The 1996 Broadway revival of the 1975 Kander & Ebb musical about celebrity murder trials and media manipulation, becoming Broadway’s longest-running American musical (still running in 2023) and achieving new relevance with the 2002 Oscar-winning film.
Razzle Dazzle Endurance
“Chicago” reopened on Broadway November 14, 1996, in a stripped-down “concert” version emphasizing the musical’s cynicism about fame, justice, and American celebrity worship. The minimalist staging (orchestra onstage, chairs and platforms instead of elaborate sets) made it affordable to run while feeling edgy and modern.
The revival featured Ann Reinking (who’d been in the 1975 original) as Roxie Hart and Bebe Neuwirth as Velma Kelly. The sexy choreography, jazz score, and dark satire resonated in an era of O.J. Simpson trial spectacle and tabloid media dominance.
The 2002 film adaptation starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere won 6 Oscars including Best Picture - making it the first musical to win since “Oliver!” (1968). The film’s success drove massive tourism to Broadway, with the show grossing record amounts.
“Chicago” surpassed “Cats” in 2011 to become Broadway’s longest-running revival, then surpassed “A Chorus Line” in 2019 to become the longest-running American musical (behind only “Phantom” overall). Its success proved cynical satire had eternal appeal - and that minimalist productions could endure longer than expensive spectacles.
The show’s themes of celebrity murder trials, media manipulation, and corrupted justice systems remained timelessly American.