Chicago

Chicago Tickets

Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women accused of murder who find themselves sharing death row in 1920s Chicago. With the help of their slick lawyer Billy Flynn, they turn their criminal trials into a media circus, using their newfound fame as their ticket to freedom. This darkly comic tale satirises celebrity culture and the justice system through a lens of jazz-age glamour.

The musical is based on real events from 1924, when reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins covered the trials of murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. What makes this production special is its minimalist staging that strips away elaborate sets to focus purely on the story, the music, and Bob Fosse's legendary choreography. The dancers perform in sleek black costumes, letting their precise, seductive movements tell the story.

With a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb featuring numbers like "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango", Chicago has been thrilling Broadway audiences since 1975. As the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, it continues to pack the Ambassador Theatre with its blend of murder, razzle dazzle, and killer choreography.

What to Expect at Chicago

Chicago runs for 2 hours 30 minutes including one intermission. The production takes place on a sparse stage with minimal sets, allowing the focus to remain on the performers and their movements. Bob Fosse's original choreography remains the star of the show, with dancers executing his signature angular moves and sultry poses that perfectly capture the decadent spirit of the jazz age.

The Ambassador Theatre provides an intimate Broadway setting for this production. Built in 1921, the venue's classic architecture and excellent sightlines ensure you won't miss a single step or note. The theatre's proximity to Times Square makes it easy to grab dinner before the show, and if you're looking for more Broadway magic, you might consider Wicked tickets or catch the revolutionary Hamilton on Broadway.

The cast performs with minimal costume changes, often in signature black attire that's become synonymous with the show. This stripped-down approach means every gesture, every note, and every dance move carries weight in telling this tale of fame, corruption, and survival.

Before You Go

Chicago is recommended for ages 13 and up due to mature themes including murder, corruption, and adult relationships. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre, and all guests regardless of age must have their own ticket.

The Ambassador Theatre does not have a cloakroom, so avoid bringing large bags or luggage. All bags are subject to inspection, and no outside food, beverages, weapons, or professional recording equipment are allowed. Latecomers will be seated at management's discretion during appropriate breaks in the performance.

Evening performances typically start at 7 PM or 8 PM, with matinees usually scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM. There's no formal dress code for Broadway shows, though many guests enjoy dressing up for the occasion. If you're exploring more of New York's theatre scene, The Phantom of the Opera offers another classic Broadway experience.