Emma Pittman to star in 'Chicago' on Broadway

Pittman won the Search for Roxie! competition to cast an actress as Roxie Hart.

Gillian Russo
Gillian Russo

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be Emma! Emma Pittman is set to make her Broadway debut in Chicago this summer, playing a two-week engagement as Roxie Hart from June 6 to 19. She follows Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, who plays her final performance June 5, in the role.

Pittman was the winner of the The Search for Roxie! competition held in late 2019 to find a new Roxie Hart. The audition process included a video series, interviews with former celebrity Roxie Hart actresses, and interviews with the Chicago cast and creative team. Pittman was one of three finalists selected to perform for judges Ann Reinking (who choreographed and originated the role of Roxie in the current Chicago production in 1996), Bebe Neuwirth (who originated the role of Velma Kelly in 1996), and Bianca Marroquín (who has starred as Roxie and Velma on Broadway).

Chicago centers on Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two vaudeville performers-turned-murderesses in 1920s Chicago. While in jail, they compete for the attention of the sensational press and a slick lawyer in the hopes of becoming celebrities and getting off scot-free. Chicago, at the Ambassador Theatre, is Broadway's second-longest-running show and longest-running revival.

Get Chicago tickets now.

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.

Originally published on

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