Chicago – About the Show
Highlights of Chicago – Must-See Moments
Step into the classic America
Set in the Prohibition-era “Jazz Age,” Chicago on Broadway delivers sultry jazz music, seductive dance numbers, and a thrilling storyline. Compared to Disney-style Broadway shows, it offers a more mature and sophisticated musical experience.
Iconic Bob Fosse Choreography
Chicago is renowned for the legendary choreography of Bob Fosse. His provocative and stylish dance moves define the show’s identity and make Broadway tickets for Chicago a must for fans of classic musicals.
Prepare with the Award-Winning Film
The 2002 film adaptation of Chicago won the Academy Award for Best Picture. With unforgettable songs and high-energy performances, watching the movie is a fun way to get ready for the Broadway Chicago experience.
Show Info of Chicago
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Theater Location
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Ambassador Theatre
Address：219 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019 (Map) -
Duration (How Long the Show)
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes with an intermission
During intermission, you can browse theater-exclusive merchandise or grab refreshments. -
Age Limit
- 4 years and older *Child pricing not available
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Translation/Subtitles
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Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish（GalaPro）
GalaPro = a smartphone app that provides real-time subtitles and translations -
Must-Know Info Before Watching
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- Due to its mature content, this musical is not intended for younger audiences.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code. You may want to bring an extra layer, as the theater can feel cool due to air conditioning.
- Bag Policy: Small bags or backpacks that fit under your seat are generally allowed, but large bags and oversized backpacks are not permitted. Please bring only essential items.
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Type of the Show
- Must-see・Classic Beginner-friendly Adapted into a Movie Stunning Dance
Show Time of Chicago
Regular weekly schedule for the Broadway musical Chicago. Click “Book Tickets” to view the full schedule with upcoming show dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to see the complete schedule.| Performance | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime)
Soiree (Night) |
2PM
7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
Closed |
7PM |
8PM |
2:30PM
8PM |
Chicago – Story
The Plot / Summary of Chicago
Her husband, Amos, is so naive that he clumsily takes the blame, only to be exposed immediately. Once Roxie is sent to jail, she meets Velma and the other women who justify their crimes while dreaming of freedom.
With the help of prison matron Mama Morton and slick lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie reinvents herself as a tragic heroine who claims she acted in self-defense. Soon, she is celebrated as Chicago’s most charming murderess and begins her rise to fame.
Meanwhile, Velma attempts to regain the spotlight by proposing a partnership with Roxie, but Roxie, intoxicated by her newfound fame, refuses. Instead, she fakes a pregnancy to stay in the headlines and even fires Billy.
When another inmate is suddenly executed, Roxie panics and hires Billy back. The smooth-talking lawyer assures her that courtrooms and the press are nothing more than show business, and that she already has the best star on her side.
Roxie beats the charges using her false pregnancy story, but the press quickly moves on to the next scandal, leaving her as yesterday’s news.
What lies ahead for Roxie and Velma after their release? The enduring Broadway hit Chicago keeps the answer every bit as thrilling as the show itself.
Chicago – Cast
Characters in Chicago
Characters in the Broadway musical Chicago. You can check today’s cast in the Playbill booklet available inside the theatre.
Roxie Hart
An aspiring vaudeville star who murders her lover when he abandons her. She ends up in jail and uses publicity and clever legal tactics to pursue fame.
Velma Kelly
A nightclub performer and Roxie’s rival, Velma is in prison for killing her husband and sister after discovering them together. She competes for the same lawyer and media attention.
Billy Flynn
A famous defense attorney who thrives on publicity. He represents Roxie and Velma, shaping their stories for the press and bending the truth to win their freedom.
Mama Morton
The matron of Cook County Jail who holds sway over the inmates. She accepts bribes and uses her influence to help Roxie and Velma work the legal and media systems to their advantage.
Original casts(1975) & stars of Chicago
The principal roles of the original Broadway cast of Chicago, which opened in 1975, are following:
| Character | Original Cast |
| Roxie Hart | Gwen Verdon |
| Velma Kelly | Chita Rivera |
| Billy Flynn | Jerry Orbach |
| Amos Hart | Barney Martin |
| Mama Morton | Mary McCarty |
Chicago – Theater
Ambassador Theatre – Home of Chicago
The Ambassador Theatre opened in 1921. Its exterior features a simple brick design, while the interior is adorned with elaborate decorative details by renowned theatre architect Herbert J. Krapp.With a seating capacity of 1,120, it is considered a relatively intimate Broadway theater.
Is the Ambassador Theatre Area Safe for Visitors?
The Ambassador Theatre is located just a few minutes from Times Square (TSQ), a popular area filled with tourists even late at night. Even after a Chicago performance ends around 10 PM, you can comfortably return to your hotel.Chicago – Best Seat
The Seating Chart of Ambassador Theatre
Seating for Chicago on Broadway is divided into three sections: the Orchestra, the Front Mezzanine, and the Rear Mezzanine. The Rear Mezzanine extends farther back, creating a distinctive layout. Since the Ambassador Theatre is a relatively small Broadway house, most seats offer a clear view of the stage without feeling too far away.
Best Seats for Chicago
Tickets for Chicago on Broadway are often easier to find in the front Orchestra, making it a strong choice for the best experience. The Mezzanine also has a wide rake, offering clear, unobstructed views of the stage.
Chicago – Movie Trailers
The YouTube Trailer of Chicago
Here is the official promotional video for the Broadway musical Chicago. Enjoy iconic numbers such as “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Roxie” all in one performance.
Chicago – Review
Our Local Team’s Review of Chicago
Our team shares impressions of Chicago, including ratings, seating tips, and details on exclusive merchandise available at the theatre.
Experience why Chicago remains one of Broadway’s most popular shows, with insights into the merchandise and inside the theater.
Chicago Broadway show review
Reviews & Ratings for Chicago
Seen Chicago on Broadway? Rate it with one click voting below! Your vote updates instantly.
Audience Feedback & Testimonials for Chicago
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I bought tickets here because they seemed relatively cheap and had a long history, and I was surprised to receive tickets for row BB, the front row. I had heard that tickets were random, so I felt really lucky. I was able to fully experience the actors' breathing and the sound of the live band, and it was a wonderful experience. Thank you very much.
This time, I went with a friend - I'm so glad we got our tickets through Atto New York! The tickets arrived quickly after we requested the reservation, so I didn't have to do anything else myself, which was very helpful.
First of all, the performers' acting skills were amazing! It really made me feel like I was in the world of Chicago. My friend and I had a great time talking about Chicago even after the show finished☺️
I purchased tickets to the first floor, third row from the front! I could see the spit of the real actors flying at me (sweat). Looking at it up close, I noticed that everyone was not so young... but they were showing their legs, their stomachs... I thought to myself, I have to do my best too. I know it's a completely different situation though...
The dancing of the actress who played Roxy was brilliant! Roxy was so good that Velma's movements seemed slow...even though Velma was quite good. Even though I'm not an expert on dance, I was delighted to see a performance that made me instantly think, "Wow, this person is good!" If you don't understand English, you won't be able to grasp the finer details of the story, so I recommend reading the synopsis before watching. Anyway, I was captivated by Roxy from start to finish.
It was a perfect musical for adults, very much like New York.
The audience was also on the older side, which was quite different from The Lion King.
If you like jazz and dance, you should definitely see it.
It was a very moving experience on my last day in New York.
Chicago – Explore
Behind the Scenes of Chicago
Bob Fosse’s Legendary Choreography
When you think of a Broadway musical, you may imagine lavish sets, glamorous costumes, and grand performances. But Chicago stands out with its stripped-down, bold, and edgy staging that puts the spotlight squarely on the performers.
The show’s biting satire, centered on women in prison, comes alive through powerful songs and unforgettable dance numbers. What truly makes the production iconic is its choreography.
The legendary Bob Fosse, a multiple Tony Award-winning choreographer, crafted the show’s signature style. He also directed the Academy Award-winning film Cabaret. His sharp, sultry, and dynamic movement captures the pulse of American show business like no other.
From a 1927 Silent Film to Broadway
The story of Chicago traces back to the 1927 silent film of the same name, which offered a sharp satire of American society and resonated with audiences disillusioned by political corruption.
After inspiring several adaptations, the musical Chicago premiered on Broadway in 1975 and ran for 936 performances. It later opened in London’s West End in 1979, then returned to Broadway in 1996 as a revival.
The 1996 revival became a global phenomenon, earning eight Tony Award nominations and winning six. Today, alongside The Phantom of the Opera, it stands as one of Broadway’s most iconic long-running musicals.
Based on Real-Life Crimes
Chicago is famous for its scandalous femme fatales, but what makes it even more compelling is that it’s based on true events from 1926.
The characters Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly were inspired by real-life women Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, both accused of murder. They captivated the press and the public with their beauty, wit, and ability to manipulate the media and legal system. Both women were acquitted, with newspapers portraying them as celebrities.
At the time, juries in Chicago were composed entirely of men, giving rise to the saying, “A pretty woman can never be convicted.” This injustice and political corruption inspired the satirical play that later became the hit musical Chicago, earning both public and critical acclaim.
Songs and Music from Chicago
The signature number “All That Jazz” is iconic, but to experience the true spirit of Chicago, we highly recommend “Cell Block Tango.” While the official Broadway site does not provide a video, you can easily find performances online. Watch closely and you’ll see the fierce expressions, sharp delivery, and electrifying choreography of the women behind bars – a performance that perfectly captures the raw energy of one of America’s most infamous musicals.
“All That Jass”
“Cell Block Tango”
Original Broadway Cast Recording Soundtrack
The original cast recording of the Broadway musical Chicago. Click the link below to view the album.
Chicago – Buy Show Tickets
Book Tickets for Chicago
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Buy discounted tickets online
$72～
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| You can instantly buy discounted tickets online. | |
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The ticket link will be sent to the email address you provided when you purchase.
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Group discount ticket order for parties of 10 or more >>
Before You Book: Important Information
| Booking Deadlines |
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| Cancellation Policy |
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| Notes |
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Chicago – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Chicago (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Chicago tickets.
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How much are tickets for Chicago (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Chicago start at $72 with our discounted prices. See more details for Chicago tickets.
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Is the English in Chicago (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Chicago has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Chicago (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Chicago are introduced in the Chicago Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
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Who is in the cast of Chicago (Broadway show)?
You can check the cast of the Broadway musical Chicago in the Playbill distributed at the theater on the day of the show. The characters of Chicago are introduced in the Chicago Characters section.
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