If the juggernaut of Google holds any sway with you then the fact that
Chicago, the musical is the third result that comes up with you search for 'Chicago' in Google -
after the Wikipedia entry for the place where the musical is set, and the film of the musical - will prove how popular this show is.
Of course you shouldn't base your ticket purchase on the fact that Chicago is popular, there are some far better reasons to see this firecracker of a show. But some of the people searching for more information or tickets for the show must, by default, be people whose opinions you'd respect.
Either way, here are some of those aforementioned reasons:
It's sexy: Set in prohibition era Chicago, this is a tale of love, lust, fame, murder and getting your own way. The main characters are a couple'a sultry fillies: Roxie Hart, who shoots her lover when he tries to leave her, then tries to get her husband to own up to the shooting; and Velma Kelly, who's a jazz singer accused of murdering her husband and her sister after finding them in bed together. Velma is the star murderess of 'Merry Murderesses Row' in Cook County Jail, and when Roxie arrives she immediately wants to emulate Velma's style, talent and ability to manipulate the situation. Throw in a handsome defence lawyer for good measure for the girls to compete over, an execution and a helpful Matron/ Madam of the Jail and you have the makings of a pretty raunchy tale. Even better, it's based on true life.
It's jazzy: The music is toe-tappingly fantastic big band style jazz genius, littered with big horns and finger snaps. It's anything but forgettable.
It's sassy: The songs are punchy, the lyrics clever and steamy, and the band performs on stage, which lends an extra dimension of live-ness to the experience.
It's slinky: Bob Fosse choreographed and directed the original 1975 production, which is probably also why it's so stylish. The current production is based on the original, complete with monochromatic colour scheme, revealing costumes and perfectly understated and achingly stylish movements. Fosse is a man who knows how to get showgirls to move around a stage.
It's smart: Every song in the show is penned as an independent Vaudeville style number, and performed as such with all the bells, whistles and requirements of lighting, costume changes and props.
Including big feather fans. This structure is designed to highlight the synergy between the criminal justice system and show business and expose that fickle mistress fame.
And it's cool: Chicago has been running continuously since 1997, first at The Adelphi and now at The Cambridge, and it's so cool that it's attracted
a retinue of A-list stars to appear in it. So it's always fresh, as well as getting fresh. Doesn't matter if you're male or female, this is the musical to take a promising date to.
