Today, we’re leaving behind the Midwest and heading to the seedy streets of 1920s Chicago! This 1975 musical was a collaboration between writers John Kander and Fred Ebb, and famed director-choreographer Bob Fosse. Inspired by the real-life courtroom experiences of journalist Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they fight for attorney Billy Flynn’s representation.
While Chicago may have flickered out in its initial Broadway run, it was revived literally and figuratively during a 1996 concert presentation at New York City Center. We’ll chat about this and more on today’s episode.
For a transcript of today’s episode, click here.
To see more of Frederick’s dramaturgical adventures as the Musical Theatre Dramaturg, give him a follow on Instagram @themtdramaturg.