Chicago, one of the most popular Broadway musicals ever, is coming back to Australia for a new tour that will visit the country's biggest cities. The play, which premiered for the first time in 1975 and then for a second time in 1996, is one of the longest-running plays on the New York billboard and it continues to entertain audiences around the world.
The plot covers themes such as corruption and greed in show business, sex, and fame accompanied by musical hits like “Razzle Dazzle” or “All that Jazz”, along with one of the most celebrated choreographies ever. Written by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb, many recognize Chicago as one of the greatest musicals the world has seen. Enjoy this classic with an impressive cast formed by Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, and Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart.
Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes(Interval included)
Age recommendation: 13 and older
Plot
Set in the 1920s, Chicago revolves around the story of Roxie Hart, a showgirl who dreams of being a vaudeville star. She is cheating on her sweet but dim-witted husband Amos — and when her lover tries to end their affair, she kills him in a fit of jealousy. Incarceration in Cook County Jail seems like a surefire end to Roxie's dreams of stardom, but her sentence could end up being her ticket to fame.
Her lawyer, the witty Billy Flynn, helps her concoct a defense that will earn the press's sympathy and get her face on the cover of every newspaper in Chicago. While in jail, Roxie will meet Velma Kelly, an established vaudeville star who murdered both her husband and sister. The women begin as rivals, as Roxie seeks to steal Velma's lawyer and her spotlight, but as time goes by they will come around to an unlikely alliance.
An intriguing story about two women who fight for their freedom in an environment of corruption and manipulation in the city of Chicago.
History
The first version of Chicago premiered in 1975, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. After years of success worldwide, it opened on Broadway in October 1996, and its success has led to a 25-year run and 6 Tony Awards. The play has been adapted multiple times and was even produced as a film in 2002, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, winning 6 Oscars, including Best Picture.
Since its debut, Chicago has visited Australia on multiple occasions, the first being at the Sydney Opera House’s Drama Theatre in 1981, with Nancye Hayes as Roxie and Geraldine Turner in the role of Velma. And since 2023, the show is back in Australia's major cities, gathering hundreds of spectators every day.
How to get there?
There are multiple options to get to the theatre using public transport:
Bus: The nearest stops are Pitt St near Campbell St, Hay St near Pitt St and Pitt St near Eddy Avenue.
Train: Capitol Theatre is a five-minute walk from Central Station.
Light Rail: Haymarket and Capitol Square stations nearby.
FAQ
Is there an age recommendation for Chicago The Musical?
The play is recommended for ages 13 and above
What is the running time of Chicago The Musical?
The musical runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one interval
How many tickets can I buy for Chicago, The Musical?
