Broadway

She’s a three-time Tony Award winner who moves seamlessly between plays and musicals and always speaks her mind — often to tell you to turn off your phone in the theatre. She’s [Patti LuPone](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/patti-lupone), and she’s back on Broadway opposite [Mia Farrow](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/mia-farrow) in [*The Roommate*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/40630-the-roommate-on-broadway), a comedy about two women sharing a...

Our favorite Patti LuPone theatre roles

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The three-time Tony Award-winning actress, a living Broadway legend, returns to the stage in fall 2024 opposite Mia Farrow in the comedy play *The Roommate*.

Wilkommen! Musician Adam Lambert and film actress Auli’i Cravalho will join the cast of [*Cabaret*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/32847-cabaret-tickets) on Broadway, beginning September 16 at the [August Wilson Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/august-wilson-theatre).

Lambert is best known as the runner-up on season 8 of *American Idol*, and he has collaborated with Queen as the rock band’s lead vocalist since 2011. He also performed twice in the national tour of...

Adam Lambert, Auli’i Cravalho to join ‘Cabaret’ Broadway cast

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The *American Idol* runner-up and *Moana* star will replace Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin as the Emcee and Sally Bowles in the Tony Award-winning musical revival.

Molly Osborne has joined the cast of [*Othello*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/40030-othello-on-broadway) on Broadway, starring opposite the [previously announced](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/denzel-washington-jake-gyllenhaal-to-lead-othello-on-broadway) [Denzel Washington](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/all-the-times-denzel-washington-did-theatre) and [Jake...

Molly Osborne to star opposite Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Othello'

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The English actress will make her Broadway debut in the latest revival of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, which will begin performances in spring 2025.

It's getting another term! [*Oh, Mary!*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/37743-oh-mary) has extended on Broadway, with tickets now available through November 10. Get *Oh, Mary!* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*Oh, Mary!* dives into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks before Abraham Lincoln's assassination. In playwright [Cole Escola](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/cole-escola)'s comedic version of events, she's consumed by desire, booze, and an...

'Oh, Mary!' tickets now available through November

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Cole Escola's critically acclaimed historical comedy play played an extended run off Broadway this spring before transferring to Broadway's Lyceum Theatre.

Their love still goes on! [*The Notebook*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33744-the-notebook-the-musical) on Broadway has released a new ticket block, with seats now available for performances at the [Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/gerald-schoenfeld-theatre) through December 29. Get *The Notebook* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*The Notebook* [began as the debut...

'The Notebook' tickets now available through December

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The Tony Award-nominated musical, adapted from the 1996 Nicholas Sparks novel and the 2004 romance movie, opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre this spring.

August is the prime time to soak up some last sun rays on the beach or get away with your family before school starts back up again. But it's also a great time to go to the theatre! The Broadway season kick offs in earnest in the fall, so it's a great time to catch a bucket-list show you've been meaning to see or venture off Broadway to discover something entirely new.

Below, we've rounded up the new Off-Broadway shows premiering in August and the hit Broadway shows playing their final...

Top theatre to see in New York in August

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Discover our top picks for Broadway shows and Off-Broadway shows to see this month, including new shows premiering and last-chance shows closing this month.

Top theatre to see in New York in August | New York Theatre Guide

Here are our top picks of New York plays and musicals to check out in August 2024, including the first new shows to kick off the 2024-25 fall Broadway season.

Talk about a Rocketman. Pop superstar Elton John first blasted onto Broadway  in 1975 and almost never left. One of his best-known musical works, the 1997 Disney dynamo [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets), is, well, still standing. Audiences can feel the love tonight.

This fall, [*Tammy Faye*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/37219-tammy-faye), a musical about real-life televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, marks Sir John’s fifth...

A history of Elton John musicals on Broadway and beyond

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The Tony Award-winning composer's latest New York premiere is the new musical *Tammy Faye*, but he's been represented on Broadway for over 25 years and counting.

She's ready for her close-up! Mandy Gonzalez has joined the cast of *Sunset Boulevard* on Broadway, starring [Nicole Scherzinger](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/nicole-scherzinger). Performances begin September 28 ahead of an October 20 opening at the [St. James Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/venues/st-james-theatre).

Scherzinger stars in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical as Norma Desmond, and Gonzalez will serve as her alternate, playing Norma once a week...

Mandy Gonzalez to star in select 'Sunset Boulevard' Broadway performances

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Grammy Award nominee and Olivier winner Nicole Scherzinger will primarily star in the musical as Norma Desmond, and Gonzalez will play the role once a week.

__UPDATE: As of July 11, additional performers have joined the cast of *Once Upon a Mattress* on Broadway. The article has been updated to reflect the full cast list.__

We have a royal proclamation! [*Once Upon a Mattress*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31936-encores-once-upon-a-mattress) has completed its main Broadway cast ahead of its first performance at the [Hudson Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/hudson-theatre) later this month. The limited-run musical...

'Once Upon a Mattress' completes principal Broadway cast

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Four new actors and two returning cast members from the show's Off-Broadway run earlier this year join the previously announced Sutton Foster and Michael Urie.

Prepare to drop your jaws in awe — and perhaps terror — at the mother of all stage mothers that is Rose in the musical [*Gypsy*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/41161-gypsy-on-broadway). After all, the real-life burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee once called her mom “in her own words, a jungle mother.” To navigate showbiz is like walking through the wild.

The musical classic *Gypsy*, about the fraught relationship between Rose and her daughters, now returns to the Broadway stage for...

Guide to 'Gypsy' on Broadway starring Audra McDonald

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The six-time Tony Award-winning actress plays the iconic role of Mama Rose in the latest revival of the classic musical at the Majestic Theatre from November.

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be Ariana! Ariana Madix will make her Broadway debut in [*Chicago*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets) next month, beginning performances in the long-running musical at the [Ambassador Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/ambassador-theatre) on January 29. She will play a limited engagement through March 24.

Madix is best known for starring on the Bravo reality TV show *Vanderpump Rules* and being a finalist in the most recent season of *Dancing With the Stars*.

In *Chicago*, she will replace Charlotte d'Amboise in the starring role of Roxie Hart. Madix joins a cast that also currently includes Kimberly Marable as Velma Kelly, Lili Thomas as Matron "Mama" Morton, Max von Essen as Billy Flynn, James T. Lane as Amos Hart, R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine, and Max Clayton as Fred Casely.

John Kander and Fred Ebb's *Chicago* follows housewife Roxie and vaudeville performer Velma, who compete for the attention of the press and a high-powered lawyer in order to get acquitted of their murder charges. Running since 1996, *Chicago* is the longest-running revival and second-longest-running show in Broadway history.

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

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets)

*Photo credit: Ariana Madix. (Photo by Kelly Puleio)*

Ariana Madix to make Broadway debut in 'Chicago'

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Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted.

Chicago on Broadway - NYC [22]

Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

Chicago on Broadway

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Production shot of Chicago in New York, with Ariana Madix as Roxie Hart.

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A performer on stage (Ariana Madix), dressed in a black lace outfit, holds up a newspaper with the headline "ROXIE ROCKS CHICAGO!.

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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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Production shot of Chicago in New York, with Ariana Madix as Roxie Hart and Max Von Essen as Billy Flynn.

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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 *Vanderpump Rules* star Ariana Madix as Roxie from August 1-27. 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.

Ambassador Theatre - NY

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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

The Ambassador Theatre opened in 1921, became a TV studio, and then a theater once again. It's accessible via subway and bus, and is close to several popular restaurants.

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 star of *Vanderpump Rules* and *Dancing With the Stars* will step into the musical's starring role of Roxie Hart for an eight-week limited engagement.

Ariana Madix to make Broadway debut in 'Chicago'

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