QuaranTune #27: "Cell Block Tango" from Chicago
A show tune a day keeps the quarantine blues at bay...
For many of us, self-isolation can feel somewhat like being behind bars at times. Today's #QuaranTune is perhaps one of musical theater's most iconic numbers performed behind bars. Of course, we're talking about "Cell Block Tango" from Broadway's longest-running American musical Chicago!
Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the Act I show-stopping number sees Velma Kelly and five other female inmates of the Cook County Jail in Chicago (Liz, Annie, June, Hunyak and Mona) revealing the crimes they are each accused of committing. In terms of exposition, we learn Velma had caught her husband and her sister (who was additionally the other half of her double act)... well... doing the 'spread eagle,' as it were. She passed out due to the shock and eventually regained consciousness with blood on her hands, but denies killing them. That's her story and she's sticking to it.
Chicago originally premiered on Broadway in 1975 and played over 900 performances at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre). The musical's reenvisioned 1996 revival, however, cemented its legacy in Broadway history, won six Tony Awards in 1997 (including 'Best Revival of a Musical') as well as the 1998 Grammy Award for 'Best Musical Show Album,' and is still calling the Ambassador Theatre on the Great White Way its home.
Here is Catherine Zeta-Jones and the cast of the Oscar-winning, 2002 film adaptation...
And if you're in need of a good laugh today, here's an all-male Broadway Backwards rendition in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS from 2015...
They had it coming. They had it coming. They had it coming all along. I didn't do it. But if I'd done it, how could you tell me that I was wrong?
(Velma Kelly, Chicago)
Chicago Tickets are available now.
(Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
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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