Chicago

Music: John Kander

Lyrics: Fred Ebb

Book: Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse

Click here for more "Chicago" pictures from Ditto.com!Based on a 1926 play by Chicago Tribune reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who murders her unfaithful husband, then manages not only to avoid prison with the help of razzle-dazzle lawyer Billy Flynn, but uses the trial to propel herself to showbiz stardom along with another murderous chorus girl, Velma Kelly. A dark parable of American justice, Chicago is a sexy musical extravaganza that includes several show-stopping numbers such as "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle" and "Class."

Chicago opened at the 46th Street Theatre on June 3, 1975, with a cast that included Gwen Verdon (Roxie), Chita Rivera (Velma) and Jerry Orbach (Billy). Although the show enjoyed a run of 898 performances, it was overshadowed by A Chorus Line which opened the same year. (Chicago was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, but lost out in every category when A Chorus Line swept the awards.) As a result, Chicago would remain quietly in the shadows, one of Broadway's most underappreciated gems, until 1997 when it was revived on Broadway with choreography by Ann Reinking "in the style of Bob Fosse." This production spawned a national tour and went on to win 6 Tony Awards including "Best Revival of a Musical," "Best Lighting Design," "Best Choreography" and "Best Direction of a Musical."

Other collaborations by Kander and Ebb include Cabaret, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Zorba.

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Related Sites

American Theatre Index

Related Musicals

Cabaret

Kiss of the Spider Woman

 
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