Chicago is that rare revival that has run longer than the original. In fact, it's Broadway's longest-running revival.
A 1926 play inspired the 1975 musical, which ran a respectable two years but won no Tonys. The revival has been running 12 years and is still going strong, not to mention spinning off a West End version and tours. This now-famous Kander and Ebb musical also inspired the multiple Academy Award-winning movie.
Chicago takes place in the Windy City of the Prohibition era. The music evokes Vaudeville, but, surprisingly, just as timeless is the theme it examines of how we often confuse fame and infamy.
When it opened in 1996, Chicago won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress for Bebe Neurth, as Velma Kelly.
But one of the reasons for the show’s longevity is the practice of producers Barry and Fran Weissler of rotating well-known actors through. Stars have ranged from Usher back to Neurth, who returned as the other female lead, Roxy Hart.
It’s impossible to mention Chicago without referencing Bob Fosse, who was instrumental in developing the show in the first place, and whose signature dance moves inspired choreography in the current version.
- Ambassador Theatre
219 West 49th Street
- Show Times and Tickets
- Opening: October 23, 1996
- Closing: Open-ended run
- Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission)
- Note: For mature audiences