Chicago

Here is why we at Broadway Inbound think it's a perfect show for groups:

"All that jazz!" is waiting for you in the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. Having become a true institution on Broadway since its 1996 revival, Chicago encapsulates the glamour and grit of the roaring '20s. The mastermind creators, John Kander and Fred Ebb, alongside the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, have crafted a thought-provoking production that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Ann Reinking was the one to continue Fosse’s legacy, adding her own character to the movement, for which she received a much-deserved TonyⓇ. 

Enter the pulse-pounding world of Chicago, where Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly's thrilling stories unfold amidst the gritty atmosphere of the 1920s underworld. Their ambitions and rivalry are set against the corrupt and glamorous Jazz-era. Stellar performances of numbers like “Cell Block Tango” and “We Both Reached for the Gun” portray fairly heavy topics, making the conversation more approachable for viewers. Through sharp wit and the irresistible sway of jazz, the show dissects the seductive lure of fame and the blurred lines between morality and spectacle, crafting a theatrical experience that won’t soon lose its relevance.

Drawing inspiration from real murder trials of the 1920s and the subsequent media circus, Chicago has captivated audiences since it hit the Broadway stage in 1975. At its core, this Kander and Ebb classic offers a sharp exploration of celebrity and scandal, themes that remain as relevant today as ever. Chicago invites audiences into a world that cleverly satirizes the public’s fascination with fame and the spectacle of crime.

The 1996 revival of Chicago has won numerous accolades, including six TonyⓇ Awards, and inspired a 2002 film adaptation that swept six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With its razor-sharp wit and explosive passion, this production is the longest-running American musical on Broadway, drawing accolades across the globe.

The show paints a vivid portrait of the era while providing fresh insights into our societal obsessions. Its clever dialogue and catchy tunes raise questions about truth, justice, and spectacle, epitomized by Billy Flynn's memorable line: "It's all a circus, kid. A three-ring circus." Whether you're watching Chicago for the first time or reliving its brilliance live since seeing the film, the musical offers not just entertainment but a platform for engaging with themes that continue to spark conversation.