'Chicago' to set Broadway record with 10,000th performance
The musical is one of only two shows to do so.
Chicago is still bringing all that jazz! The revival of the classic Kander and Ebb musical, which began performances in 1996, will play its 10,000th performance this Saturday, June 25. Chicago will become only the second show in Broadway history to reach that milestone; The Phantom of the Opera did so on February 11, 2012 and has now played more than 13,000 performances.
Chicago is the second-longest-running musical, the longest-running American musical, and the longest-running revival in Broadway history. The show's original run, from 1975 to 1977, had plenty of success with 936 performances, but the 1996 revival at the Ambassador Theatre has surpassed it more than tenfold.
The musical follows wannabe vaudeville star Roxie and established singer Velma as they're both imprisoned for murder. In 1920s Chicago, getting acquitted isn't a matter of actual innocence, but romancing the jury and the press. The women compete for the attention of a slick lawyer who will help them "razzle dazzle" the public. In addition to John Kander and Fred Ebb's songs and book, Chicago is best known for its choreography in the style of Bob Fosse.
The current cast of Chicago on Broadway includes Emma Pittman as Roxie Hart, Bianca Marroquín as Velma Kelly, Ryan Silverman as Billy Flynn, Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday as Matron "Mama" Morton, Evan Harrington as Amos Hart, and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.
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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