NYTG Logo
Erika Jayne

Erika Jayne makes her Broadway debut in Chicago

The TV sensation assumes the role of Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre for a limited engagement through March 29, 2020.

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be... Erika! "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" standout Erika Jayne makes her Broadway debut tonight, assuming the role of Roxie Hart in the longest-running American musical Chicago. As previously announced, she is set to play a limited engagement at the Ambassador Theatre through March 29, 2020.

Aside from Bravo's "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," Ms. Jayne is also a recognised pop-dance artist, boasting nine #1's on the US Billboard dance chart. She is also a New York Times best-selling author and has appeared on such hit series as ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," CBS's "The Young and The Restless," and Paramount's "Lip Sync Battle."

In addition, as previously reported, Tony Award winner and Opera star Paulo Szot also joins the Broadway cast of Chicago tonight, taking on the role of Billy Flynn for the first of two limited engagemnts.

The rest of the principal Broadway cast currently includes Amra-Faye Wright (as Velma Kelly), Raymond Bokhour (as Amos Hart), NaTasha Yvette Williams (as Matron 'Mama' Morton), and R. Lowe (as Mary Sunshine).

Directed by Walter Bobbie, with choreography by Ann ReinkingChicago features a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, with a book by Bob Fosse & 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.

Erika Jayne

Chicago Tickets are available now for performances through December 6, 2020.

(Photo by Nikko LaMere)

 

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

Related articles

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive New York theatre updates!

  • Get early access to Broadway's newest shows
  • Access to exclusive deals and promotions
  • Stay in the know about top shows and news on Broadway
  • Get updates on shows that are important to you

You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy