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Chicago (Musical) Lyrics

Chicago Lyrics

  1. Act 1
  2. Overture / All That Jazz
  3. Funny Honey
  4. Cell Block Tango
  5. When You're Good to Mama
  6. All I Care About
  7. Little Bit of Good
  8. We Both Reached for the Gun
  9. Roxie
  10. I Can't Do It Alone
  11. Chicago After Midnight
  12. My Own Best Friend
  13. Act 2
  14. Entr'acte
  15. I Know a Girl
  16. Me and My Baby
  17. Mr. Cellophane
  18. When Velma Takes the Stand
  19. Razzle Dazzle
  20. Class
  21. Nowadays
  22. Finale

Chicago Musical Description

This musical is one of the longest among Broadway musicals and in the world in general. For example, at the already mentioned Broadway, it currently has 7950+ shows, and it is alive at the moment (based on the Ambassador Theatre). The Lion King steps on the heels, which had 7550+ shows in stock at the beginning of 2016, and they both have outstripped Cats, which isn’t alive today on Broadway, having 7485 hits (fourth place at length). The first place belongs to The Phantom Of The Opera, with its phenomenal 11625+ shows, and it is still alive.
Chicago The Musical, Chicago - The Musical lyrics
Chicago The Musical singing the 'Chicago - The Musical' in the music video.

The first show of Chicago was committed in 1975 and it lasted almost 1000 performances up to the closure (936) on Broadway, and in 1996 it was resumed and has been until now. It is not necessary, however, to think that it had a break between 75 and 96 – it always continued somewhere, on the West End or in international productions. After a musical on Broadway experienced a resurrection, it immediately became much more popular and, based on its success, even a motion picture with three stars of Hollywood was filmed: Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger, and Catherine Zeta-Jones (who was the former wife of Michael Douglas).

The musical received such total of awards around the world, especially in Broadway and the West End: 6 wins and 13 nominations for Tony; 7 wins & 3 nominations for Drama Desk Award; 2 wins & 8 nominations for Laurence Olivier Award; 1 win of Grammy Award.
Chicago The Musical performing Chicago - The Musical
Performance of 'Chicago - The Musical' by Chicago The Musical in the music video.

In 1997, the musical went on the second tour across the United States, as well as in a tour to the cities of the world, where among others it visited: Melbourne, Vienna, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Montreal, Milan, Paris, Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Seoul, Bangkok, Brisbane, Madrid, Singapore, Hong Kong, Stuttgart, Berlin and Munich. The last two it visited were at the beginning of 2016. In 2010, it traveled to 9 different cities in Asia.
Release date: 1975

Creation and Legacy of 'Chicago' the Musical.

Thumbnail from Chicago - The Musical lyric video by Chicago The Musical
Screenshot from the 'Chicago - The Musical' music video, capturing the mood and meaning of the song.

Origins and Early Reception.

Chicago debuted on Broadway in 1975, conceived by the formidable trio: Bob Fosse (director and choreographer), John Kander (composer), and Fred Ebb (lyricist). The narrative, inspired by a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, delves into themes of crime, celebrity, and media sensationalism during the Jazz Age. Despite its innovative storytelling and choreography, the original production received mixed reviews and was overshadowed by the success of A Chorus Line, leading to a run of 936 performances.

1996 Revival and Enduring Success.

In 1996, Chicago was revitalized through a minimalist production as part of the Encores! series at New York City Center. Directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Fosse, the revival featured Bebe Neuwirth as Velma Kelly and Ann Reinking as Roxie Hart. The stripped-down staging, emphasizing performance over elaborate sets, resonated with audiences, propelling the show to Broadway's Ambassador Theatre, where it continues to captivate audiences.

Global Impact and Accolades.

Scene from Chicago - The Musical track by Chicago The Musical
Visual effects scene from 'Chicago - The Musical' enhancing the experience of the song words and music.
Since its revival, Chicago has become a global phenomenon, performed in over 36 countries and translated into multiple languages. The musical has garnered numerous awards, including six Tony Awards in 1997, a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and an Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and compelling storytelling.

Notable Cast Members and Celebrity Appearances.

Over the years, Chicago has featured a rotating cast of notable performers, adding fresh interpretations to its iconic roles. In 2024, Latin Grammy-winning artist Sebastián Yatra made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn, bringing a new dimension to the character. The production's openness to diverse casting choices has kept the show vibrant and relevant.

2025 and Beyond.

As of 2025, Chicago continues its impressive run at the Ambassador Theatre, solidifying its status as the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Its blend of sharp satire, memorable music, and dynamic choreography ensures that it remains a staple of musical theatre, captivating new generations of audiences.
  • Original Broadway Debut: 1975 at the 46th Street Theatre.
  • Broadway Revival: 1996 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre; currently at the Ambassador Theatre.
  • Awards: 6 Tony Awards (1997), Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production.
  • Global Reach: Performed in over 36 countries and translated into multiple languages.

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