‘Chicago’ Turns 50 — and It Is Still Calling Out Our Society

When thinking of Broadway legends, “Chicago” is one of the first musicals to come to mind. But how did this musical earn its place as the second-longest running show on Broadway of all time? The answer lies in its ability to come off as a glamorous, classic Broadway show while also being able to reinvent itself for modern audiences in contentious political times.

The musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse first debuted on the Broadway stage in 1975, taking New York City by storm. It follows Roxie Hart, an aspiring star, and Velma Kelly, a sultry nightclub performer, who are both accused of murdering men. Roxie, who cheats on her husband, kills her lover, while Velma shoots her cheating husband and his lover. Billy Flynn, a cunning silver-tongued attorney, defends both women and vows to help them lie through their trials and gain their freedom. However, despite the “razzle dazzle,” at its heart the musical is a satire of unwavering support in celebrity culture — a phenomenon that is very much present nowadays.

“Chicago” was originally inspired by the legal scandals that rocked the city of Chicago in the 1920s — a time when women appeared in numerous headlines for committing shocking crimes. But before it became a musical, “Chicago” was a play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins in 1926, who was inspired by the trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. Both women were accused of committing murder — Annan allegedly shot her lover, while Gaertner allegedly killed her husband. Watkins, who was a reporter at this time, took a satirical approach, making fun of the legal system as she thought that the two women were definitively guilty, although they were acquitted.

However, “Chicago” isn’t just a musical about scandal and crime — it is also a celebration of the cultural explosion in the United States in the 1920s. Through its numbers the musical pays homage to jazz music, the changing roles of women in society, and, most importantly, the vaudeville revue. Vaudeville revues featured a series of unrelated acts, which included comedy sketches, magic, burlesque, and more. Up until the 1920s, women were generally excluded from this form of entertainment. However, “Chicago” flips the narrative of vaudeville revues and places its female characters center stage, allowing them to command the audience’s attention.

Fosse’s legendary choreography also played a part in the show’s great success, becoming one of its defining moments. Even in the revival, which was inspired by Fosse’s choreography, “All That Jazz” — the opening number — is a great showcase of Fosse’s sharp and sultry style, taking inspiration from the 1920s speakeasy. He utilized signature elements like turned-in knees, jazz hands, and playful isolations, which made the dancing seem like storytelling rather than a break from the plot. Fosse had an unparalleled ability to blend elegance with edge — his movements were minimal yet impactful, straight to the point.

The musical attained even more popularity when it was adapted into a 2002 movie by Rob Marshall, starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma, and Richard Gere as Billy Flynn. The film adaptation was a massive hit, winning six Academy awards, including Best Picture. The movie remains one of the most celebrated musical films of all time, alongside “Singing In the Rain,” “My Fair Lady,” and “West Side Story.”

Even in the 2020s,“Chicago” continues to capture new audiences in ways that its original creators likely never imagined. Songs from the show, particularly the iconic “Cell Block Tango,” have exploded on social media platforms like TikTok, with users creating thousands of videos to the track. The song’s themes of betrayal, injustice, and twisted morality resonate with audiences who recognize a similar pattern in modern society and politics.

This striking resurgence mirrors the renewed popularity of other classic musicals, like “Cabaret,” which has recently been revived on the West End and since enjoyed a successful Broadway transfer. Furthermore, Kander, Ebb, and Fosse worked with this musical as well — Kander and Ebb wrote the music and lyrics, while Fosse directed it for the screen. Similar to “Chicago,” “Cabaret” delves into themes of political unrest and the danger of distractions, although the events of the latter occur during the rise of the Nazi regime. It isn’t a coincidence that these particular shows are resurging during our times. These shows aren’t just entertainment — they are meant to hold up a mirror to society, forcing audience members to reflect on the world around them. “Chicago” calls out the absurdity of the media, and serves as a warning against the media’s ability to manipulate public opinion. Its message — that false image often outweighs the truth and that “justice” can be bought — speaks loudly to our generation.

It’s been 50 years since “Chicago” made its debut on Broadway, yet it remains a timeless classic. Despite harkening back to the 1920s, the show continually reflects the world we live in, where spectacle overshadows the hard truth that lies beneath. It’s time to revisit “Chicago,” whether it’s the Broadway production or the 2002 film adaptation.

—Staff writer Anastasia Poliakova can be reached at anastasia.poliakova@thecrimson.com.