances.

## What to watch for

- The *Chicago* musical inspired a 2002 film, which won the 2003 Academy Award for Best Picture. It starred Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta Jones as Velma Kelly, and Richard Gere as Billy Flynn.
- Watkins wrote her play *Chicago* while at Yale Drama School about her experience as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune. The show was originally called *Brave Little Woman*, and it’s now called *Play Ball* when performed to avoid confusion with the musical.
- The production began as a four-performance concert presentation at New York City Center’s Encores! in May 1996! *Chicago* transferred to Broadway in November that year, and the rest is history!
- Because it was originally a concert, the sets and costumes are minimalist, and the full orchestra plays on stage. The orchestra sits within a golden frame — the same one from the Encores! production that's still in use today.
- Ann Reinking, who replaced Gwen Verdon in the original *Chicago* production and originated Roxie Hart in this one, choreographed the revival “in the style of Fosse.” Fosse was nominated for the Best Choreography Tony for his work on the original, but Reinking won for the revival! The choreography of “Hot Honey Rag” remains intact from the original. 
- The *Chicago* Broadway cast has featured plenty of celebrities, including Usher, Brandy, Taye Diggs, Michael C. Hall, Wayne Brady, Melanie Griffith, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson, Jerry Springer, Patrick Swayze, Sofia Vergara, Rita Wilson, Jamie Camil, NeNe Leakes, Rumer Willis, Todrick Hall, Jennifer Nettles, Pamela Anderson, Angelica Ross, and many more.
- Make eye contact with the ensemble at your own risk, as Fosse famously told the cast in 1975: “Dare the audience to look at you, and then look back at them with murder in your eyes.”

Get *Chicago* tickets on TodayTix now.

## Please Note
Herbal cigarettes are used on stage. The use of cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices during the show is strictly prohibited by law, except when used for accessibility services. No weapons permitted on the premesis. No outside food or beverages, electric scooters, e-bikes, or battery-powered transportation devices, except when medically necessary. All items are subject to inspection and must fit on your lap or completely under your seat without blocking any aisles.

Chicago on Broadway [22] - TodayTix

The Kander and Ebb musical about murderesses-turned-overnight-celebrities has razzle-dazzled audiences for decades. With a rotating lineup of stars in the lead roles, you never know who you'll see as starry-eyed housewife Roxie, veteran vaudevillian Velma, and more.

20 years old and she’s still got it, folks!

With the 20th anniversary of [*Chicago*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets) speedily approaching, I took a trip to Broadway’s [Ambassador Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/ambassador-theatre) to witness that timeless story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery… and rest assured, I still hold it near and dear to my heart!

*Chicago* is the second longest-running show in Broadway history, behind Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infamous [*Phantom*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/38-the-phantom-of-the-opera-tickets), and still holds the record of being the longest-running musical revival and longest-running American musical on the Great White Way. So how has this iconic musical managed to outlast its competitors in the increasingly crowded and competitive market place that is Broadway?

One word can sum it all up, really… “Class”… which just so happens to be the title of one of the more reflective numbers in the show. As Velma and Mama Morton were serenading us, asking whatever happened to class, I couldn’t help but think that this production has it in abundance. *Chicago* proves that you don’t need to bombard your audience with a number of lavish sets or elaborate costume changes to put together a winning musical. All you need is a live band on stage, intoxicating the auditorium with that jazz-infused score from the genius that is John Kander and Fred Ebb and sprinkle it with that Bob Fosse-style choreography, and before you know it, you’ve razzle dazzled ‘em! Those tight-fitting, all-black (and often transparent) costumes by William Ivey Long enhance the show’s sensuality with equal measures of male and female exposure and have themselves become as recognisable as the show’s glittering red logo.

You forget how ground-breaking this revival must have been, when it officially opened on Broadway on 14th November 1996. Moments of breaking the fourth wall to introduce the musical numbers and having the conductor of the band interact with the actors on stage, still set *Chicago* apart from its predecessors, and who wouldn’t want to call for their “Exit Music” each time they left the room?

*Chicago* is equally as famous for its revolving casting door, which has seen both Broadway veterans and celebrities from the world of music, TV and film take to the stage and sink their teeth into those coveted principal roles for special limited engagements. Some of the company’s principals have been with the show for quite some time and continue to delight with every performance. NaTasha Yvette Williams’ brassy and sultry Mama Morton, Raymond Bokhour’s ever-loveable Amos and R. Lowe’s skilled, gender-bending performance as Mary Sunshine are always crowd-pleasing and essential parts of the production, offering the degree of stability that takes it smoothly through its many cast changes. Although some would argue that Chicago has been reduced to a star vehicle for celebrities wishing to dip their toes into the world of Broadway, I see it as a living, breathing piece of musical theatre history, which rightfully remains at the Ambassador Theatre and reminds us that all you need is class and, of course, all that jazz!

*(Photo by Jeremy Daniel)*

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"As much tribute as revival, the spirit of Fosse's genius never leaves the stage, and Chicago, under Walter Bobbie's sharp direction, will dazzle newcomers to the trademark Fosse dance style and provide a thrilling reminder to those who've seen it before just how smart, sexy and exciting this brand of choreography was, or rather, is."
*Greg Evans for Variety*

"Chicago is a triumph! It doesn't just give us the old razzle-dazzle; it glows."
*Richard Zoglin for Time Magazine*

"Chicago still glitters hypnotically! It remains the best adult entertainment in town and still bubbles with the joy of performing!"
*Ben Brantley for New York Times (2007)*

"The show seems to have discovered the fountain of youth. As entertaining as ever. Brash, buoyant and utterly irresistible!"
*Michael Kuchwara for The Associated Press (2003)*

'Chicago' review

Photo credit: Cast of Chicago (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

Read our 20th anniversary review of *Chicago* on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre.

The Ambassador Theatre is a quintessential landmark venue situated in the heart of Times Square in New York City. The theatre, built in a unique diagonal orientation to fit within a corner property, opened in 1921 and has since been a stoić stalwart in the midst of the bustling city life. The beautifully ornated structure with its grand interiors and elegant façade captures the essence of old New York charm. With a seating capacity of 1125, the theatre provides an intimate and immersive theatrical experience. Ambassador Theatre has been the venue for numerous historically and culturally significant productions, including 'Chicago,' not only gaining it popularity but also cementing its position as a paragon in the New York theatre scene.

## How to get to the Venue
The Ambassador Theatre is easily accessible by public transport. The closest subway stations are 49th Street (N, R, and W lines), and 50th Street (1 and 2 lines). An alternate option is to take the C or E line to 50th Street. The theatre is also reachable by several bus lines such as M7, M20, M50, or M104. For attendees driving, numerous public parking spaces are available in and around Times Square.

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Designed by Herbert J. Krapp, the Ambassador Theatre opened on February 11, 1921 under the ownership of the Shubert Organization with a production of the musical *The Rose Girl*. The Shuberts eventually sold the property in 1935, and it was turned into a cinema and television studio for NBC as well as the DuMont Television Network.

The venue was renamed the Ambassador Tele-Theatre until 1956, when the Shuberts reclaimed ownership and reinstated the building as a Broadway theatre. The Ambassador Theatre has been designated a New York City landmark for preservation.

## How to get to the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway

On the subway, take the C, E, or 1 line to 50th Street. The Ambassador Theatre is located a block away at 49th Street and Broadway.

Additionally, the Ambassador is located near various bus stops: 7th Ave/W 50th St. on the M7, M20, and M104 lines; 8th Ave./W 49th St. on the M20 and M104 lines; and 7th Ave/W 49th St. on the M50 line.

## Restaurants near the Ambassador Theatre

Popular restaurants located within a block of the Ambassador Theatre include The Palm steakhouse, Serafina (Italian), P.S. Kitchen (American), and Junior's Restaurant (American). [Learn more about pre- and post-show restaurants in the Theatre District.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/where-to-eat-before-and-after-a-broadway-show)

Ambassador Theatre - New York Theatre Guide

Step into the historic Ambassador Theatre, home to the iconic musical Chicago since 1996. Get your tickets today and experience a record-breaking Broadway classic.

Ambassador Theatre - TodayTix

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The Ambassador Theatre, an iconic venue in Times Square, New York, is known for its unique architecture and historic productions.

The *Who's the Boss?* and *Charmed* star will make her Broadway debut in the long-running musical at the Ambassador Theatre beginning in mid-September.

Alyssa Milano to star in 'Chicago' on Broadway

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