Preview: Chicago the Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Ambition, Intrigue And Jazz-Age Glamour

Chicago the Musical 

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Monday 28 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

The razzle-dazzle of Broadway is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal as Chicago the Musical hits the stage. This legendary, Tony Award-winning show brings its signature style with sensational choreography, unforgettable songs, and a captivating story of ambition, intrigue and jazz-age glamour.

Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. 

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”.  Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, Chicago is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

Since it opened in New York in 1996, Chicago has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over one billion pounds has played more than 33,500 performances. 

Chicago, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

The productions’ previous visits to Newcastle have thrilled audiences, most recently in 2016, when the production starred television favourites, Hayley Tamaddon and John Partridge.(North East Theatre Guide review LINK) Casting for the 2024/2025 UK tour is still to be announced.

Photos: Tristram Kenton

Tickets:

Chicago plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Monday 28 October – Saturday 2 November 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.