Chicago

The Ambassador Theatre

Broadway 

24 August 2025

I have no good excuse as to why it has taken me anywhere near this long to finally see a classic such as Chicago. 

I love how minimalistic this show is. Everything is so simple – the staging is only elaborate in its dance numbers, but at the same time it feels very reserved. I believe this is due to the ease that the actors do the choreography and staging. It is as if the actors (and therefore the characters) did each dance number with such ease that it really kept the show feeling flawless as the actors – who are all wearing various costumes that are black – play a large variety of different, often nameless, characters.

Additionally, the sets were also minimalistic. The vast majority of the set consisted of the orchestra, wearing suits/formal clothing, sitting in front of the audience and playing their music, while the cast sits in unassuming black chairs during any scene in which that actor’s character is not one of the characters that happen to be centre stage. The orchestra even became part of the show at times, with the conductor’s baton being taken from her at one point so that a lead character could conduct the orchestra and the conductor even addressing the audience. 

I found a very compelling moment of choreography happened while the vast majority of the actors were simply sitting in their chairs. During the song “Mister Cellophane” sung by the character of Amos (played by Raymond Bokhour), a song in which Amos laments about being invisible, the entire company turned in their chairs, putting their backs to him. It was very simple, but so powerful.

I very much appreciated Raymond Bokhour’s performance. He is able to play Amos so meek, but also able to belt at just the right moments, only to slip back into being meek. It was beautifully achieved. 

Rachel Schur and Bianca Marroquín played the characters Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively. Both of these actors clearly love what they do and it shows through the fun in their performances.

Jacqueline B. Arnold portrayed the character of Matron “Mama” Morton and is such a vocal powerhouse with one hell of an ability to belt. 

This show has something that anyone can enjoy: great, catchy music, talented actors, fantastic dancers, glitz, glamour, but also fun and camp. I can absolutely understand why this show has been such a success.