Composer

:

John Kander

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1975

Average_duration

:

63:18

Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville is a musical composed by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. The musical is based on a play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, which was inspired by actual events that took place in Chicago in the 1920s. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1975 and has since become one of the most popular and successful musicals of all time. The plot of Chicago revolves around two women, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who are both accused of murder and are awaiting trial in the Cook County Jail. Roxie is a housewife who dreams of becoming a vaudeville star, while Velma is a former vaudeville performer who is now a celebrity in the jail. Both women are represented by the same lawyer, Billy Flynn, who is known for his ability to manipulate the media and the legal system to get his clients acquitted. The musical is set in the 1920s and features a score that is heavily influenced by the music of that era, including jazz, ragtime, and vaudeville. The music is characterized by its catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and energetic dance numbers. The show also features a number of iconic songs, including "All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango," and "Razzle Dazzle." Chicago premiered on Broadway in 1975 and was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. The original cast included Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart, Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly, and Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn. The show was a critical and commercial success, running for over two years and winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Since its premiere, Chicago has been revived numerous times on Broadway and in theaters around the world. The show has also been adapted into a successful film, which was released in 2002 and starred Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere. Overall, Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its catchy music, witty lyrics, and unforgettable characters. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the vaudeville era and the enduring power of great musical theater.

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