"The Razzle Dazzle will never fade."

"The Razzle Dazzle will never fade." - The words of 'Chicago' Producer,  Barry Weissler, as the word breaks of the shows departure from the West End after a 15-year run, a record held by only 5 other shows:  Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Blood Brothers, Cats and Starlight Express. 

Chicago originally opened in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre on November 18, 1997, it was then transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006, where it ran for five years. The show then opened at the Garrick Theatre on November 7 2011, where it will be performed for the last time on September 1, 2012. With music and lyrics by Fred Ebb and John Kander, the musical tells of Roxie Hart, an aspiring performer sent to prison for murdering her lover. 

The production has seen many a famous face perform the lead roles of Velma Kelly, Roxie Hart and Billy Flynn during it's 15 year run. Including America Ferrera, of Ugly Betty fame and West End legend, Ruthie Henshall and, I'm sure, will return to the West End in all it's glamour and 'All That Jazz' with many famous names ready to tread the boards.


The news is released as the show prepares for a tour, reaching every stretch of the UK. Tour details are avaliable here, and tickets are currently on sale. 


From the website of  'Chicago': "From its stunning Fosse-style choreography, to its central concept of the ‘celebrity criminal’ and its themes of corruption and justice, audiences have been thrilled by the story of vaudeville star Velma Kelly, chorus girl Roxie Hart and top Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn." 

Though the show is closing, I am hoping that the show might come back to the West End pretty soon. It's one of the few classic musicals that can be revived and still remain timeless, even though it is set in 1920s America. It's very rare to see a musical from the 1970s to be so popular in today's theatre, so it is refreshing that, though it is closing in the West End, the tour is selling so well, as it is proving difficult to get tickets. I have hope that a revival is in the future for the production, maybe in 5 or 10 years, giving local groups the opportunity to perform it and give it a new edge. The show is a perfect blend of Fosse-style choreography and Ebb and Kander music and lyrics giving a perfect blend for the musical which will remain timeless. 


The show is on now so get your tickets before they sell out!