Broadway

Rock on! And on! And on! Broadway currently sports three very different shows featuring rock music, a diverse and exciting genre that never gets old. Not to mention, the shows feature rock legends like Pete Townshend, Huey Lewis, and (sort of) Fleetwood Mac.

These shows include the new musical [*The Heart of Rock and Roll*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/36584-the-heart-of-rock-and-roll) at the [James Earl Jones...

Rock music takes the stage in three Broadway shows this spring

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Songs by rock bands The Who and Huey Lewis and The News appear in high-energy musicals alongside a new play with music inspired by the 1970s rock scene.

Welcome to the Russian countryside! Here's your first look at [*Uncle Vanya*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33211-uncle-vanya) on Broadway, with [Steve Carell](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/steve-carell) making his Broadway debut in the title role. The starry cast, directed by Lila Neugebauer, also includes [Anika Noni Rose](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/anika-noni-rose) (*Caroline, or Change*), [Alfred...

See photos of Steve Carell and the cast of 'Uncle Vanya' on Broadway

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The star of *The Office* makes his Broadway debut in the latest revival of the classic play, which also stars Anika Noni Rose, Alfred Molina, and more.

You're gonna hear her roar! Maya Boyd will be the next Juliet in [*& Juliet*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/25598-and-juliet-tickets) on Broadway, beginning performances on May 14 at the [Stephen Sondheim Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/stephen-sondheim-theatre).

Boyd made her Broadway debut earlier this year in the cast of *Merrily We Roll Along*. In *& Juliet*, she will now replace [Lorna...

Maya Boyd to join '& Juliet' Broadway cast

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After making her Broadway debut earlier this year, the actor will now replace Tony Award nominee Lorna Courtney in the title role of the acclaimed musical.

See two stars, alike in dignity! [Rachel Zegler](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/rachel-zegler) and [Kit Connor](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/kit-connor) will lead a new revival of [*Romeo + Juliet*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/40696-romeo-and-juliet-on-broadway) on Broadway. The Shakespeare production, directed by Sam Gold, will run this fall, with a theatre and dates to be announced.

Zegler is best known for starring as Maria in Steven...

Rachel Zegler, Kit Connor to star in ‘Romeo + Juliet’ on Broadway

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The *West Side Story* and *Heartstopper* stars will play Shakespeare’s tragic young lovers in the production, which features music by Jack Antonoff.

As the star of *The Office*, [Steve Carell](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/steve-carell) may be known for his comedic chops, but the roles he's played since that show’s Emmy Award-winning run have shown he can do so much more. He earned an Oscar nomination for playing a maniacal wrestling coach in *Foxcatcher*, played the father of a drug addict (played by Timothée Chalamet) in *Beautiful Boy*, and now makes his Broadway debut in the title role in Anton Chekhov’s [*Uncle...

All the celebrities who have starred in 'Uncle Vanya,' including Steve Carell

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The award-winning actor, best known for starring in *The Office*, is the latest person to tackle the coveted title role of Chekhov's classic family drama.

Great news for Huey Lewis fans: You can hear his music live again. For the first time since Meniere's disease impaired the '80s rock star's ability to hear music, forcing him to stop performing with his band The News, his songs are back on not one stage, but two.

Lewis isn't singing them, but those familiar with the Huey Lewis and The News hits "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time" will thrill to hear them nonetheless. Both those songs appear in this season's Broadway musical adaptation of...

How Huey Lewis shaped 'The Heart of Rock and Roll' on Broadway

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The new musical is set to nearly 30 hits by Huey Lewis and The News, and the band's frontman was a crucial and active collaborator throughout its journey.

Family trees are in bloom on Broadway this spring. Beginning with Joshua Harmon’s *Prayer for the French Republic* at the top of the year, numerous family dramas have proved the staying power of the fertile, timeless genre. Not to mention, these shows' families include the likes of actors Steve Carell, Jessica Lange, and Sarah Paulson.

Playing right now are Paula Vogel’s [*Mother Play*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31354-mother-play-on-broadway) at the [Hayes...

Learn about all the family dramas on Broadway this season

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Each play in the genre is just as unique as any given family, as evidenced by this spring's star-studded shows *Mother Play*, *Appropriate*, and *Uncle Vanya*.

And they were roommates! Per an April 11 [report from the New York Post](https://nypost.com/2024/04/11/entertainment/patti-lupone-mia-farrow-to-star-in-broadways-the-roommate/), three-time Tony Award winner [Patti LuPone](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/patti-lupone) and seven-time Golden Globe nominee Mia Farrow will co-star in the new Broadway play *The Roommate* this fall. According to the report, performances will run at the [Booth...

Patti LuPone, Mia Farrow reported to star in 'The Roommate' on Broadway

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According to a report in the New York Post, the actresses will perform in the 2015 play by Jen Silverman for a limited engagement beginning in August.

Home to historic rock bands like The Velvet Underground and The Ramones, New York City is a rock and roll lover’s paradise. Even though many of the popular venues that used to host rock and punk artists in the ‘60s and ‘70s have since closed, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the history of rock and roll while visiting New York City. 

Take your own rock-and-roll tour of NYC with these classic rock attractions, with something for every rock fan. Pick up some records; pay homage to late,...

Check out these classic rock musicals and attractions in NYC

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Make a day out of seeing a rock show on Broadway, including *The Who's Tommy*, Huey Lewis's *The Heart of Rock and Roll*, or the '70s rock-inspired *Stereophonic*.

Photos have been released of [*Patriots*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/38891-patriots) on Broadway, starring *Boardwalk Empire* and *Dopesick*'s [Michael Stuhlbarg](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/michael-stuhlbarg). Russia meets New York at the [Barrymore Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/barrymore-theatre), where this new play by Peter Morgan is in performances through June 23.

The playwright, who created Netflix's Emmy Award-winning show...

See photos of Michael Stuhlbarg and the cast of 'Patriots' on Broadway

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The Emmy and Tony Award-nominated actor stars as the late Russian politician Boris Berezovsky in the newest play from the creator of Netflix's *The Crown*.

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be... Angelica!&nbsp;Pose&nbsp;star Angelica Ross is set to make her Broadway debut in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/chicago-musical" target="_blank">Chicago</a>&nbsp;on Broadway. She steps into the show at the <a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/ambassador-theatre" target="_blank">Ambassador Theatre</a> for eight weeks, from September 12 to November 6.Ross is best known for her role as Candy on the Netflix series&nbsp;Pose, which made history by featuring the largest transgender cast ever on a scripted TV show. Now, Ross herself makes history as the first openly transgender woman to play a leading role in a Broadway show.Ross's other screen acting credits include&nbsp;American Horror Story, Transparent,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Doubt. The multi-hyphenate has also received two GLAAD Media Awards, one for her talk show segment with Trevor Noah and another for her web series&nbsp;Her Story.In&nbsp;Chicago, she plays Roxie Hart, a wannabe performer who murders her lover. While in jail, she learns that she can still become a celebrity if her crime gets the right press attention, and she competes with vaudeville star and fellow murderess Velma Kelly to get it.The musical has run on Broadway since 1996, making it the second-longest-running show and longest-running revival in Broadway history. Ross is the most recent of many celebrities to step into Chicago; earlier this year, Pamela Anderson took on the role of Roxie.<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/chicago-musical" target="_blank">Get&nbsp;Chicago&nbsp;tickets now.</a>Photo credit: Steven&nbsp;Simione&nbsp;with MUZE Magazine

Angelica Ross to star as Roxie in 'Chicago' on Broadway

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Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted.

NYC Chicago on Broadway [22] 

Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

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Production shot of Chicago in New York, with Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly.

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Are you ready for all that jazz? Chicago on Broadway has brought the razzle dazzle for more than 25 years. 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.

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Find out why countless audiences have painted the town at this Broadway hit. A biting take on fame with unforgettable Kander and Ebb songs, *Chicago* follows two women who use glitz and glam to evade execution. This six-time Tony-winning revival is criminally entertaining.

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.

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)

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The name on everybody's lips is gonna be... Angelica! Pose star Angelica Ross is set to make her Broadway debut in Chicago on Broadway. She steps into the show at the Ambassador Theatre for eight weeks, from September 12 to November 6.

New York Theater Guide News | NewYorkTheatreGuide.com

She will become the first openly trans woman to play a leading role on Broadway.

Angelica Ross to star as Roxie in 'Chicago' on Broadway

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