In case you're wondering what all that jazz is about, it's the legendary songs, sensational choreography, and signature two step of the Tony Award-winning musical as it opens in Manila this March.
Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart are among the most iconic characters in musical theater, exploring the dark underbelly of Chicago in the 1920s.
All photos by Tomoko Hidaki, courtesy of GMG Productions
The "Cellblock Tango" has to be one of the most memorable musical numbers in "Chicago."
Sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn brings on the razzle dazzle
Manila, are you ready for All That Jazz? Over a decade since it last made the city's musical theater scene come alive with the razzle dazzle, the Tony Award-winning musical Chicago is gearing up for a spectacular return to The Theatre At Solaire in March of 2027.
In what can only be described as a homecoming, Chicago happened to be the inaugural show to mark the opening of the The Theatre At Solaire in 2014. And what a perfect show to launch what would later become one of the best theater stages in the country. “It was such an honor to be chosen as the inaugural production at the grand opening of the Theatre at Solaire back in 2014," says Barry Weissler, remarking on the musical's return to the stage where it first opened in Manila. "For Chicago to return to Manila next year and take that same stage again is a real homecoming."
The Manila stop is part of the musical's sizzling hot 30th Anniversary tour, and is set to set stages afire with its hefty dose of cellblock drama, controversy, murder, and mayhem, set against the masterful melodies of John Kander and satirical lyrics by Fred Ebb, and the dancing. “CHICAGO is one of those extraordinary shows that never goes out of style," says Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. "It's sexy, sophisticated, provocative and wickedly funny, with incredible music, iconic Bob Fosse choreography, and a story of fame, ambition, scandal, and celebrity that remains as relevant as ever."
Written by Fred Ebb and the legendary Bob Fosse, the goings-on of Chicago is set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, with a plotline that seems ripped right out of the headlines. Housewife and nightclub dancer Roxie Hart finds herself on trial for the murder of her lover. Her slick lawyer Billy Flynn sees an opportunity to turn her crime into a media spectacle – with song and dance numbers to boot. All is going well until she finds herself competing for the spotlight with fellow inmate and nightclub star Velma Kelly. Kander and Ebb build a stunning soundscape to bring the story to life, including songs like All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, and the melancholic Mr. Cellophane, "What I love most about CHICAGO is its edge. It’s glamorous and seductive, but also dark, witty, and dangerous. Come on, baby — let’s razzle dazzle,” adds Candal. "John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse created a prescient masterpiece that is ever relevant in this moment and time. The show is as hot as ever,” echoes Weissler.
With Chicago currently on its 30th year on Broadway, it is considered to be the longest running American musical, with over 11,700 performances, and seen by over 35 million people all over the world. It has also toured over 500 cities in 38 countries. Of course, a run like that does not come without its fair share of accolades - six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations.
GMG Productions brings Chicago The Musical to Manila for a very limited run from March 9 to 28 at the Theatre At Solaire. Sign ups for the waitlist to get your place in line for tickets. Tickets are available via Ticketworld. Presale for Unionbank cardholders is from October 12 to 15, while GMGP Waitlist presale is on October 16, both with a 10% discount on ticket purchases. Tickets for the general public begin on October 19.
So Manila, are you ready for some of that Chicago razzle dazzle come March 2027?
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