Chicago Musical in Broadway NYC: all the information about the show
This classic, which will transport you to the happy 20's to the rhythm of jazz, has been an icon of the Big Apple for more than a quarter of a century. Tune your ear... And let yourself be impressed!
Ambassador Theater Performance Sign | ©Broadway Tour
The Broadway musical Chicago is the second longest-running show on the Big Apple's theater circuit, behind only The Phantom of the Opera. Besides being one of the oldest shows, this New York musical can boast, after 25 years, to be on the list of the most awarded, with 6 Tony Awards, considered the Oscars of the theater. Almost nothing!
If you are sure you do not want to miss one of the best performances of all time, in this article I explain how to get tickets to see the musical Chicago on Broadway. Attention!
How much do tickets for the musical Chicago on Broadway cost?
All musicals are in high demand, but for the Chicago show it's even higher. Day after day it hangs the "sold out" sign and it's hard to get tickets even two months in advance. The minimum price you can pay for your tickets is around 75€ and the maximum is 500€.
One of the most expensive times, without a doubt, is Christmas, for example, on December 25 and January 1 (New Year) the cheapest tickets soar up to 130 €, almost 50 euros more than normal. However, enjoying Christmas in New York and its lights is a "must" for any traveler. Here is the definitive guide to tour the city in the most magical period of the year.
The best option: buy your tickets online and in advance
From my own experience I recommend you to buy tickets online for Chicago as far in advance as possible so that your pocket does not get hurt. Ideally two to three months in advance.
In addition, by booking online you will be able to choose the seat you like best, without a huge queue behind you, and in many cases with cheaper prices than at the box office, since there are no special discounts at the window.
How to get cheap (but risky) tickets?
Broadway theaters offer alternatives to get tickets to the best musicals in a cheaper way. However, these options are quite insecure and, most likely, you will be left without your ticket. Here are the two most commonly used methods:
Option 1: get tickets in the Broadway lottery
The lottery: yes, you read that right, LOTTERY. The auditoriums organize a kind of virtual bingo in which they raffle tickets for the same day at reduced prices. The operation is easy: you fill in the form and if you have been selected, you have 60 minutes to pay for your tickets. The worst thing is that you can't plan anything and you won't know until the last minute if you've been one of the lucky ones.
Why I don't recommend this option: you are more likely to win the Euromillions than to get one of these tickets. Keep in mind that thousands of people request them every day and the seats that are usually left are those in places with reduced visibility. Don't gamble!
Option 2: see the Chicago musical standing up
This option takes the cake. If you don't mind being on your feet for almost 3 hours, stoically enduring the show like a tough guy, this option is for you. How to get this kind of ticket called "Standing Room"? The Chicago musical offers this option at the box office two hours before the show starts. It is not suitable for people with lumbago!
Why I do not recommend this option: because you will end up exhausted and it will be really uncomfortable to stand for so many hours. Besides, for shows as crowded as Chicago, it's practically impossible to get it. So you'll be waiting in line for hours for nothing.
What theater is Chicago on Broadway playing at?
This classic is performed at the Ambassador Theatre, one of the oldest theaters on Broadway with a century of history (it opened in 1921) and is listed as a monument of historical interest to the city of New York.
This auditorium, which for two decades was used as a movie theater and television studio, is one of the smallest theaters on Broadway with a capacity for about 1,100 people. The advantage? It's one of the ones that offers the most space between seats so, in that sense, it will be easier to book your Chicago ticket.
Location: The Ambassador Theatre is at 219 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue.
What are the showtimes for Chicago on Broadway?
When you go to book your ticket for the musical Chicago please note that the available times are:
- Mondays: 2:30pm and 7pm.
- Tuesday: 8 p.m.
- Wednesday: 20 h.
- Thursday: 8 p.m.
- Friday: 20 h.
- Saturday: 14:30 h. and 20 h.
- Sunday: 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Due to its success and the great reception of the public, Chicago is one of the musicals that performs more shows per week throughout Broadway. In total, 10 shows are performed, with a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
What to expect at the Chicago musical on Broadway?
Experience is a skill, and the cast of the Chicago musical knows it. That's why for decades these professionals have been perfecting the show until it has become a New York must-see. It's an electrifying story about greed, murder and show business.
If you've seen the 2002 film starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, you can get an idea of what I'm talking about: incredible live choreography, lots of jazz and carefully staged performances, all spiced up with hit songs such as All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle.
A portrait of American society in the 1920s
Set in the troubled 1920s, the Chicago musical tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover after he threatens to leave her.
Desperate to avoid conviction, she fools the public, the media and her cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's most skilled criminal lawyer to transform her wicked crime into an avalanche of sensational headlines.
The show is based on the play published in 1926 by journalist Maurine Dallas, based on the actual crimes she herself had covered for the Chicago Tribune, so it is based on real events.
Nuria's Traveller Tip
If you're in New York in the summer, don't miss the free "Broadway in Bryant Park" event where you'll see Broadway's most popular musicals in a park. To work up an appetite!
Can I see Chicago on Broadway with kids?
Chicago is recommended primarily for adult audiences. There are other musicals such as Aladin or The Lion King that are designed for all audiences and both children and adults will enjoy it just as much.
In fact, seeing these shows as a family is a great plan. Here is a small guide of activities you can do with children in New York.
Did you know that Chicago was the first musical in which minors were banned from entering? At its premiere there was a great scandal when the puritanical society of the U.S.A. shouted to the skies because it was considered that their dances were too sensual and provocative for the time. Currently, it is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Featured actors and versions of the musical Chicago
Chicago premiered in 1975 and, since then, there are great performers who have given life to their characters. Among the most acclaimed actresses are Chita Rivera, in the role of Velma Kelly in the original production, or Gwen Verdon, who played Roxie Hart.
Other outstanding performers include Bebe Neuwirth and Ann Reinking, and the cast even included pop stars such as Brandy Norwood. And of course we can't forget Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the 2002 film version. The film won six Oscars, including Best Picture.
It is one of the most admired and universal musicals in the history of theater and Chicago has conquered stages all over the world. There have been adaptations in Germany, Mexico and even Japan, always maintaining the essence of the original show but each with a distinctive cultural touch.
Where to dine and drink after seeing Chicago on Broadway?
If the show has given you an appetite, I suggest you recover your energy with the best fast food in New York: American hamburgers. After all, you're on vacation, a time to stop counting calories. My favorite place on Broadway is the Hard Rock Café. I'll explain why.
In this restaurant you'll find a lot of musical gems from legends like The Beatles, the King of Rock, Elvis Preysler, and more current stars like Madonna. It's a rock and roll museum!
List of the best Broadway musicals
If after attending the Chicago musical, you are already thinking about what will be the next one, here is a list of the 10 best Broadway musicals for the 2021-2022 season in New York, take a look at them!
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the most Christmassy musical.
- The Lion King, my favorite choice.
- Aladdin, ideal for all audiences and one of the most economical options.
- Cats.
- Wicked.
- Moulin Rouge, a classic par excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy drinks or food at the theater?
Yes! There are stands on each floor of the theater selling water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and even snacks. Also, you can reserve the drinks you want to have at intermission before the show starts. Please note that only bottled water is allowed in the auditorium.
What should I wear to the theater?
Years ago the protocol used to be that the audience should dress up to go to the theater. Nowadays, it is not a requirement and there is no official dress code inside the auditorium. You may wear a relaxed outfit.
Can I buy souvenirs from the Chicago musical?
Yes! There is a store inside the theater where you can purchase Chicago t-shirts and souvenirs, the recording of the show and many other fun items.
What is the temperature like inside the theater?
The theater is air-conditioned, so my advice is to bring a jacket in the summer and dress in layers like an onion in the winter - better to overdress than underdress! That way you're sure to get it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets for the Chicago musical on Broadway?
The minimum price you can pay for your tickets is around 75€ and the maximum is 500€.
In which theater is Chicago on Broadway?
This classic is performed at the Ambassador Theatre, one of Broadway's oldest theaters with a century of history (it opened in 1921) and is listed as a landmark for New York City.
What is the schedule for the Broadway performance of Chicago?
Due to its success and the great reception of the public, Chicago is one of the musicals that performs more shows per week in all of Broadway. In total, 10 shows are performed, with a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. It usually takes place at 8 p.m., and if there are two shows a day, you can also opt for the 2:30 p.m. show.
What should I wear to see Chicago on Broadway?
Years ago, the protocol used to be that the audience should dress up to go to the theater. Nowadays, it is not a requirement and there is no official dress code inside the auditorium. You can wear a relaxed outfit.