CHICAGO

Broadway opening: June 1st, 1975 - Run: 947 performances

Directed by Bob Fosse - Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse - Based on the Play by Maurine Dallas Watkins - Choreography by Bob Fosse - Orchestrations by Ralph Burns

Cast: Gwen Verdon (Roxie Hart), Chita Rivera (Velma Kelly), Jerry Orbach (Billy Flynn), Barney Martin (Amos Hart), Mary McCarty (Matron "Mama" Morton), M. O'Haughey (Mary Sunshine)

The plot: Chicago, the roaring 20s. Roxie Hart, a married chorus girl, murders her faithless lover and ends up at the Cook County Jail, where she meets the famous Velma Kelly, a vaudeville actress who murdered her husband and sister. With the help of Matron “Mama” Morton they both get Billy Flynn as their lawyer, who in turn of money is willing to do everything to make them famous and pronounced innocent. Once free from jail, Roxie and Velma became a successful nightclub attraction.

Awards: Drama Desk for Outstanding Lighting Design

Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Musical, Book, Original Score, Actor (Jerry Orbach), Actress (Chita Rivera), Actress (Gwen Verdon), Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Choreography and Direction of a Musical. Drama Desk for Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Jerry Orbach)

Photos by Martha Swope / New York Public Library

On November 14th 1996 a revised production opened on Broadway.

Credits: Directed by Walter Bobbie -  Choreography by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse

Cast: Ann Reinking (Roxie Hart), Bebe Neuwirth (Velma Kelly), James Naughton (Billy Flynn), Joel Grey (Amos Hart), Marcia Lewis (Matron "Mama" Morton), D. Sabella (Mary Sunshine)

New Tracks: I Know a Girl - Hot Honey Rag

Awards: Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, Actress (Bebe Neuwirth), Actor (James Naughton), Director, Choreography and Lighting Design. Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Actress (Bebe Neuwirth), Outstanding Featured Actor (Joel Grey), Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Lighting Design

Awards Nominations: Tony for Best Featured Actress (Marcia Lewis), Costume Design. Drama Desk for Outstanding Actor (James Naughton) and Outstanding Featured Actress (Marcia Lewis)