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Chicago Broadway Quick Facts
- Theatre: Ambassador Theatre, 219 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019
- Running time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission
- Current Broadway revival opened: November 14, 1996
- At the Ambassador Theatre: Since 2003
- Age recommendation: Recommended for ages 13+ because of mature themes and content; children under 4 are not admitted
- Music: John Kander
- Lyrics: Fred Ebb
- Book: Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
- Director: Walter Bobbie
- Choreography: Ann Reinking, in the style of Bob Fosse
- Awards: Winner of six Tony Awards for the 1996 revival, including Best Revival of a Musical
The Story & Why It Works
Set in 1920s Chicago, the musical follows Roxie Hart, an aspiring performer who kills her lover after he threatens to leave her. Once in jail, Roxie discovers that celebrity, scandal and a clever lawyer may be just as important as the facts of her case.
She soon comes up against Velma Kelly, another accused murderer who has already turned her crime into front-page entertainment. With smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn manipulating reporters and public opinion, the two women compete for attention, sympathy and ultimately freedom.
What makes Chicago unusual is how little it relies on elaborate scenery. The orchestra remains visible on stage and the production puts the focus on its performers, choreography and sardonic humour.
That minimalist approach has helped the revival retain its identity for decades rather than feeling tied to one particular era of Broadway spectacle.
The score includes some of musical theatre’s most recognisable numbers, including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When You’re Good to Mama, Mr. Cellophane and Razzle Dazzle.
Chicago Broadway Cast in 2026
Chicago is famous for rotating Broadway stars, returning cast members and celebrity performers through its leading roles. That makes checking the cast for your exact performance particularly worthwhile.
Current Principal Cast
- Roxie Hart — Reece Weaver
- Velma Kelly — current principal performer varies by performance and engagement
- Billy Flynn — current principal performer varies by performance and engagement
- Matron “Mama” Morton — current principal performer varies by performance and engagement
- Amos Hart — current principal performer varies by performance and engagement
- Mary Sunshine — part of the principal Broadway company
The production has become particularly well known for limited guest-star appearances. Over its long Broadway run, singers, television personalities, film actors and established Broadway performers have all stepped into the roles of Roxie, Velma, Billy Flynn and Mama Morton.
The Ambassador Theatre
Chicago plays at the Ambassador Theatre at 219 West 49th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan’s Theatre District.
The theatre opened in 1921 as one of the Broadway houses built by the Shubert brothers, with interiors designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp.
The Ambassador is particularly unusual because its auditorium sits diagonally within the building’s relatively small Manhattan lot, creating a distinctive hexagonal interior.
It is a compact Broadway house with approximately 1,114 seats across the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels.
The current revival of Chicago opened on Broadway in 1996 but did not begin at the Ambassador. After playing other Broadway theatres, it moved into the Ambassador in 2003 and has become closely associated with the venue.
Getting there: The closest subway station is 49 St on the N, R and W lines. The 50 St station on the 1 line and the 50 St station on the C and E lines are also within easy walking distance. Times Square is only a few blocks south.
Arrival: Aim to reach the theatre around 30 minutes before curtain so you have time for security, ticket checks and finding your seat.
Latecomers are seated at the discretion of theatre management and may have to wait for an appropriate break.
Where to Sit for Chicago
Chicago is a particularly interesting show when choosing seats because the production is intentionally minimal.
Instead of enormous scenery and visual effects, much of the experience comes from the performers, the on-stage orchestra and the precision of the Fosse-influenced choreography.
| Section | What the View Is Like | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Center Orchestra | Close view of facial expressions, comic timing and the performers’ interaction with the audience | The most immersive first-time experience |
| Side Orchestra | Can offer excellent proximity, although extreme side seats may create a noticeably angled view | Being close to the performers for less than premium centre seats |
| Front Mezzanine | Excellent elevated view of the full stage, orchestra and choreography | Arguably the strongest balance of view and value |
| Rear Mezzanine | Less performer detail but the overall staging remains easy to follow in this relatively compact theatre | Budget-conscious Broadway visitors |
At the Ambassador, a centred seat can give you a more balanced view of the stage. Because the auditorium sits diagonally within the building, extreme side seats may feel more angled than they appear on a flat seating chart.
How to Get Chicago Broadway Tickets
Chicago Broadway ticket prices vary considerably depending on the date, seat location, demand and whether a guest performer is appearing.
Friday and Saturday evenings can be popular, while weekday performances often provide a wider selection of seats.
One unusual advantage of Chicago for New York visitors is its performance schedule. The show frequently plays on Mondays, when many other Broadway productions are dark, making it useful when fitting a musical around a busy NYC itinerary.
When comparing ticket sites, look at the final checkout price, rather than only the first advertised ticket price. Fees, seat availability and cancellation conditions can differ between platforms.
| Platform | Why Check It | Book |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTickets | Easy date-by-date search and useful for comparing available seating categories | Check availability → |
| GetYourGuide | Live date selector above and a familiar booking process for travellers planning other New York activities | Check availability → |
| Viator | Convenient for travellers already using Viator to organise tours and attractions in New York | Check availability → |
| Ticketmaster | Another live source for comparing performance dates, prices and available seat locations | Check availability → |
How to Avoid Ticket Problems
- Check that your ticket is for Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre in New York.
- Confirm the performance date, start time and number of tickets before paying.
- Check the exact seating section, row and any restricted-view warning.
- Compare the final price after booking fees across more than one platform.
- Read cancellation, refund and resale terms before completing your purchase.
- If you are booking to see a particular guest star, confirm that their scheduled engagement includes your performance date.
- Choose a more centred seat over an extreme side seat where the prices are similar.
Chicago Rush & Standing Room Tickets
If your New York schedule is flexible, Chicago is one of the Broadway productions worth checking for same-day discounted tickets.
$49 General Rush
A limited number of general rush tickets are offered at the Ambassador Theatre box office on the day of the performance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets are currently listed at $49, with a limit of two per customer, subject to availability.
Standing Room
Standing-room tickets may also be released when a performance is sold out.
These are sold through the theatre box office on the day of the performance and availability is not guaranteed.
Chicago Broadway Tickets: Frequently Asked Questions
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