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!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jul 5, 2024
Brilliant!
"Our first time seeing Chicago and wont be our last, the cast and orchestra are incredible and put on an amazing show in an intimate yet beautifully elaborate theature. Highly recommend. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 20, 2026
Absolutely fantastic
"What a great time, the play is one of a kind, the cast is superb, the orchestra and director were magnificent and all aspects of stage management were seamless. Highly recommend. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 19, 2026
Why haven't I seen this before!
"I know Chicago has been playing for quite some time but I had never seen it. Was excited that Robyn Hurder was playing Velma whe I was there. She is great. So ggod."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 19, 2026
AMAZING!
"Chicago is a must-see performance! It is both visually stunning and filled with so much talent. The performers were amazing and there wasn’t a dull moment. I would highly recommend, and I plan to go again. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 18, 2026
Pure Classic Broadway
"Amazing performances and energy. The theater, staff and entire environment were all part of the magic. "
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James F from White Plains on Jan 17, 2026
A classic that you have to see at least once
"Everything is great in this classic Broadway musical. The music and choreography are truly iconic, as well as the performances.
Although it was been around for a long time, the story still keeps you engaged. It's incredibly dynamic and fast paced. In spite of minor sexual overtones, there are no graphic scenes or language that would make it unsuitable for minors."
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Gian P from Mexico Coty on Jan 12, 2026
Doesn't miss a beat
"I found the show to be invigorating and so lively that you want to get up and dance."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 10, 2026
Classic Broadway experience and so much fun!
"The actors and musicians were amazing in what felt like a classic Broadway experience … crazy talented, enthusiastic acting and singing and a swinging orchestra right on stage as part of the show. Doubled also a little like listening in on what it must have been like during the women’s movement. Great night!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 9, 2026
Simply amazing
"Honestly impressed at how incredible these performers are. The show was amazing and the overall experience was very positive. The staff was very friendly too"
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.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Dancing With the Stars favorite Whitney Leavitt will star as Roxie Hart from February 2 through March 15, 2026.
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).
(Jacqueline B. Arnold, photo courtesy of Polk & Co.)
Jacqueline B. Arnold
Recently seen as La Chocolat in Moulin Rouge! The Musical Broadway OBC. Other credits include: Priscilla Queen of the Desert Broadway OBC (Diva 1), Hairspray 1st National Tour (Lorraine, Motormouth U/S), Rent 2nd National Tour (Joanne), We Will Rock You 1st National Tour (Killer Queen), An Evening with Phyllis Hyman (One Woman Show), Vocalist for RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7 Finale, Bette Midler Harlette.
Broadway audiences know Reinking as a protege of legendary choreographer Bob Fosse and as the Tony-winning choreographer of the 1996 revival of Chicago.