'Chicago' to host special 25th anniversary Broadway performance
The performance will include guest appearances from some of the musical's original cast members.
After 25 years, Chicago is still razzle-dazzling Broadway! On November 16, the show will host a special 25th anniversary performance at the Ambassador Theatre to commemorate the milestone. The performance will feature special guest appearances from some of the original Chicago cast members and "other surprises," which have yet to be announced.
Chicago first premiered on Broadway in 1975 starring the late Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart, Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly, and the late Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn. The musical ran for a total of 936 performances before closing in 1977. The 1996 revival of Chicago — the current production — beat the success of the original more than tenfold, having had 9,737 performances as of November 1 and counting. The show is now the second-longest running Broadway musical, the longest-running revival, and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
The original 1996 revival cast of Chicago included the late Ann Reinking as Roxie Hart, Bebe Neuwirth as Velma Kelly, and Joel Grey as Billy Flynn. The current principal cast includes Ana Villafañe as Roxie Hart, Bianca Marroquín as Velma Kelly, Tony Award winner Paulo Szot as Billy Flynn, Tony Award winner Lillias White as Matron "Mama" Morton, Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart, and Ryan Lowe as Mary Sunshine.
Chicago follows housewife and wannabe celebrity Roxie Hart, who kills her lover after he goes back on his promise to make her a star. When she hires the suave Billy Flynn as her lawyer, he helps her turn her crime into a media sensation that makes her infamous, if not yet famous, and ignites a feud with fellow celebrity murderess Velma Kelly.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chicago about?
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.
Where is Chicago playing?
Chicago is playing at Ambassador Theatre. The theatre is located at 219 West 49th Street, New York, 10019.
How long is Chicago?
The running time of Chicago is 2hr 30min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age requirement for Chicago?
The recommended age for Chicago is Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted..
How do you book tickets for Chicago?
Book tickets for Chicago on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote the Chicago musical?
The music for Chicago is written by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. Ebb also co-wrote the show's script with Bob Fosse. They adapted the musical from a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, also titled Chicago.
What songs are in Chicago on Broadway?
The songs for Chicago, written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, include "Cell Block Tango," "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," "Roxie," and "We Both Reached for the Gun." Learn about all the songs in Chicago on Broadway.
Is Chicago on Broadway appropriate for kids?
Chicago is not recommended for young children; the age recommendation is 13 and up due to its themes of murder, sex, crime, and adultery. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
When did Chicago open on Broadway?
The current production of Chicago opened in 1996. It was the musical's first revival following its 1996 premiere. Chicago is now the second-longest-running show and longest-running revival in Broadway history.
Who directed Chicago on Broadway?
Walter Bobbie directs the current production of the Chicago musical. He has worked on Broadway as a writer, director, and performer since 1971, and he's also known for staging musicals like Sweet Charity, Footloose, and Bright Star.
Is Chicago on Broadway good?
New York Theatre Guide's 20th-anniversary review of Chicago calls the show "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," rating it five stars. Chicago is now more than 25 years old, proving the lasting appeal of its story, songs, and talent.
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