"Chicago the Musical" Opens in Sydney

"Chicago the Musical"

The longest-running musical on Broadway, "Chicago the Musical", had its opening night at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney on 13 June.

"Chicago the Musical" is a multi-award-winning musical that has been praised for its blend of humor social commentary, song and dance. The musical is relevant for today's audience with its timely commentary on the role of media in shaping public perception and its exploration of complex themes such as crime, corruption, the exploitation of women, and the power of celebrity.

The musical follows the stories of Roxie Hart, a housewife who murders her lover, and Velma Kelly, a vaudevillian accused of murdering her husband and sister. These two women find themselves in the Cook County Jail for murder and fight for fame and freedom under the guidance of lawyer Billy Flynn.

The musical has also been notable for its strong female leads and its exploration of gender roles and sexuality. The characters of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly are complex and multifaceted, and their stories continue to captivate audiences around the world.

"Chicago the Musical" dazzles with its upbeat music, dance and acting prowess from the cast.

"Chicago the Musical"

The star-studded cast gave standout performances on the opening night of "Chicago the Musical". Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, wowed the capacity audience.

The musical has a glittering, sassy and seductive score that includes hits like “All That Jazz”, "Cell Block Tango," and “Razzle Dazzle” and has been awarded six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. 

"Chicago the Musical" has a rich and fascinating history. It is based on the 1926 theatrical play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, which was inspired by the true stories of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, two women who were acquitted of murder in the 1920s. 

Peter Rowsthorn

It was first adapted into a musical in 1975 by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb, with music by John Kander. The original production opened on November 3, 1975, at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) on Broadway, starring Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart, Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly, and Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for 936 performances and earning 11 Tony Award nominations, winning two. The musical's dark humor, sassy lyrics, and Fosse's iconic choreography made it a standout on Broadway.

In 1996, a revival of "Chicago" opened on Broadway, directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, a former Fosse dancer. This production starred Ann Reinking as Roxie Hart, Bebe Neuwirth as Velma Kelly, and James Naughton as Billy Flynn. The revival was a massive hit, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

"Chicago the Musical"

Since then, "Chicago" has become a global phenomenon, with productions in over 30 countries and a 2002 film adaptation directed by Rob Marshall, starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, and Richard Gere as Billy Flynn. This new Australian production is now being staged at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney and then will move to Adelaide then Canberra.

Overall, "Chicago the Musical" is a true Broadway legend, with a rich history and a continued presence on stages around the world. Its blend of dark humor, sassy lyrics, and iconic choreography has made it a beloved classic, and its exploration of timeless themes has cemented its place as a true masterpiece of musical theatre.

The Sydney production of "Chicago the Musical" is a must-see for its vibrant spectacle of music, dance and acting. Buy your tickets now for a great night of music, dance and humor. 

"Chicago the Musical"

Chicago the Musical

Sydney - to 28 July, Capitol Theatre

Adelaide in August, (Festival Theatre), 

Canberra in September (Canberra Theatre) 

Web: https://chicagomusical.com.au/
Tickets: https://chicagomusical.com.au/tickets/sydney/