Chicago
Kander and Ebb's razzle-dazzle Jazz Age tale of murder, fame, and tabloid celebrity.
- Theatre
- Ambassador Theatre
- 219 W 49th St, New York, NY
- Opened
- November 14, 1996
- Run time
- 2h 30m
About Chicago
Set in the roaring 1920s, *Chicago* is a musical that delves into the dark and glamorous world of tabloid journalism and the pursuit of celebrity. The story follows Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who murders her lover and, with the help of her lawyer, Billy Flynn, manipulates the media to turn her crime into a spectacle. Amidst this, Velma Kelly, another murderess and rival, vies for the spotlight, creating a dynamic of competition and ambition.
The musical's book was penned by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. This creative team crafted a score and narrative that has resonated with audiences since its opening. The original Broadway production debuted on November 14, 1996, bringing its distinct style and satirical edge to the stage.
*Chicago* is staged at the Ambassador Theatre, located at 219 W 49th St, New York, NY. The theatre provides an intimate setting for the show's blend of dark humor, sharp wit, and distinctive choreography, which is presented in the style of Bob Fosse. The production runs for approximately 150 minutes, including an intermission, offering an engaging theatrical experience from start to finish.
Theatergoers attending *Chicago* can expect a production that combines musical theatre with a story that critiques the nature of fame and justice. The show's enduring run is a testament to its compelling characters, memorable musical numbers, and its unique aesthetic that captures the essence of the Jazz Age while offering a timeless commentary on societal fascinations.
Seeing Chicago live
What attending this kind of production is like
Theatre rewards attention to the room. Sound carries differently, entrances and exits are part of the staging, and the audience's collective quiet is something a recording cannot reproduce.
Seat position changes what you notice rather than only how well you see. Front-of-orchestra seats give you faces and detail but a steep angle on staging; further back and one level up you gain the full picture and choreography, which many productions are designed around.
The performance you choose matters too. Weeknight, matinee and weekend performances tend to draw different audiences, and casting can vary between performances in ways published by the production rather than by us.
Timing is unforgiving in theatre. Curtain times are firm, latecomers are seated at the house's discretion, and interval length is set by the production — so build the evening around the published start time.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08
Chicago ticket buying guide
Understanding theatre seating language before you compare offers
Learn the vocabulary of the house you are attending. Orchestra or stalls seating sits at stage level; mezzanine, dress circle or balcony levels rise behind or above it. The same words describe different geometry in different theatres, so read the specific venue's layout.
Sightlines matter as much as distance. Overhangs, side angles and safety rails affect what you can see, and a well-placed seat further back often beats a cheap seat at an extreme angle.
Choose the performance deliberately. Matinees, weeknights and weekends differ in atmosphere and availability, and any casting information should come from the production itself.
Compare all-in totals for the exact number of seats you need, and check whether the seats you are considering are genuinely adjacent.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08
Chicago ticket questions
Where is Chicago currently performing?
This page shows only venue and city relationships we have verified and stored. It does not assert a current production location or run, and it does not publish performance schedules.
What is the difference between orchestra, mezzanine and balcony?
Orchestra (or stalls) seating is at stage level, mezzanine or dress circle sits above and behind it, and balcony levels are higher still. Each trades proximity for a fuller view of the staging, and the exact geometry is set by the theatre.
Will performance dates appear here?
Only when they are verified. Until then the inventory section stays empty rather than showing dates we cannot confirm.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08
Upcoming performances & tickets
Verified ticket inventory will appear here when available.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Chicago about?
- Chicago is a musical set in the 1920s that tells the story of Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who murders her lover and uses media manipulation to gain celebrity, competing with another murderess, Velma Kelly, for the spotlight.
- Where is Chicago playing?
- Chicago is playing at the Ambassador Theatre, located at 219 W 49th St, New York, NY.
- How long is the running time for Chicago?
- The running time for Chicago is 150 minutes, which includes an intermission.
- Who wrote the musical Chicago?
- The musical Chicago was written by John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics and book), and Bob Fosse (book).
- When did Chicago open on Broadway?
- Chicago opened on Broadway on November 14, 1996.