Chicago is an iconic musical that plunges you into the world of jazz. A fast-paced, emotionally-charged show. Just what you need to round off your stay in New York.
See Chicago The Musical
History of Chicago
Chicago The Musical is a hit on Broadway. Its origins can be traced back to a play written in 1926 by Maurine Dallas Watkins, itself based on a true story from 1924.
Triumphant on stage, Chicago went on to win six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, to name but the most prestigious. Added to this was the enthusiasm of thousands of conquered spectators. The musical established itself as a true musical phenomenon and one of the greatest successes of the legendary Broadway.
Overview of the show
Unsurprisingly, this iconic musical is set in Chicago! Performed at New York’s Ambassador Theatre, this fascinating work combines murder, greed, corruption and, of course, the ruthless world of showbiz.
The show reveals the lives of two women: on the one hand, we have Roxie Hart, who has taken the life of her lover and aspires to fame. On the other, Velma Kelly, a cabaret star who murdered her husband and sister. Fate brings them together behind bars, where they will do anything to escape the death penalty, thanks to the seductive lawyer Billy Flynn.
Involved in the case out of passion, Flynn uses his charm to win over the audiences and tip the balance in his clients’ favour. Their strategy is to capture the attention of the media, which is fond of macabre stories, in order to build up a convincing image of innocence. However, Velma and Roxie soon realise that fame is fleeting and that they must stay in the spotlight to retain their freedom. This is where the rivalry between the two women begins…
Highlights
For over two hours, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, captivated by the intrigue and enchanted by the haunting melodies. Soak up the atmosphere of the 1920s, an era marked by Prohibition and the effervescence of jazz. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Broadway shows.
Explore the captivating story, dynamic choreography and talented orchestra. All with a dark sense of humour, transporting you to the spellbinding atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. Be warned, if your command of English is limited, you may miss some of the nuances.
What are the best seats to enjoy the show to the full?
Although modest in size, the Ambassador Theatre offers a pleasant visual and aural experience. The seats are a little narrow, leaving little legroom, but it does the job for the duration of the performance.
Overall, visibility is satisfactory, whatever your position. However, we recommend that you opt for the ‘Front Mezzanine’ seats, which offer excellent value for money. As far as the Rear Mezzanine is concerned, they are quite far from the stage. And some of them (notably Row A and some of the seats in Row C) have limited visibility. You’ll have to recline to get a clear view of the stage.
Views from various squares
View from the last row of the central orchestra.
View from the last row of the front mezzanine, centre left.
View from row B of the right rear mezzanine.
Photo credits: aviewfrommyseat
How do I book tickets to see Chicago in New York?
Chicago is one of the most popular musicals on Broadway. So a word of advice: book in advance to guarantee your seats at the theatre. This option also allows you to get seats at the best price.
Our opinion of the musical
Its popularity and success are well-deserved, but it is aimed more at a well-informed audience with a passion for the genre. If you’re new to the world of musicals, it might be a good idea to try out other shows before embarking on this adventure.
Information about the show
Opening hours
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 19:00
- Friday: 8pm
- Saturday: 2.30pm and 8pm
- Sunday: 2pm and 7pm
Duration
The musical lasts approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Please note: latecomers are placed at the discretion of the management.
Minimum age
From the age of 13.
Prices
Prices vary according to location in the Ambassador Theatre. Tickets are available from :
- 169 in the Orchestra Center zone
- 118 in the “Orchestra Right or Left” zone
- 150€ in the Front Mezzanine zone
- 82€ in the “Rear Mezzanine” zone
Accessibility
The show is accessible with equipment adapted for people with disabilities:
- Wheelchair access
- Assisted listening
- Captioning (CC)
- Audio description (AD)
See also other Broadway shows
MJ The Musical
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Hamilton
