Test your knowledge of the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, *Chicago*! How well do you know the fascinating real-life inspirations behind Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, or the vaudeville-style numbers that define this iconic show? Explore the world of *Chicago*—from its Broadway debut in 1975 to its historic revival—and see how much trivia you can uncover about its choreography, cast, and global legacy. Dive into the facts and find out what makes *Chicago* continue to dazzle audiences worldwide.
Adaptations
- In 2002, the film adaptation of Chicago won the Academy Award for Best Picture, showcasing the enduring popularity of the musical's story.
International Productions
- A French-language production of 'Chicago' featured Sofia Essaïdi and was performed in Paris at Théâtre Mogador from 2018 to 2019.
- The first Japanese-language production of 'Chicago' was presented in 2008 in Tokyo and Osaka, starring Ryoko Yonekura and Yōka Wao.
- 'Chicago' has seen multiple productions across Denmark from 1976 to the upcoming 2024 production at Aarhus Teater.
- The London revival of Chicago in 1997 swept the Olivier Awards, winning for Outstanding Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Ute Lemper.
- Chicago has seen international success with numerous productions globally and extensive tours in the United States and United Kingdom.
- The original Australian production of 'Chicago' opened at the Sydney Opera House in 1981 and was directed by Richard Wherrett with a completely new staging, rather than replicating the Broadway version.
- The 1979 West End production of 'Chicago' was not a direct copy of the Broadway production and featured a largely British cast with choreography by Gillian Gregory.
Musical Composition
- Numerous cast recordings of 'Chicago' have been released, including the 1975 Original Broadway Cast, 1996 Broadway Revival, and 2002 Film Soundtrack.
- John Kander and Fred Ebb, who created the music and lyrics for Chicago, modeled each musical number on a traditional vaudeville performance or performer.
- The cast recording of the Chicago revival won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album in 1997.
- The original ending of 'Chicago' was a number called 'Loopin' the Loop', but it was cut by Fosse for being too amateurish and replaced with the song 'Nowadays'.
- Fred Ebb modeled the musical 'Chicago' in a vaudeville style because he saw the characters as performers, each musical moment reflecting famous personalities like Helen Morgan and Ted Lewis.
- The iconic double snap in 'Chicago's' song 'Razzle Dazzle' was suggested by Fred Ebb and added just before presenting the song to director Bob Fosse, who loved the addition.
Notable Tours
- Jason Donovan took on the role of Billy Flynn in the Melbourne leg of the 'Chicago' tour, a role his father Terence Donovan previously played in the 1981 Australian production.
- Chicago has been staged worldwide, including multiple North American tours and a special production at the Hollywood Bowl directed by Brooke Shields.
- Many celebrities have participated in the show over the years, including Usher, Jerry Springer, and Brooke Shields.
Production Facts
- The Broadway show Chicago has had over 10,000 performances, making it the longest-running musical revival in Broadway history.
- The original Broadway production of Chicago ran from 1975 to 1977 with a total of 936 performances.
- Chicago was based on actual events and people, inspired by the 1924 trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner.
- The character of Roxie Hart in Chicago is based on Beulah Annan, who was a real person tried for the murder of her lover in 1924.
- Bob Fosse, who directed and choreographed the original production of Chicago, is heavily associated with his unique style in the show.
- The 1996 revival of Chicago is the longest-running musical revival in Broadway history and also the longest-running American musical on Broadway.
- Chicago became the second longest-running Broadway show ever on November 23, 2014, surpassing Cats.
- After more than six years at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, the production moved to the Shubert Theatre and eventually settled at the Ambassador Theatre in 2003.
- The character Velma Kelly is based on Belva Gaertner, a cabaret singer and socialite who was also tried for murder in 1924.
- Chicago won six Tony Awards for its Broadway revival, making it the record holder for the most Tony Awards won by a musical revival until South Pacific in 2008.
- The revival reclaimed the Richard Rodgers Theatre, the original theatre where Chicago was first played, with its opening on November 14, 1996.
- The revival of Chicago on Broadway was met with critical acclaim and set a record for recovering its production costs faster than any other musical in history.
- The 1996 City Center Encores! concert series revival of 'Chicago' led to a successful Broadway production, directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse.
- In 1992, the Long Beach Civic Light Opera's production of 'Chicago' featured Juliet Prowse as Roxie and Bebe Neuwirth as Velma, directed by Rob Marshall with choreography by Ann Reinking.
- The world premiere of the musical was a Broadway tryout in 1975 at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia.
- Liza Minnelli temporarily replaced Gwen Verdon in the role of Roxie Hart when Verdon needed surgery, boosting the show's popularity during her month-long run.
- The character of Velma Kelly was expanded in the musical version of 'Chicago' to provide a balance to the character of Roxie Hart, played by Gwen Verdon.
- 'Chicago' debuted on June 3, 1975, at the 46th Street Theatre and ran for 936 performances before closing on August 27, 1977.
