Go to "Chicago" This Weekend!

Broadway Theatre League will feature the hit musical "Chicago" at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall January 6 through 8, 2006. IT ALL STARTED WITH A HIT: There’s no denying, CHICAGO is one of the biggest musical triumphs of all time. With over 50 awards internationally, including Tony’s, Grammy’s, Olivier’s and Helpman Awards, the production has solidified itself in history as one of the hottest shows the world has ever seen. Seven years after its revival debut in New York and over 10,000 performances later, CHICAGO continues to entertain millions of people across the globe.

CHICAGO has grossed over half a billion dollars since 1996 during which time over 12 million people have been captivated by “all that jazz” and the “razzle dazzle” of a great Broadway musical.

In becoming Broadway’s l4th longest running shows, CHICAGO has already surpassed the classic Broadway productions of “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific,” “Pippin” and “Annie.” (“Pippin” was another creation by the legendary director/choreographer Bob Fosse). Hot on the heels of both of these records, CHICAGO is gearing up in 2004 to pass the record breaking Broadway runs of the distinguished popular hits “My Fair Lady” and “Hello, Dolly!”.

Since 1996, CHICAGO has brought excitement to theatres around the globe. No such show has globe-trotted as quickly as CHICAGO. No sooner than the raves wowed Broadway, producers Barry & Fran Weissler cast the First National American Touring Company which kicked off in Washington, D.C. five months later. One year later, CHICAGO crossed the Big Pond to make its West End debut in London where it is still playing to sold out crowds today.

In addition to playing in English and foreign languages in many countries, a new landmark for CHICAGO will take place this Spring when it is translated into Portuguese for a Sao Paulo premiere.

CHICAGO, THE KILLER MUSICAL, HAS SEDUCED AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

JUST THE FACTS

(ALL INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF APRIL 5, 2004)

CHICAGO has grossed over $600,000,000.00 worldwide.

CHICAGO has played over 10,000 performances worldwide.

CHICAGO has been seen by over 12,000,000 people worldwide.

CHICAGO has played 19 countries worldwide in over 260 different cities.

ALL THAT JAZZ has been sung and spoken over 250,000 times in nine different languages.

CHICAGO has been translated in French for its Montreal opening on July 13, 2003 and into Italian for its Milan opening on February 27, 2004.

CHICAGO has played 48 states plus the District of Columbia in the United States.

CHICAGO is the 4th longest running musical currently running on Broadway, joining such distinguished company as THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and RENT.

CHICAGO is the 4th longest running musical currently running in London’s West End, joining such distinguished company as LES MISERABLES, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and BLOOD BROTHERS.

CHICAGO is the 14th longest running show in Broadway history, surpassing ANNIE, OKLAHOMA, PIPPIN and SOUTH PACIFIC.

CHICAGO’s Broadway run is rapidly approaching the distinguished runs of Broadway’s legendary musical hits MY FAIR LADY and HELLO, DOLLY! and is expected to surpass those records in 2004.

THE TIMELINE

NOVEMBER 14, 1996 CHICAGO opens at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway

FEBRUARY 4, 1997 CHICAGO moves to The Shubert Theatre on Broadway

APRIL 16, 1997 First National American Touring Company opens at Washington D.C.’s National Theatre

JUNE 1, 1997 CHICAGO wins six Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Best Direction & Best Choreography

NOVEMBER 18, 1997 London Company opens at The Adelphi Theatre, The Strand

DECEMBER 12, 1997 Second National American Touring Company opens at Barbara B. Mann Theatre in Ft. Myers, Florida

FEBRUARY 15, 1998 CHICAGO in London wins two Laurence Olivier Awards including Outstanding Musical Production

FEBRUARY 25, 1998 CHICAGO wins the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album

JULY 4, 1998 Australian Company opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 First German Language Company opens at Theatre An Der Wien in Vienna, Austria

FEBRUARY 17, 1999 First Swedish Language Company opens at Eriksberg Hall in Gothenberg, Sweden

MAY 9, 1999 First Dutch Language Company opens at The Beatrix Theatre in Utrecht, Holland

JANUARY 23, 2001 First Spanish Language Company opens at The Teatro Opera in Buenos Aires, Argentina

OCTOBER 17, 2001 Second Spanish Language Company opens at The Centro Cultural Telmex in Mexico City, Mexico

OCTOBER 4, 2002 First Russian Language Company opens at The Estrada Theatre in Moscow, Russia

DECEMBER 27, 2002 Miramax film version of CHICAGO opens

JANUARY 29, 2003 CHICAGO moves to the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway

JUNE 10, 2003 Third National American Touring Company opens at Washington D.C.’s National Theatre

JULY 17, 2003 First French Language Company opens at Theatre Maisonneuve Place des Arts in Montreal

JANUARY 26, 2004 First Italian Language Company opens at the Teatro Nazionale in Milan, Italy

APRIL 29, 2004 First Portuguese Language Company opens at the Teatro Abril in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

THE AUDIENCE LOVES CHICAGO & CHICAGO LOVES THE AUDIENCE

When the musical CHICAGO first hit Broadway in 1975 under the direction of Bob Fosse set to the music of Kander and Ebb, critics gawked that the story was too dark and cynical. Times have changed. To virtually across the board rave reviews after the 1996 revival, CHICAGO finally found its place in the hearts of critics and audiences alike.

And on November 15, 1996, the day that the reviews ran, every producer’s dream came true when CHICAGO graced Page 1 of the NEW YORK TIMES. Here’s what critics had to say:

“In the pulse-racing revival of the musical ‘Chicago’, all the world’s a con game, and show business is the biggest scam of all. What this production makes clear is how much ‘Chicago’ is about the joy of seducing an audience that goes to the theatre, above all, to be seduced. This production isn’t smoke and mirrors. It’s flesh and blood shaped by discipline and artistry into a parade of vital, pulsing talent. If there’s any justice in the world (and ‘Chicago’ insists that there isn’t), audiences will be exulting in the parade for many, many performances to come. –Ben Brantley, NEWYORKTIMES

“A TRIUMPH!” “[CHICAGO] doesn’t just give us the old razzle-dazzle; it glows.” –Richard Zoglin, TIME MAGAZINE

“Great cast, songs and all that jazz turn Fosse musical into a ‘Class’ act.” –Howard Kissel, NY DAILY NEWS

“CHICAGO is one of the greatest nights I’ve ever enjoyed in the theater.–Liz Smith, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST

“Smashing! Every spotlight and bent pinkie makes an impression.” –Marc Peyser, NEWSWEEK

“Broadway’s most electrifying show!” –ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

GIVE ’EM THE OLD RAZZLE DAZZLE!

CHICAGO’S TRUE STORY:

HE REALLY DID HAVE IT COMING

A murder… an arrest… and a surprise ending. “If you’d been there, if you’d seen it. I betchya you would have done the same!” So declares the chorus to “Cell Block Tango” that the merry murderesses of CHICAGO affirm to an engaged audience. But the lyrics that the women sing are not far from the truth behind the real story of CHICAGO. Both the characters of Roxie and Velma are based on two actual murderers: Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner.

The real scenes took place in 1924 in Chicago when Beulah Annan (Roxie) was accused of killing the “intruder” Harry Kalstedt while Belva Gaertner (Velma) was charged with murdering her husband. Both murders become front-page stories in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE when reporter Maurine Watkins realized the sensational appeal the two personalities could draw through her tongue-in-cheek reports. The supposed pregnancy used to speed up the trial, the sleek lawyer who helped define the media frenzy and the acquittal of both ladies sounded like a page out of Hollywood, when in fact they were actually real life. TRIBUNE reporter Maurine decided to turn her experience with Chicago’s famed murder-row darlings into a comedy titled CHICAGO that reached Broadway in 1926.

A film version was created two years later and a second film version, “Roxie Hart,” starred Ginger Rogers in 1942.

These original productions of CHICAGO eventually inspired the musical that continues to wow audiences today. Nearly 70 years after Beulah Annan rocked Chicago, media manipulation in the justice system continues to seem all too familiar, which explains why audiences are still captivated by the blunt tale of criminal celebrity. The storied tale of CHICAGO’s rise from real life court drama to certifiable Broadway smash hit is one only showbiz can claim.

WHO SAYS MURDER’S NOT AN ART? THE INSIDE STORY

CHICAGO is based on actual murders. The character of Roxie Hart is based on 23-year-old Mrs. Beulah Annan accused of the April 3, 1924 murder of Harry Kalstedt. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, Mrs. Annan played a foxtrot record named “Hula Lou” for more than two hours in her apartment and then phoned her husband and reported that she had killed a man who “tried to make love” to her. Harry’s body was discovered hunched against the wall in Beulah’s bedroom. She was found “not guilty” by a jury on May 25, 1924. The character of Velma Kelly is based on Mrs. Belva Gaertner, a cabaret singer. On March 12, 1924, the body of Mr. Walter Law was found slumped over the steering wheel of a car owned by Mrs. Gaertner. Two policemen observed a woman entering the car and shortly thereafter heard gunshots. The police found an automatic pistol and a bottle of gin on the floor of the car. She was acquitted on June 6, 1924.

The trials of Beulah and Belva were covered extensively in the Chicago press especially by a Chicago Tribune reporter by the name of Maurine Watkins. Maurine Watkins’ play CHICAGO was derived from her tongue-in-cheek newspaper reports.

CHICAGO was originally a comedy; it premiered in New York City on December 30, 1926.

The first film version of CHICAGO was a DeMille production released in February 1928.

The second film version of the play was called ROXIE HART and starred Ginger Rogers in 1942.

WHODUNIT?

The masterminds behind CHICAGO are theatrical elite who joined together to create this mega-hit. The legendary director and choreographer Bob Fosse had the vision for CHICAGO in 1975 when he obtained the rights from the original book writer Maurine Watkins. He joined forces with the musical team of John Kander & Fred Ebb to create the first version of the musical CHICAGO which starred Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach and ran for two years.

Cut to 1995 when director Walter Bobbie who was Artistic Director of the City Center Encores! Series decided to revisit the work, paying homage to the late Mr. Fosse, and along with Mr. Fosse’s long time protégé, Ann Reinking who created original choreography in the style of Bob Fosse, brought this new version to the stage. Producers Barry and Fran Weissler, with four Tony Awards to their credit, moved the show from the City Center stage to the Broadway stage where it opened on November 14th, 1996.

THE VERDICT IS IN: CHICAGO IS A HIT!

GUILTY… THEY DID IT!

WALTER BOBBIE (Director) is a three-time Tony nominee, receiving Broadway’s Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best Director for Chicago. He directed Broadway’s Footloose; co-authored the book, conceived, and directed Rodgers and Hammerstein’s A Grand Night For Singing; and directed Andrea Martin’s Nude Nude Totally Nude at NYSF, For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls at EST, Durang Durang at MTC, Jeffrey Hatcher’s Compleat Female Stage Beauty at Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Carnegie Hall concert of Carousel starring Hugh Jackman and Audra McDonald and Goodspeed’s The Road to Hollywood, for which he also co-authored the book. Mr. Bobbie is the former artistic director of City Center’s Encores!, where he directed Fiorello!, Chicago, Tenderloin, and Golden Boy and where he now serves on its Advisory Committee. Mr. Bobbie is also an actor whose Broadway and Off-Broadway appearances include Guys and Dolls, Assassins, Getting Married, Anything Goes, Café Crown, Driving Miss Daisy, I Love My Wife, A History of the American Film, and Grease, among others. This season he received Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Lucille Lortel Award nominations for his performance in David Ives’ Polish Joke at Manhattan Theatre Club.

ANN REINKING (Choreographer) 1997 Tony Award, Best Choreography for Chicago, as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Astaire, and NY Drama Critics Awards. Other credits include Director, co-choreographer for Fosse (1998 Tony Award for Best Musical); Tony nominations for her leading performances in Dancin’ and Goodtime Charley: recipient of the Theatre World, Clarence Derwent and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her work as Maggie in Over Here! Film credits: Movie, Movie; All That Jazz; Annie; Micki & Maude. Recent choreography credits include Suite Kander for Missouri State Ballet, Ritmo & Ruido for Ballet Hispanico, Legends for Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, The Threepenny Opera for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Nilson/Schmillson for Seattle's Spectrum Dance Theatre, “Bye Bye Birdie” for ABC-TV, national tour of the revival of Applause. Ms. Reinking is Founder and Artistic Director of the Broadway Theatre Project. She is the recipient of the Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre 1999, Musical Hall of Fame Award 1999, Dance Library of Israel Award 1998, Distinguished Artist Award 1998, School of America Ballet Artistic Achievement Award 1997, National Art Club Award for Service to the Arts 1995, Governor's Award-Ambassador of the Arts for the state of Florida 1994.

CHICAGO ROCKS THE WORLD!
New York • London • Sydney • Vienna • Stockholm • Berlin Amsterdam • Buenos Aries • Mexico City • Milan • Sao Paulo

“Hervorragend,” “espactaculo,” and “astonishing”— Critics around the world have praised CHICAGO as the show the world has been waiting for. CHICAGO continues to razzle-dazzle the world over with productions currently running in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Brazil.

The production has played in 19 countries worldwide in over 260 cities in the seven years since its revival. CHICAGO continues to be one of the most successful international musical hits of all time. CHICAGO’s international appeal stems from its enticing tail of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery—characteristics the entire world is drawn to. Think of it——the trademark opening number “All That Jazz” has been sung and spoken over 250,000 times in nine different languages. The number has been performed with symphony orchestras, dance programs, Olympic ice skating routines and even for the President of the United States at the Inauguration of Bill Clinton in January of 1997.

CHICAGO even started a cross cultural star exchange with the Broadway debuts of Ute Lemper (from London), Ruthie Henshall (from London), Petra Nielsen (from Sweden), Anna Montanaro (from Germany and Austria), Bianca Marroquin (from Mexico) and Denise Van Outen (from London). These talented stars in their own countries were brought to star in the Broadway production by producers, Barry & Fran Weissler. Their Broadway debuts created a sensation of press opportunities and brought an International flavor and spirit to the American stage.

Dance with the cast of CHICAGO

CHICAGO: Razzle Dazzle/All That Jazz Master Dance Class

January 7, 2006 at 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
VBC North Hall, Salon 3
Call Broadway Theatre League at 256-518-6158 to register for the class.

Dancers invited!

Broadway Theatre League is proud to offer the dancing public a rare opportunity to dance with the cast of the national touring production of CHICAGO. Cast members will be available on January 7, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. to teach their Broadway showstopper dance routine during a one-hour “Razzle Dazzle/All That Jazz” master dance class.

Interested participants wanting to learn the stylish moves of Bob Fosse’s Chicago must purchase a ticket to see Chicago, be at least 14 years of age and have previous dance experience. Class space is limited and reservations must be made in advance by calling the Broadway Theatre League.

To purchase Chicago tickets and to sign up for the master dance class, please call Broadway Theatre League at 256.518-6158.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A HIT. 6 TONYS. 6 OSCARS. Currently selling out on Broadway and in London's West End, and now, new companies in Paris, Rome, and Sao Paulo...CHICAGO is as hot as ever! CHICAGO is a sultry story about murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.

As Sister Mary Ann Walsh of The Catholic Standard says, “Sin never looked so good, moved so well, and sounded so fine.”

Join us for this exciting master class and see what “ALL THAT JAZZ” is about!

www.BTLeague.org
www.chicagothemusical.com

Performances will be:

Friday, January 6 at 8:00PM
Saturday, January 7 at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 8 at 2:00PM & 7:00PM

Ticket Prices for the performances are:
Orchestra I , Orchestra II, Orchestra III/Loge, Balcony
Adult $53 , $51. $41 , $31

Group tickets are available at a discount by calling 518-6158.

Tickets for “Chicago” are available by:

§ Visiting the VBC Box Office
§ Calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.277.1700
§ Online at ticketmaster.com
Or
§ By Calling Broadway Theatre League at 256.518.6155
§ For More Information visit www.btleague.org
§ And www.chicagothemusical.com/index2.html

Chicago is brought to you by Colonial Properties Trust, Title Sponsor, and WAHR Star 99, Show Sponsor, on behalf of Broadway Theatre League.

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