Paulo Szot to star in 'Chicago' on Broadway
The opera star is set for two limited engagements as Billy Flynn in Broadway's longest-running American musical.
Razzle dazzle 'em, Paulo! Tony Award winner and Opera star Paulo Szot will return to Broadway in the New Year to star as Billy Flynn in the longest-running American musical, Chicago. He is set to play two limited engagements as Billy Flynn at the Ambassador Theatre, from January 6 through January 31 and then again from March 16 through May 19, 2020.
Mr. Szot previously made his Broadway debut as Emile de Becque in the 2008 revival of South Pacific, winning a Tony Award for 'Best Actor In A Musical,' alongside a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Theatre World Award. He has starred in operatic productions in the most revered venues across the globe, including New York's Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall, London's Barbican and SouthBank Center, Madrid's Teatro Real, the Scala di Milano, and the Paris Opera just to name a few.
The principal Broadway cast currently includes Charlotte d'Amboise (as Roxie Hart), Amra-Faye Wright (as Velma Kelly), Tom Hewitt (as Billy Flynn), Raymond Bokhour (as Amos Hart), Raena White (as Matron 'Mama' Morton), and R. Lowe (as Mary Sunshine).
As previously announced, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills favorite Erika Jayne is set to make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart from January 6 through March 29, 2020.
Directed by Walter Bobbie, with choreography by Ann Reinking, Chicago features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, with a book by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb.
Synopsis: "Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids."
The creative team features scenic design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer.
The Broadway revival of Chicago began previews at the Ambassador Theatre on October 23, 1996, officially opening on November 14, 1996. The production went on to become the winner of six Tony Awards (including "Best Musical Revival") and the winner of the Grammy Award for "Best Musical Cast Recording," with the tuner featuring such showtune classics as "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," and "Mr. Cellophane," among others.
Chicago is produced on Broadway by Barry and Fran Weissler.
Chicago tickets are available now for performances through December 6, 2020.
(Photo courtesy of Boneau/Bryan-Brown)
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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