Chicago - The Smash Hit Musical
Who says that crime doesn't pay? When bored housewife Roxie Hart murders her lover, her unscrupulous lawyer Billy Flynn turns her trial into a media circus and transforms her into an overnight celebrity. Much to the resentment of Velma, erstwhile showgirl and queen bee of Cook County Jail's Women's Block. Looks like there's going to be a catfight on Murderess' Row! Set during the Roaring Twenties, Chicago is a wickedly funny satire on the American justice system, packed full of hit tunes, slinky dance sequences and more fishnet stockings than you'd find in a row of lingerie stores. Fancy a bit of the old razzle dazzle? Then grab some Chicago the Musical tickets at StubHub.
Ripped from the headlines
Chicago's tale of sleaze and corruption in the Windy City had a basis in fact. It was adapted from a 1920s play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, who lifted her story and characters from several notorious cases that she had covered as a crime reporter. The play came to the attention of renowned choreographer and director Bob Fosse, who brought in the creators of Cabaret, John Kander and Fred Ebb, to work on the music. The songs – which include standouts such as “All That Jazz” and “We Both Reached for the Gun” – mimic the syncopated style of 1920s vaudeville, a perfect complement to Fosse's sexually charged, nightclub-style dance routines. Chicago opened on Broadway in 1975, running for two years and earning 12 Tony nominations.
Record-breaking run
In 1996, the musical returned to Broadway in a new, stripped back production featuring an on-stage band and new choreography by actress and dancer Ann Reinking, who also took on the role of Roxie. Collecting six Tony Awards, this revival has become the longest-running in Broadway history, still going strong on its twentieth anniversary in 2016. The production was nearly as successful when it transferred to London's West End, managing an impressive 15-year run and garnering two Olivier Awards. Over the years many showbiz legends have trodden the boards in these stellar productions - Melanie Griffith, Brooke Shields, Michael C. Hall (Dexter) and Mel B of the Spice Girls to name but a few. In 2003 an acclaimed film version starring Renee Zellwegger and Richard Gere won six Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Similar to Chicago
For more shows closely associated with Bob Fosse, search StubHub for tickets to Cabaret and Pippin.
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