Set in the legendary city during the roaring “jazz hot” 20s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. Nightclub star Velma’s serving time for killing her husband and sister after finding the two in bed together. Driven chorus girl Roxie’s been tossed in the joint for bumping off the lover she’s been cheating on her husband with. Not one to rest on her laurels, Velma enlists the help of prison matron Mama Morton and slickster lawyer Billy Flynn, who turn Velma’s incarceration into a murder-of-the-week media frenzy, thus preparing the world for a splashy showbiz comeback. But Roxie’s got some of her own tricks up her sleeve…
Devilish and delightful, Chicago is an indisputable Broadway landmark that utilizes minimal scenery and simple costumes (we’re talking some seriously basic black) to deliver one big musical bang after another. With one great showstopper after the next, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s now-classic score keeps the story moving at a gunshot pace. The scantily-clad dancers tip their bowler hats in tribute to original choreography Bob Fosse, whose moves are still as steamy and sexy today as they were when Chicago first appeared in 1975. For a show that stands chin-deep in dirty deeds, it feels like one helluva good time.
A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
"Chicago still glitters hypnotically! It remains the best adult entertainment in town and still bubbles with the joy of performing!"
The New York Times
Ben Brantley
"Chicago is as crazy-fun as ever!"
WCBS-TV
Jess Cagle
"The show seems to have discovered the fountain of youth. As entertaining as ever. Brash, buoyant and utterly irresistible!"
The Associated Press
Michael Kuchwara
"Chicago is a triumph! It doesn't just give us the old razzle-dazzle; it glows."
Time Magazine
Richard Zoglin
"As much tribute as revival, the spirit of Fosse's genius never leaves the stage, and Chicago, under Walter Bobbie's sharp direction, will dazzle newcomers to the trademark Fosse dance style and provide a thrilling reminder to those who've seen it before just how smart, sexy and exciting this brand of choreography was, or rather, is."
"What a fantastic production! The leads were absolutely incredible with poise and fun hitting every moment. The ensemble was such strong support and everyone had beautiful energy. Definitely a must see!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 5, 2024
Show was awesome!
"I thought the show was great. Funny and a joy to watch. Only complaint the theater is a bit small. Felt a bit crammed in there.
But loved the show!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 1, 2025
Great music, brilliant task
"Took my friend visiting NY to see this for the first time. The orchestra and the cast were amazing! Really enjoyed the night."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 30, 2025
So much fun!
"This musical never disappoints! So much energy and so many fabulous songs! The actors were all amazing. Definitely worth seeing. "
...
Read more
Kimberly R from Cary on Nov 24, 2025
If you think you’ve seen Broadway sparkle, wait until you see Chicago.
"Chicago is a sizzling, show-stopping masterpiece. The choreography is sharp and electric, the music is unforgettable, and the cast delivers pure Broadway magic. It’s bold, sexy, and endlessly entertaining—a timeless production that proves why it remains one of Broadway’s most iconic hits."
...
Read more
Tina E from Port allen on Nov 19, 2025
Hot Honey Rag
"A classic for good reason. Wow. I know it’s not new, but it was so refreshing to experience a story that doesn’t feel like it’s been ripped off a thousand times. Never seen anything quite like it, yet it is immediately clear what a huge impact it’s had on pop culture. References I finally understand. Killer performances all around. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 16, 2025
What a show!
"From the opening scene till the last, I was totally engaged. The performances from the cast were so well done. The singing and dancing were mesmerizing. What a terrific show!"
...
Read more
Christine C from Plymouth on Nov 15, 2025
Very fun and entertaining
"My wife and I loved this show! We saw Kate Baldwin’s first performance as Roxie, and she was terrific. Sophie Carmen-Jones is a tour de force as Velma — we marveled at the physical demands of the singing and dancing. We highly recommend this show! The whole cast was outstanding. "
...
Read more
Hunter G from Fircrest on Nov 12, 2025
Energizing & Funny
"The not being seen is very relatable, as well as the slick lawyer which was very intriguing. Loved the dance routines."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Nov 11, 2025
Really fabulous show
"From the singing to the costumes it was more than I hoped it would be. Highly recommend."
Chicago is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including one intermission.
Due to some adult themes including language and violence, Chicago may be inappropriate for children under the age of 12. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theater.
The protocol used to be that you would get dressed up to go to the theatre. That is not a requirement, but we always feel it adds to the excitement of the experience. There is no official dress code inside the theatre. Also, keep in mind the Ambassador theatre is air-conditioned, so it's nice and cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter.
There are concession stands located on each level of the Ambassador theatre that sell water, soda, alcoholic beverages and snacks. You can even pre-order your intermission drinks before the show starts. However, only bottled water is allowed at your seat.
Yes! There are merchandise kiosks inside the theatre where you can buy Chicago shirts, the cast recording and many other fun items.
Stairs are located on both the left and right sides of the Ambassador theatre. There are approximately 26 steps to these additional restrooms. You can access both the men’s and women’s bathrooms by walking up either side’s staircase. To get to mezzanine seats, there are approx. 34 steps from the entrance of the theatre.
Chicago plays at:
The Ambassador Theatre
219 West 49th St.
New York, NY 10019
Kate Baldwin is a two-time Tony Award nominee and four-time Drama Desk nominee, having starred on Broadway as Irene Molloy in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly! and the 2009 revival of Finian's Rainbow as Sharon McLonergan. Other Broadway: Sandra Bloom in Big Fish, The Full Monty, Thoroughly Modern Millie (original cast) and Wonderful Town. Off Broadway: Leslie Lynnton Benedict in Giant (Public), Jen in John & Jen (Keen), Charlotte in Superhero (Second Stage). Television: NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, Disney’s Just Beyond, HBO’s The Gilded Age and two PBS specials, First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb and Live from Lincoln Center: Stephen Sondheim’s Passion. 2023 Midwest Emmy nominee for producing and starring in Broadway Comes Home. Graduate: Northwestern University.
Sophie Carmen-Jones originated the role of Nini in the West End company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical when it premiered in London in 2021. She’s also appeared on London’s West End in Jersey Boys, VivaForever! (original cast), Wicked and We Will Rock You and on tour in the UK as Velma Kelly in Chicago. Her television credits include One Day (Netflix), Dark Money (BBC), Cleaning Up (ITV), White Gold (BBC) and Unforgotten (ITV). She’s appeared on film in The Little Mermaid, Death on the Nile, Cinderella, Rocketman, Cats, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.
Tam Mutu was most recently on Broadway in Moulin Rouge!. Other credits include Broadway: Dr. Zhivago. New York City Center/Encores: Oliver!; Hey Look Me Over!; The New Yorkers. West End: City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse); Les Misérables (Sondheim); Love Never Dies (Adelphi); Love’s Labour’sLost, Royal Hunt of the Sun, South Pacific (National Theatre); Romeo and Juliet, King Lear (RSC); As You Like It, Oh! What a Lovely War(Regents Park Open Air Theatre). Regional: The Secret Garden (5th Avenue - Seattle); Chess (Princess of Wales - Toronto). TV: Law & Order Organized Crime, Medici, Sherlock, Blue Bloods. Film: Mary Poppins Returns. Drama League Award (Nominee - Dr Zhivago). Grammy Award (Nominee - Moulin Rouge).
(Alex Newell, photo courtesy of New York City Center)
Alex Newell
Alex Newell recently made history with their Tony Award win for the hit musical Shucked. They are a Drama Desk Award Winner and a recipient of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical. Newell starred as the God “Asaka” in the 2018 Broadway revival of Once On This Island. This show earned Newell a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album, and the show won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
Broadway audiences know Reinking as a protege of legendary choreographer Bob Fosse and as the Tony-winning choreographer of the 1996 revival of Chicago.
