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Chicago
Poster from the West End Production
Music John Kander
Lyrics Fred Ebb
Book Fred Ebb
Bob Fosse
Based upon Chicago play by Maurine Dallas Watkins
Productions 1975 Broadway
1996 Broadway
1997 West End
2005 US Tour
2006 UK Tour
Awards Tony Award for Best Revival

Chicago is a Kander and Ebb musical set in prohibition era Chicago. West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London 's "Theatreland" John Harold Kander (born March 18, 1927 in Kansas City Missouri) is the American Composer Fred Ebb ( April 8 1933 &mdash September 11 2004) was a Musical theatre lyricist Fred Ebb ( April 8 1933 &mdash September 11 2004) was a Musical theatre lyricist Robert Louis “Bob” Fosse ( June 23, 1927 – September 23, 1987) was an American Musical theater Choreographer and Maurine Dallas Watkins ( July 27, 1896 - August 10, 1969) was an American Journalist and Playwright. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London 's "Theatreland" The Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical has been awarded since 1994 Kander and Ebb were a highly successful songwriting team consisting of Composer John Kander (born March 18 1927) and Lyricist Musical theatre is a form of Theatre combining Music, Songs spoken Dialogue and Dance. In the United States, the term Prohibition refers to the period from 1920 to 1933 during which the sale manufacture and transportation of alcohol for consumption Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. The book is by Ebb and Bob Fosse. Robert Louis “Bob” Fosse ( June 23, 1927 – September 23, 1987) was an American Musical theater Choreographer and The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice, and the concept of the "celebrity criminal. Satire is often strictly defined as a literary genre or form; although in practice it is also found in the graphic and Performing arts In satire human Political corruption is the use of governmental powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain Criminal justice is the system of practices and organizations used by national and local governments directed at maintaining Social control, deterring " The musical is based on a 1926 play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes she had reported on. Maurine Dallas Watkins ( July 27, 1896 - August 10, 1969) was an American Journalist and Playwright.

The original 1975 Broadway production ran for a total of 936 performances. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located Bob Fosse choreographed the original production, and his style is strongly identified with the show. Robert Louis “Bob” Fosse ( June 23, 1927 – September 23, 1987) was an American Musical theater Choreographer and Chicago's 1996 Broadway revival holds the record for the longest-running musical revival on Broadway (not counting the revue Oh! Calcutta!) and, as of March 2, 2008, it has played for more than 4,684 performances. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located A revue is a type of multi-act popular theatrical Entertainment that combines Music, dance and sketches. Oh! Calcutta! was a long-running Avant-garde theatrical Revue, created by British drama critic Kenneth Tynan. Events 986 - Louis V becomes King of the Franks. 1127 - Assassination of Charles the Good 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The revival was followed by a production on London's West End and several tours and international productions. West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London 's "Theatreland" An Academy Award-winning film version of the musical was released in 2002. "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. Chicago is a Musical film adaptation of the satirical stage musical Chicago, the film explores the themes of

Contents

History

The musical Chicago is based on a play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, who had been assigned to cover the 1924 trials of murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. Maurine Dallas Watkins ( July 27, 1896 - August 10, 1969) was an American Journalist and Playwright. Beulah May Annan (about 1901 – March 10, 1928) was a suspected American murderess Belva Gaertner, (1885-1965 was acquitted on a charge of murder in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune is a major daily Newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, United States, and owned by the Tribune Company

Annan, the model for the character of Roxie Hart, was 23 when she was accused of the murder of Harry Kalstedt. The Tribune reported that Annan played the foxtrot record "Hula Lou" over and over for two hours before calling her husband to say she killed a man who "tried to make love to her. " She was found "not guilty" on May 25, 1924. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. Year 1924 ( MCMXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Velma is based on Gaertner, who was a cabaret singer. The body of Walter Law was discovered slumped over the steering wheel of Gaertner's abandoned car on March 12, 1924. Events 538 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving Year 1924 ( MCMXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Two police officers testified that they had seen a woman getting into the car and shortly thereafter heard gunshots. A bottle of gin and an automatic pistol were found on the floor of the car. Gaertner was acquitted on June 6, 1924. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 1924 ( MCMXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The two lawyers, William Scott Stewart and W. W. O'Brien, were models for a composite character in Chicago, "Billy Flynn. "

Dallas-Watkins' sensational columns documenting these trials proved so popular that she decided to write a play based on them. The show received both popular and critical acclaim and even made it to Broadway in 1926, running for 172 performances. Broadway theater, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 39 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located A 1927 silent film version produced by Cecil B. DeMille and starring former Mack Sennett bathing beauty Phyllis Haver as Roxie Hart was remade as Roxie Hart, in 1942 with Ginger Rogers in the title role. Chicago is a 1927 silent comedy-drama Crime film produced by Cecil B Cecil Blount DeMille ( August 12, 1881 – January 21, 1959) was an Academy Award -winning American Film director Mack Sennett ( January 17, 1880 &ndash November 5, 1960) was an Academy Award -winning director and was known as the innovator Phyllis Haver ( January 6, 1899 – November 19, 1960) was an American Actress of the Silent film era Roxie Hart is a 1942 film directed by William A Wellman and starring Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, George Montgomery, Ginger Rogers ( July 16, 1911 &ndash April 25, 1995) was an Academy Award -winning American film and stage actress

Gwen Verdon read the play and asked her husband, Bob Fosse, about the possibility of creating a musical based on it. Gwyneth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13 1925 – October 18 2000 was an American Dancer and Actress. Fosse approached Watkins multiple times to ask her permission to adapt the play as a musical, but he was rejected in each instance. Upon her death in 1969, however, Watkins instructed that the rights to Chicago be sold to Verdon and Fosse. John Kander and Fred Ebb began work on the score, modeling each number on a traditional vaudeville number or a vaudeville performer. John Harold Kander (born March 18, 1927 in Kansas City Missouri) is the American Composer Fred Ebb ( April 8 1933 &mdash September 11 2004) was a Musical theatre lyricist Vaudeville was a Genre of variety entertainment prevalent on the stage in the United States and Canada, from the early 1880s Vaudeville was a Genre of variety entertainment prevalent on the stage in the United States and Canada, from the early 1880s This format made explicit the show's comparison between "justice", "show-business", and contemporary society. Ebb and Fosse penned the book of the musical, with Fosse also directing and choreographing.

Plot synopsis

Act 1

Velma Kelly is a vaudevillian who murdered both her husband and her sister when she found them in bed together. Vaudeville was a Genre of variety entertainment prevalent on the stage in the United States and Canada, from the early 1880s She welcomes the audience to tonight's show ("All That Jazz"). Meanwhile, we hear of chorus girl Roxie Hart's murder of her lover, nightclub regular Fred Casely.

Roxie convinces her husband Amos that the victim was a burglar, and Amos cheerfully takes the rap. Roxie expresses her appreciation of her husband's thick skull ("Funny Honey"). However, when the police mention the deceased's name Amos belatedly puts two and two together. The truth comes out, and Roxie is arrested. She is sent to the women's block in Cook County Jail, inhabited by Velma and other murderesses ("Cell Block Tango"). The block is presided over by the corrupt Matron "Mama" Morton, whose system of mutual aid ("When You're Good to Mama") perfectly suits her clientèle. She has helped Velma become the media's top murder-of-the-week and is acting as a booking agent for Velma's big return to vaudeville.

Velma is not happy to see Roxie, who is stealing not only her limelight but her lawyer, Billy Flynn. Roxie tries to convince Amos to pay for Billy Flynn to be her lawyer ("A Tap Dance"). Eagerly awaited by his all-girl clientèle, Billy sings his anthem, complete with a chorus of fan dancers to prove his assertion that "All I Care About is Love". Billy takes Roxie's case and re-arranges her story for consumption by sympathetic tabloid columnist Mary Sunshine, who always tries to find "A Little Bit of Good" in everyone. Roxie's press conference turns into a ventriloquist act with Billy dictating a new version of the truth ("We Both Reached for the Gun") while Roxie mouths the words. Roxie becomes the new toast of Chicago as Velma's fame is left in the dust. Velma tries to talk Roxie into recreating the sister act ("I Can't Do It Alone"), but Roxie turns her down, only to find her own headlines replaced by the latest sordid crime of passion. Separately, Roxie and Velma realize there's no one they can count on but themselves ("My Own Best Friend"), and the ever-resourceful Roxie decides that being pregnant in prison would put her back on the front page.

Act 2

Velma again welcomes the audience with the line "Hello, Suckers," another reference to Texas Guinan, who commonly greeted her patrons with the same phrase. She informs the audience of Roxie's continual run of luck ("I Know a Girl") despite Roxie's obvious falsehoods ("Me and My Baby"). A little shy on the arithmetic, Amos proudly claims paternity, and still nobody notices him ("Mr. Cellophane"). Velma tries to show Billy all the tricks she's got planned for her trial ("When Velma Takes The Stand"). Billy's forte may be showmanship ("Razzle Dazzle"), but when he passes all Velma's ideas on to Roxie, down to the rhinestone shoe buckles, Mama and Velma lament the demise of "Class". As promised, Billy gets Roxie her acquittal but, just as the verdict is given, some even more sensational crime pulls the pack of press bloodhounds away, and Roxie's fleeting celebrity life is over. Left in the dust, she pulls herself up and extols the joys of life "Nowadays". She teams up with Velma in that sister act, in which they dance and perform the "Hot Honey Rag" until they are joined by the entire company for the grand "Finale". [1].

Musical numbers and analysis

Many of the musical numbers in Chicago are based on traditional vaudeville acts including some based on particular vaudevillian performers. The musical numbers are listed below with a description of these antecedents where applicable:

Productions

Original Broadway production

The Original Cast Recording
The Original Cast Recording

Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville opened on June 3, 1975, and ran for a total of 936 performances, closing on August 27, 1977. Kander and Ebb were a highly successful songwriting team consisting of Composer John Kander (born March 18 1927) and Lyricist Cabaret is a musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander. The Charleston is a Dance named for the city of Charleston South Carolina. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 479 BC - Greco-Persian Wars: Persian forces led by Mardonius are routed by Pausanias, the Spartan Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays It starred Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly, Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart, and Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn. Chita Rivera (born on January 23, 1933) is an American actress Dancer, and Singer best known for her roles in Musical theater Gwyneth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13 1925 – October 18 2000 was an American Dancer and Actress. Jerome Bernard Orbach ( October 20 1935 – December 28 2004) was an American Tony Award -winning Actor, Velma Kelly was a comparatively minor character in all versions of Chicago prior to the musical rendering. The role was fleshed out to balance Chita Rivera's role opposite Gwen Verdon's Roxie Hart. Chita Rivera (born on January 23, 1933) is an American actress Dancer, and Singer best known for her roles in Musical theater Gwyneth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13 1925 – October 18 2000 was an American Dancer and Actress. The musical got mixed reviews. The Brechtian style of the show, which frequently dropped the fourth wall, made audiences uncomfortable. (born; 10 February 1898&ndash14 August 1956 was a German Poet, Playwright, and Theatre director. The fourth wall is the imaginary wall at the front of the stage in a Proscenium Theater, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play It brought attention to the fact that the show was really about the world we live in, paralleling the glamorization of criminals with how society itself makes criminals into celebrities.

It was through this production, and not the writing, that much of the "traditional" Chicago staging conventions were developed:

The show had the misfortune of opening the same year as Michael Bennett's highly successful A Chorus Line, which beat out Chicago in both ticket sales and at the Tony Awards. Michael Bennett ( April 8, 1943 - July 2, 1987) was an American Musical theater director, Writer A Chorus Line is a musical about seventeen Broadway Dancers auditioning for spots on a Chorus line. The Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Awards, recognize achievement in live American Theatre and are presented [2] The show was on the verge of closing, when it ran into another setback: Gwen Verdon inhaled a feather during the finale, which resulted in a throat infection. Gwyneth Evelyn “Gwen” Verdon (January 13 1925 – October 18 2000 was an American Dancer and Actress.

The producers planned on closing, when Liza Minnelli stepped in and offered to play the role of Roxie Hart in place of Verdon. Liza May Minnelli (born March 12, 1946) is a legendary American actress and singer Her run lasted a month, and so the show continued into 1977. Chicago productions based on the original Broadway were mounted in London (UK) - starring Jenny Logan as Velma Kelly and Antonia Ellis as Roxie Hart and Vienna (Austria) starring Isabel Wiecken as Velma Kelly in 1979 and 1981, respectively. Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. Jenny Logan (1942- is a British actress trained dancer and singer An Australian production with Nancye Hayes as Roxie Hart, geraldine turner as Velma Kelly and Terrance Donovan as Billy Flynn in the early 1980s.

City Center's "Encores!"

In 1996, City Center announced that Chicago was to be included in its fall line up of "Encores!" series. New York City Center's Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert has been performing since 1994 The series had been previously used exclusively to bring attention to older, more obscure musicals that might have otherwise have been forgotten.

The production was directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography "in the style of Bob Fosse" by Ann Reinking, who also starred as Roxie Hart. Walter Bobbie (born 18 November 1945, Scranton Pennsylvania) is a Dancer, choreographer, Theatre director and occasional Robert Louis “Bob” Fosse ( June 23, 1927 – September 23, 1987) was an American Musical theater Choreographer and Also in the show was Bebe Neuwirth as Velma Kelly, Joel Grey as Amos Hart and James Naughton as Billy Flynn. Beatrice “Bebe” Neuwirth (born December 31 1958 is an American actress, Singer and Dancer. Joel Grey (born April 11, 1932) is a Tony - Golden Globe - BAFTA - & Academy Award -winning American stage James Naughton (born December 6 1945) is an American Tony Award -winning Theater, Film and Television Actor The show was well-received, despite the fact that performers were still holding scripts and the choreography was sometimes unpolished. By intermission on opening night, there was talk of a full scale revival.

Broadway revival

Chicago: The Musical at the Ambassador Theatre, New York, May 2007
Chicago: The Musical at the Ambassador Theatre, New York, May 2007

Barry and Fran Weissler brought the concert version of Chicago, now titled Chicago: The Musical directly to Broadway, where it opened on November 14, 1996. The Ambassador Theatre is a legitimate Broadway theatre located at 219 West 49th Street in midtown- Manhattan. Events 1533 - Conquistadors from Spain under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro arrive in Cajamarca, Inca Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The show set a record for recovering its initial costs faster than any other musical in history. This is likely due to the stripped down nature of the show: the set is nothing more than a giant bandstand, and the costumes are minimalist and black.

Unlike its predecessor Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville, Chicago: The Musical was met with praise from audiences and critics alike. Society had changed in light of events such as the O. J. Simpson murder case, and audiences were more receptive to the criminal-as-celebrity theme of the show. The O J Simpson murder case was a highly publicized US Criminal trial in which O [3] Chicago: The Musical won 6 Tonys, more than any other revival in Broadway history, winning for Best Musical Revival, Best Actress for Bebe Neuwirth, Best Actor for James Naughton, Best Lighting Design for Ken Billington, Best Director for Walter Bobbie and Best Choreography for Ann Reinking. Beatrice “Bebe” Neuwirth (born December 31 1958 is an American actress, Singer and Dancer. James Naughton (born December 6 1945) is an American Tony Award -winning Theater, Film and Television Actor Walter Bobbie (born 18 November 1945, Scranton Pennsylvania) is a Dancer, choreographer, Theatre director and occasional Ann Reinking (born November 10, 1949) is an American actress, Dancer, and Choreographer. While still married to Verdon, Fosse also romanced Ann Reinking, who would later choreograph the revival as well as play Roxie. Ann Reinking (born November 10, 1949) is an American actress, Dancer, and Choreographer.

Chicago: The Musical has run for over 4,588 performances as of December 2007 and holds the record for longest-running revival on Broadway, second only to the nude revue, Oh! Calcutta! (although the West End revival of Blood Brothers has been running longer). Oh! Calcutta! was a long-running Avant-garde theatrical Revue, created by British drama critic Kenneth Tynan. Blood Brothers is a musical with book lyrics and music by Willy Russell. Chicago is currently the eighth longest-running Broadway show ever. [4] During its run, the show has played in three Broadway theatres - the Richard Rodgers Theatre, the Shubert Theatre and the Ambassador Theatre. The Richard Rodgers Theatre, in New York City, was built by Irwin Chanin in 1925 The Shubert Theatre is a Broadway theatre located at 225 West 44th Street in midtown- Manhattan, New York, United States The Ambassador Theatre is a legitimate Broadway theatre located at 219 West 49th Street in midtown- Manhattan.

The cast recording of the revival won a Grammy Award. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

West End production

On November 18, 1997, Chicago: The Musical opened in London's West End. Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London 's "Theatreland" The original cast of the production included Ute Lemper as Velma, Ruthie Henshall as Roxie Hart, Nigel Planer as Amos Hart and Henry Goodman as Billy Flynn. Ute Lemper (born July 4 1963 in Münster, Germany) is a German chanteuse and actress Valentine Ruth Henshall (born 7 March 1967) known as Ruthie Henshall, is a British Singer, Dancer and actress Nigel George Planer (born 22 February 1953 in London) is an English Actor, Novelist and Playwright. Henry Goodman (born April 23, 1950) is a British Theatre Actor. The production won the 1998 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical. The Laurence Olivier Award is regarded as the most prestigious award in British theatre and is presented in recognition of artistic achievement in London theatre

The show ran at the Adelphi Theatre for 9 years until transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006, where it continues to play as of April 2008. The Adelphi Theatre is a 1500-seat West End theatre, located on the Strand in the City of Westminster. The Cambridge Theatre is a West End theatre, on a corner site in Earlham Street facing Seven Dials, in the London Borough of Camden, built in 1929-30 [5]

Bangalore poster
Bangalore poster

International productions

There have been professional productions of Chicago in Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, South Korea, Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Russia, Canada, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Israel, South Africa, China, Australia, Singapore, Poland and the United Arab Emirates, as well as amateur productions in Croatia, Serbia, Spain, Hungary, Cyprus, Norway, India, and Albania. The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Romania ( dated: Rumania, Roumania South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa is a country on the Iberian Peninsula. |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Argentina topics. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Singapore Poland (Polska officially the Republic of Poland Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country This article is about the country in southern Europe For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Albania topics.

Chicago has given the opportunity for the stars of foreign productions to make their Broadway debuts including Bianca Marroquin (Mexico), Denise Van Outen (U. Denise van Outen (born May 27 1974, Basildon, Essex) is an English Television presenter and actress. K. ), Terra C. Macleod (France and Canada), Petra Nielson (Sweden), Ute Lemper (U. Ute Lemper (born July 4 1963 in Münster, Germany) is a German chanteuse and actress K. ), Ruthie Henshall (U. Valentine Ruth Henshall (born 7 March 1967) known as Ruthie Henshall, is a British Singer, Dancer and actress K. ), Anna Montanaro (Austria and Germany) Pia Douwes (The Netherlands), Marti Pellow (U. Pia Douwes (born on August 5, 1964) is a Dutch musical theatre actress who is very successful in Europe Marti Pellow (born 23 March, 1965) is the lead singer of the Scottish pop group Wet Wet Wet. K. ), Caroline O’Connor (Australia).

The first Japanese-language production of the Tony-winning revival of Kander and Ebb's Chicago will debut in October at the Akasaka ACT Theatre in Tokyo, Japan, followed by an engagement at Osaka's Umeda Art Theatre.

Presented by Barry and Fran Weissler is association with Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. and Kyodo Tokyo Inc. , the production will star Ryoko Yonekura as Roxie Hart, Yōka Wao as Velma Kelly and Ryuichi Kawamura as Billy Flynn. Yonekura was born in Yokohama. She studied Classical ballet for fifteen years from the age of 5 is a Japanese performing artist and a former member of the Takarazuka Revue, where she specialized in playing male characters ( Otokoyaku) is a Japanese singer He is best known as a lead singer of Luna Sea.

Although the touring production of Chicago was first presented in Japan in 1999 — it has since toured the country three times — this will mark the first production of the hit musical to be heard in Japanese.

In a statement, Kyodo Tokyo Inc. president Yoshito Yamazaki said, "More than 150,000 people in Japan have fallen in love with the English-language production of Chicago. And while English-language productions have visited Japan repeatedly, it was always our dream to be able to present a Japanese-language production of this wonderful, record-breaking musical, and make Chicago available to millions of Japanese who can now enjoy it fully in their own language. I'm happy to announce that in a few months, that dream will become a reality. "

Producer Weissler added, "What a thrill it is to see that Chicago continues to reach new audiences all over the world. To know that Kander and Ebb's fantastic songs continue to be performed by actors in a variety of languages across the globe is truly phenomenal. We're delighted to now be able to introduce the excitement of Chicago to millions of Japanese theatregoers in their native language. "

Notable casts

Notable casts of professional stage productions of Chicago

Roxie Hart Velma Kelly Billy Flynn Amos Hart "Mama" Morton
Ruthie Henshall (West End 1997-1998) Dawn Spence Jordan Blake-Klein (West End 2007) Nigel Planer (West End 1997-1998) Sharon D. Clarke (West End 2004)
Jill Halfpenny (West End 2005) Ute Lemper (West End 1997-1998) Jerry Orbach (Original B'Way 1975-1976) Joel Grey Marcia Lewis
Claire Sweeney (West End 2001) Bebe Neuwirth (1996 B'Way 1996-1997) John O'Hurley Dale Meeks (West End 2006-2007) Meg Johnson
Ann Reinking Amra-Faye Wright (Broadway Jan. Valentine Ruth Henshall (born 7 March 1967) known as Ruthie Henshall, is a British Singer, Dancer and actress Nigel George Planer (born 22 February 1953 in London) is an English Actor, Novelist and Playwright. Sharon D Clarke is a British actress and singer popularly known for her role in the UK Medical drama Holby City, in which she plays the role of Lola Jill Halfpenny (born 15 July 1975) is an English actress. Halfpenny is possibly best known for her role as Kate in the British Ute Lemper (born July 4 1963 in Münster, Germany) is a German chanteuse and actress Jerome Bernard Orbach ( October 20 1935 – December 28 2004) was an American Tony Award -winning Actor, Joel Grey (born April 11, 1932) is a Tony - Golden Globe - BAFTA - & Academy Award -winning American stage Marcia Lewis (born August 8, 1938) is an American character actress. Claire Jane Sweeney (born 17 April 1971 in Walton, Liverpool) is an English Actress, Singer and Television Beatrice “Bebe” Neuwirth (born December 31 1958 is an American actress, Singer and Dancer. John Gerald O'Hurley (born October 9, 1954) is an American Actor and popular television personality who is perhaps best known for his recurring Dale Meeks (born 1975) is an English Actor, who is well known in the United Kingdom for his Television career Meg Johnson (born 30 July 1927 in Manchester) is an English Actress who currently plays the role of Pearl Ladderbanks Ann Reinking (born November 10, 1949) is an American actress, Dancer, and Choreographer. 16-March 26, 2006; West End, Nov. 5, 2007) Marti Pellow Peter Davison Brenda Edwards
Brooke Shields Heather Parcells Kevin Richardson Kevin Kennedy Gaby Roslin
Lisa Rinna Jasmine Guy Harry Hamlin Gareth Hale Anita Dobson
Jennifer Ellison Ruthie Henshall Usher (B'Way Revival Aug. Marti Pellow (born 23 March, 1965) is the lead singer of the Scottish pop group Wet Wet Wet. Peter Davison (born Peter Moffett 13 April 1951 is an English Actor, best known for his roles as Tristan Farnon in the television version of Brenda Edwards is an English Singer and Actress who rose to fame after reaching the final stages of second series of the Brooke Christa Camille Shields (born May 31, 1965) is an American actress and Supermodel. Heather Parcells (born 1978 is an American actress, singer and dancer Kevin Scott Richardson (born October 3 1971 is an American singer and former member of the Backstreet Boys. Kevin Kennedy is an English Actor, Singer and Guitarist. He played bottle-lensed Norman 'Curly' Watts in ITV's long running soap opera Gaby Roslin (born July 12 1964) is an English Television presenter and Actress. Lisa Deanna Rinna (born July 11, 1963) is an American actress. Jasmine Guy (born March 10, 1962 in Boston Massachusetts) is an American Actress, Singer and Dancer. Harry Robinson Hamlin (born October 30, 1951) is an American film and television Actor, known for his role as Perseus in the 1981 fantasy film Gareth Hale is an English comedian and actor born 15 January 1953, in Hedon, Yorkshire Anita Dobson (born 29 April 1949 in Stepney, London) is an English Television actress. Valentine Ruth Henshall (born 7 March 1967) known as Ruthie Henshall, is a British Singer, Dancer and actress Usher Raymond IV (born October 14 1978 known simply by his first name Usher, is an American R&B and pop Singer - Songwriter 22, 2006-2006) Les Dennis Lynda Carter
Ashlee Simpson (West End Sept. Les Dennis (born Leslie Heseltine on 12 October 1953 in Liverpool, Lancashire) was an English Television presenter and Lynda Carter (born July 24, 1951) is an American actress and Singer. 25 - Oct. 28 2006) Caroline O'Connor Darius Danesh Paul Rider (West End Nov. Caroline Ann O'Connor (born September 2 1962) is an Australian Singer, Dancer and Actress. Darius Danesh ( born 19 August 1980 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a platinum-selling recording artist Songwriter, and West 5, 2007) Alison Moyet
Aoife Mulholland (West End Dec. Alison Moyet (born Genevieve Alison Jane Moyet on 18 June 1961 is an English pop Singer-songwriter noted for her Bluesy voice. 18th 2006 - Mar. 28 2007) Pia Douwes Tony Hadley Kelly Osbourne (Sept. Pia Douwes (born on August 5, 1964) is a Dutch musical theatre actress who is very successful in Europe Tony Hadley (born Anthony Patrick Hadley 2 June 1960, Islington, London) is an English pop Singer Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne (born October 27, 1984) is an English Television personality, Singer, award winning actress 10-Nov. 18, 2007)
Melanie Griffith Frances Ruffelle (West End Nov. Melanie Griffith (born August 9, 1957) is an Academy Award nominated Golden Globe winning American Film actress Frances Ruffelle (born 29 August 1965 is a British musical theatre actress and recording artist 5, 2007) Joey Lawrence Adriane Lenox (B'Way Revival Aug. Joseph "Joey" Lawrence (born April 20, 1976) is an American actor Adriane Lenox (born 11 September, 1956, Memphis Tennessee) is an African-American stage and film actress whose performance in the play Doubt 7-2007)
Denise van Outen Mýa (B'Way Revival 2008) Wayne Brady (B'Way Revival 2004) Debra Monk
Samantha Lynn Kloss Brent Barrett Jennifer Holiday
Tina Arena Michael Greco
Charlotte d'Amboise David Hasselhoff (West End July 16, 2004-2004)
Bonnie Langford Duncan James
Linzi Hateley Maxwell Caulfield
Bebe Neuwirth (Dec. Denise van Outen (born May 27 1974, Basildon, Essex) is an English Television presenter and actress. Mýa Marie Harrison, professionally known as Mýa or Mýa Harrison, is an American Grammy award Winning R&B and Wayne Alphonso Brady (born June 2, 1972) is an Emmy -winning American Comedian, Singer and Television personality Debra Monk (born February 27, 1949) is an American Tony Award -winning actress singer and writer Jennifer-Yvette Holliday (born October 19, 1960, Riverside Texas) is a two-time Grammy Award -winning American Singer Tina Arena (born 1 November 1967) is an Australian singer songwriter and Musical theatre actress Michael Greco (born to Italian parents in 1970 in Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland) is a British Actor and Poker player Charlotte d'Amboise (born May 11, 1964 in New York City) is an American actress and Dancer. David Michael Hasselhoff (born July 17, 1952) is an American Actor and Singer, who is best known for his lead roles on Knight Bonita Melody Lysette "Bonnie" Langford ( July 22, 1964) is an English actress and entertainer Note that this article is about the British artist not the Australian artist of the same name who is famous for the single "Speed of Life" Linzi Hateley (born October 23, 1970 in Birmingham) is an English stage actress who is currently starring as one of the leads in the West End Maxwell Caulfield (born November 23, 1959) is a Scottish Actor known for his roles in film television and on stage Beatrice “Bebe” Neuwirth (born December 31 1958 is an American actress, Singer and Dancer. 31, 2006-Apr. 22, 2007) Tom Wopat (Broadway, Aug. Tom Wopat (born September 9, 1951 in Lodi Wisconsin) is an American Actor and Singer. 7-Sept. 2, 2007)
Sally Ann Triplett George Hamilton (Sept. Sally Ann Triplett (born 15 April 1962, London, United Kingdom) is a British Singer and Actress most famous George Hamilton (born in Memphis Tennessee on August 12, 1939) is an American Film and Television Actor and occasional 10-Oct. 7, 2007)
Rita Wilson (Broadway June 12, 2006-Aug. Rita Wilson (born October 26, 1956) is an American Film and stage actress and producer. 20, 2006)

Brian McKnight
Robin Givens Ian Kelsey
Bianca Marroquin Jeff McCarthy (Broadway, Dec. Brian McKnight (born June 5 1969) is a Grammy-nominated American Singer, Songwriter, arranger producer, pop Robin Simone Givens (born November 27 1964 is an American actress Ian Kelsey (born 17 December 1966) is a British television actor Jeff McCarthy is an American Character actor who has appeared in television theatre and films 7, 2007-Jan. 13, 2008)
Rebecca Thornhill John Schneider (Broadway, planned Jan. John Schneider is an Actor, Theatre director, Playwright, and Musician based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. 14, 2008)
Suzanne Shaw Terence Maynard (West End Nov. Suzanne Shaw (born Suzanne Crowshaw on 29 September 1981 is an English Actress, Singer and Television personality. 5, 2007)

Film adaptations

Poster for the 2002 movie
Poster for the 2002 movie

In 1927, a silent film version of the original non-musical play was made. In 1942, a "cleaned-up" version of the 1926 play, this time called Roxie Hart, was released. Roxie Hart is a 1942 film directed by William A Wellman and starring Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, George Montgomery, It was directed by William A. Wellman and starred Ginger Rogers as Roxie, Adolphe Menjou as Billy Flynn, and Spring Byington as reporter Mary Sunshine. William Augustus Wellman (29 February &ndash19 December) was an American Movie director, noted for directing the film which received the first Academy Award Ginger Rogers ( July 16, 1911 &ndash April 25, 1995) was an Academy Award -winning American film and stage actress Adolphe Jean Menjou ( February 18, 1890 &ndash October 29, 1963) was an American actor } Spring Byington ( October 17, 1886 – September 7, 1971) was an Oscar -nominated American actress In this version, Velma is reduced to a small role, and Roxie is mistakenly tried for murder.

A film version of the Kander-Ebb musical was produced and released in 2002, starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, and Richard Gere as Billy Flynn. Chicago is a Musical film adaptation of the satirical stage musical Chicago, the film explores the themes of Renée Kathleen Zellweger (born April 25, 1969) is an Academy Award - BAFTA - SAG Award - and Golden Globe -winning Catherine Zeta-Jones ( "zeeta" born September 25, 1969) is a Welsh actress, presently based in the United States Richard Tiffany Gere (born August 31, 1949) is a Golden Globe - and Screen Actors Guild Award -winning American Actor. The story was told by staging the vaudeville acts as fantasies of Roxie Hart, eliminating some songs, and lightening the character of Roxie. The original lyrics of "Class" were restored for this film version, which although not present in the final release print, was included as a DVD bonus feature. The 2002 film won the Oscar for Best Picture, and Zeta-Jones won Best Supporting Actress. The Academy Award for Best Motion Picture is one of the Awards of Merit presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS to artists working Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role is one of the Academy Awards of Merit presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS

For more details on this topic, see Chicago (2002 film). Chicago is a Musical film adaptation of the satirical stage musical Chicago, the film explores the themes of

References in pop culture

References

  1. ^ Plot Summary based on that of Bill Rosenfield, copyright 1997 BMG Music
  2. ^ Chicago - a musical by John Kaner, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Retrieved on 2007-06-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians
  3. ^ Online NewsHour: Chicago, the Musical--May 30, 1997. Retrieved on 2007-06-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians
  4. ^ Broadway run information from Playbill.com
  5. ^ West End Programme, published November 2003

External links

Awards
Preceded by
The King and I		 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical
1997		 Succeeded by
Cabaret
The King and I is a musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical has been awarded since 1994 Cabaret is a musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander.
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