Running on 25 years of continued success, now is your chance to see Chicago at Bass Concert Hall in Austin. The Grammy award-winning story of fame, fortune, and all that jazz is in town now through Sunday, Nov. 6.

Stunning costumes and choreography grace the stage in this classic musical. Based on a story nearly 100 years ago, you’ll be taken back in time to the era of prohibition and jazz amidst a scandalous storyline of murder, accusations, and love stories gone wrong.

Something striking about this musical is that the storylines are based on true stories. A modern rendition of a 1926 play written by Maureen Dallas Watkins, who also worked as a Chicago Tribune newspaper reporter and covered the 1924 trials of accused murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. As a result, musical characters Roxie Hart (Kate Frieden), Velma Kelly (Logan Floyd), and Billy Flynn (Jeff Brooks) are based off several people in that courtroom case.

The story is considered a satire of a “corrupt” criminal justice system and also the concept of a “celebrity criminal.” 

An orchestra of musical instrumentals – including the trumpet, clarinet, and more –  is beautiful and cheery throughout the performance, along with the glitzy black costumes worn by all characters with 1920s era accents.

One standout performance includes that of Houston native Christina Wells, who plays Mama Morton. Entertaining the crowd with humor and talent, laughs were heard all around during Wells’ scenes. The former nurse turned Broadway Across America star is also a former semifinalist of America’s Got Talent.

 Overall, highly recommendable for its entertaining aspect of enjoyable music and dance, Chicago is a great show primarily for adults, but is likely appropriate ages 12 and up, depending on your individual comfort level with the so-called “merry murderesses” in this elegant, yet scandalous and historic production. 

This is currently #1 longest running American musical in Broadway history with a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, and music by John Kander, along with lyrics by Fred Ebb.

Tickets to Chicago start at $30 and can be purchased online. The musical will also stop in Houston next year at The Hobby Center, Jan. 31 – Feb. 12, 2023, along with a three-day stop in San Antonio, April 14-16, 2023, at the Majestic Theatre.

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Cover Photo Jeremy Daniel

 Britni Rachal lives in Austin, Texas. She is a freelance journalist, full-time marketer, and a Realtor®. In addition to writing, Rachal enjoys traveling, event planning, fashion, fitness and serving the Austin community.