In the spring of 1975, Chicago premiered on Broadway. Directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, it razzle-dazzled audiences in a counterintuitive way: by emphasizing sophisticated style over flashy production elements. The musical returned to Broadway in 1996, after Ann Reinking re-created Fosse’s choreography for a short-run Encores! production at New York City Center. The revival, at the Ambassador Theatre, is now the longest-running show currently on Broadway, and second in history to only The Phantom of the Opera.
Based on a play written about two women accused of murder in the 1920s and how they became celebrities, Chicago models each of its numbers after a traditional vaudeville routine or performer. The show’s minimalistic set and costumes allow the focus to stay on the movement, the music, and the story.
Pages from Dance Magazine’s November 1975 feature on the show’s Broadway premiere.
From the DM Archives.
Over the decades, Chicago’s lasting footprint on Broadway has helped make Fosse’s style of dance instantly recognizable. With its sly head tilts, specific hand gestures, turned-in feet, and pinpoint isolations, the choreography emits a sexy coolness that is frequently emulated, both on Broadway and well beyond.
These photos capture the performers who’ve brought Chicago to life over the years—from original-cast leads Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera to the numerous celebrities who’ve bowed in the show. Four dancers from Chicago companies past and present also share their thoughts on the essence of Chicago, their gratitude for Fosse, and why the production still has such sticking power five decades later.
Photo by Howard Schatz. From the DM Archives.
Original revival cast members Ann Reinking and Bebe Neuwirth. Photo by Dan Chavkin, Courtesy BBB.
Bianca Marroquín and Charlotte d’Amboise in a 2022 performance. Photo by Jeremy Daniel, Courtesy BBB.
Chicago has been a very important part of my dance career—from opening the Broadway revival, to doing the movie, to doing the Broadway show Fosse and the television show ‘Fosse/Verdon.’ It has kept me working and supporting my family and myself. It has given work to many dancers around the world. I only wish that Bob Fosse knew what a huge hit Chicago was, and how the world has embraced his work and celebrates his genius in that show. He was always ahead of his time.” — Mary Ann Lamb, who played June and understudied Roxie Hart in the opening cast of the 1996 revival, and eventually took over the role of Roxie
James Naughton as Billy Flynn in the 1996 Encores! production. Courtesy BBB.
Ryan Silverman as Billy flynn in a 2022 performance. Photo by Jeremy Daniel, Courtesy BBB.
Chicago keeps Bob Fosse’s legacy alive. (Its longevity means) a whole new generation gets to appreciate and love his work. The essence and the true detail and intent of Chicago will always be pure Bob Fosse.” — Valarie Pettiford, who played Velma Kelly in Chicago on the West End from August 1999–February 2000
The company in a 2021 performance. Photo by Julieta Cervantes, Courtesy BBB.
Rumer Willis as Roxie Hart. Photo by Jeremy Daniel, Courtesy BBB.
It’s an absolute honor, privilege, gift, and true responsibility to be a part of carrying on the continuing legacy of this show. Chicago is timeless; it continues to be relevant. Every night, performing up on that stage, we are revering Fosse, Annie, Chita, Gwen, and all those legends who came before us who created these roles and this story.” — Kristen Faith Oei, who is currently playing Hunyak and understudying Velma Kelly on Broadway, the first Asian American to play the leading role
Charlotte d’Amboise as Roxie Hart. Photo by Jeremy Daniel, Courtesy BBB.
Jinkx Monsoon as Matron “Mama” Morton. Photo by Jeremy Daniel, Courtesy BBB.
I feel like it’s a cliché to say that Chicago is iconic, but the reason it is is because of its simplicity. When performing in this show, there is a smooth, subtle, knowing confidence that is important to have in your eyes, and in the thoughts behind your eyes, and in the way that you carry yourself. The first time I saw the tap dance number that the guys do in the show, I knew that was undeniably Fosse. The bowler hats and the cigarettes, and the beautiful way that number is lit—that was it for me.” — John Michael Fiumara, a current cast member who made his debut in the company in December 2024
Joel Grey as Amos Hart in the original revival cast. Photo by Max Vadukul, Courtesy BBB.
Todrick Hall as Billy Flynn. Photo by Steven & Chad, THEGINGERB3ARDMEN, Courtesy BBB.
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