Murder and Jazz: Broadway’s Chicago Comes to Chongqing

Chongqing - Two bold and unapologetic women navigate the glamour and grit of 1920s Chicago. 

Roxie Hart dreams of stardom, but she frames her husband for the crime when passion turns deadly. Velma Kelly, a vaudeville darling, takes justice into her own hands after catching her husband and sister together. Together, they charm their way through courtrooms, media frenzies, and public adoration, turning scandal into spectacle. This is the world of Chicago, the sensational Broadway musical coming to Chongqing in January 2025.

From Jan 9 to 12, Shi Guangnan Grand Theatre will host the global tour of Chicago, one of Broadway's most celebrated productions. Known for its sultry jazz numbers, sharp satire, and minimalist yet striking stage design, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide for over 25 years.

The 1996 revival of Chicago transformed the musical into a cultural icon. With its stripped-down staging, provocative costumes, and prominently displayed live jazz orchestra, the production focuses squarely on its captivating characters and sharp social commentary. Its unique format earned six Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Today, Chicago is Broadway's second-longest-running show, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Set in the roaring 1920s, a period marked by prohibition, jazz, and the rise of modern feminism, Chicago uses its anti-heroines, Roxie and Velma, to explore themes of ambition, media sensationalism, and gender dynamics. The musical’s satirical edge remains as relevant today as it was in its original 1975 debut, resonating with contemporary audiences who recognize its feminist undertones and critique of celebrity culture.

The upcoming performances in Chongqing will spotlight the allure and complexity of its leading characters. Roxie and Velma are not traditional heroines - they are cunning, flawed, and determined to rewrite their fates. Through iconic songs like "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango," audiences witness their journey from notoriety to empowerment, all delivered with dazzling choreography and a seductive jazz score.