Following the closure of The Phantom of the Opera in April, Chicago is now the longest-running show on Broadway and the longest-running American show in Broadway history. The Broadway League, the industry trade association, identifies Chicago as Broadway’s longest-running American musical; this industry recognition confirms the milestone and the show’s place in Broadway history (Broadway League press release). This vaudeville‑styled, jazz age satire debuted on Broadway in 1975 and has since welcomed a steady parade of star guests. Its 1996 revival set a new minimalist standard that centers music, performance, and choreography, helping the production mark its 25th Broadway anniversary in 2021. Learn more about Chicago and its lasting influence on Broadway below.
Origins of Chicago
Chicago is based on a play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a reporter and playwright. She was on assignment in 1924 for the Chicago Tribune covering the trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner when inspiration struck. The press and public were captivated by the idea of murders committed by women against their husbands or lovers. Her columns eventually became so popular that she wrote a play about them. It debuted on Broadway in 1926 and ran for 182 performances.
The Kander and Ebb musical premiered in 1975, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse with a book by Fosse and Fred Ebb. The acclaimed 1996 revival, produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, then moved to the Shubert Theatre in 1997 before starting a touring company and winning six Tony Awards later that year. The London production opened in 1997 at the Adelphi Theatre and won two Laurence Olivier Awards. The revival’s pared‑back staging places the orchestra onstage and highlights the show’s sensual choreography and razor‑sharp satire. These origins and production shifts are well documented in historical summaries of the musical and its revivals (Britannica overview).
Chicago runs year‑round at the Ambassador Theatre in New York and remains a favorite for both first‑time theatergoers and seasoned Broadway fans. The Shubert Organization lists the Ambassador Theatre at 219 West 49th Street and confirms the show’s typical running time as roughly two hours and 30 minutes (Ambassador Theatre page).
What is Chicago the Musical About?
The plot of Chicago follows leading lady Roxie Hart, a housewife and chorus girl who kills her secret lover when he threatens to leave her. She hires the slickest criminal attorney in the city, Billy Flynn, to hopefully avoid conviction, and the two turn her crime into a collection of sensational headlines that entrance both the public and the media. In prison, she faces competition from Velma Kelly, a vaudevillian and fellow Flynn client who is accused of murdering her husband and sister after catching them in an affair.
Along the way, numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango” blend fantasy and spotlight, underscoring how performance and media spin can sway juries and public opinion. The show’s mature themes and sexualized choreography make it best suited for older teens and adults.
Film Adaptations of Chicago
In 2002, Chicago returned to the cultural spotlight when Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere starred in the award‑winning film adaptation. Zellweger played Hart, Zeta-Jones played Kelly, and Gere was the charismatic attorney, Flynn. Bill Condon wrote the screenplay, and the film grossed more than $306 million worldwide, according to box office tallies (Box Office Mojo data). It earned 13 Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Picture, Best Sound, and Best Supporting Actress for Zeta‑Jones. It also won three Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, among others. The star‑studded cast also included Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine Baranski, and Mýa.
It was the third film adaptation, following a 1927 silent film produced by Cecil B. DeMille and the 1942 comedy Roxie Hart starring Ginger Rogers. The movie’s success broadened the stage show’s audience and reinforced the story’s relevance in the era of celebrity trials.
Celebrities in Chicago on Broadway
The casting sheet for Chicago is a who’s who of popular musicians, actors, and entertainers from around the world. Often appearing in short engagements, these performers are woven into the classically trained cast belting out favorites like “Cell Block Tango” and “All That Jazz.”
In 2003, Melanie Griffith and Patrick Swayze each enjoyed runs as Roxie Hart and Billy Flynn, respectively. Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, country star Jennifer Nettles, actress Brooke Shields, and Spice Girl Mel B have all since portrayed Hart, as well as Olivia Holt, who made her Broadway debut in the role in April 2023. Matron “Mama” Morton has been a scene‑stealing role for stars like Wonder Woman Lynda Carter and drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon. Recent limited engagements also continue to draw headlines as new names step into Roxie and Mama Morton for special runs.
Chicago Musical Performance Schedule
You can catch Chicago six days a week at the Ambassador Theatre in New York. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday shows begin at 8 p.m. On weekends, there is a 2:30 p.m. Saturday matinee and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, plus evening performances at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Performance times are subject to change, so check the current calendar when you buy with TicketSmarter. The Ambassador Theatre’s official page corroborates the venue address and typical running time for the production (Shubert Organization).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chicago historically significant on Broadway?
Chicago is the longest-running show currently on Broadway and the longest-running American show in Broadway history. The Broadway League recognizes this status, and the show’s 1996 revival, known for minimalist staging that foregrounds musicians, choreography, and performance, has sustained audience demand for decades. TicketSmarter notes that the production celebrated its 25th Broadway anniversary in 2021, a rare milestone.
How does the 1996 revival differ from the original play and 1975 musical?
Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play was a sharp, journalistic satire drawn from real trials. The 1975 Kander and Ebb musical, staged by Bob Fosse, added jazz‑age vaudeville flair and iconic choreography. The 1996 revival streamlined scenery and leaned into concert‑style presentation, letting the band and performers take center stage; these production choices are discussed in historical overviews of the musical and its revivals (Britannica summary). That choice helped Chicago feel fresh, theatrical, and timeless. You can secure revival tickets easily through TicketSmarter.
What is the running time of Chicago and when should I arrive?
The show runs about two hours and 30 minutes, including one standard intermission. The Ambassador Theatre and theatre operators typically open doors 30 to 45 minutes before curtain, so TicketSmarter recommends arriving 20 to 30 minutes early to find seats, visit concessions, and review etiquette reminders before the overture (Ambassador Theatre details).
Is Chicago appropriate for children?
Chicago features mature themes, stylized violence, and sexualized choreography. Many families consider it best for ages 13 and up. When you purchase through TicketSmarter, review seating and plan an intermission break if attending with teens.
Who are the main characters in Chicago?
Roxie Hart is a fame‑seeking chorus girl at the center of a sensational murder case. Velma Kelly is her rival for headlines. Billy Flynn is the slick lawyer who manufactures narratives to sway juries and the press. TicketSmarter’s event pages note cast updates and limited engagements that rotate through these roles.
Which celebrities have played Roxie Hart or Mama Morton recently?
Over the years, Roxie has been played by Melanie Griffith, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Nettles, Brooke Shields, Mel B, and Olivia Holt, among others. Mama Morton has featured stars like Lynda Carter and Jinkx Monsoon. Limited runs are common, and TicketSmarter listings make it easy to see who is scheduled when you plan your visit.
Where is the Ambassador Theatre and what is the weekly schedule?
The Ambassador Theatre is at 219 West 49th Street, New York, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. Chicago typically plays Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Confirm times on TicketSmarter and the venue page, which lists the address and running time for the production (Shubert Organization).
How did the 2002 film affect the show’s popularity?
The film adaptation earned 13 Oscar nominations and six wins, including Best Picture, and grossed over $306 million worldwide, a box office performance tracked by industry sources; the movie’s awards and reach reintroduced the musical to new audiences and boosted Broadway interest (Box Office Mojo). TicketSmarter monitors demand trends that often follow major award wins and anniversaries.
What are tips for first‑time Broadway guests seeing Chicago?
- Arrive early to get through security and find your seat.
- Expect a single intermission about an hour into the show.
- Concessions are available pre‑show and at intermission; follow theatre policies for food and drinks.
- Silence and stow phones. Photography and recording are not permitted.
- Late seating may be restricted during certain scenes. TicketSmarter recommends reviewing venue rules in advance.
Does TicketSmarter offer group options or travel deals for Chicago?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more often qualify for special pricing, and TicketSmarter can help you compare seating across multiple performances. For travel, check HotelPlanner for exclusive New York hotel deals when planning your Broadway trip.
Chicago Broadway Tickets
Come and see what all the fuss is about with Chicago Broadway tickets from TicketSmarter. Check HotelPlanner for exclusive New York travel deals if you are planning a trip to the City That Never Sleeps.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
