Chicago – The Musical at Fred Kavli Theatre

Based on the 1926 play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago is one of the most groundbreaking theatrical productions of all times. The performance explores the depth and distance mankind takes to maintain power.

characters

Including leading roles such as Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn, Matron "Mama" Morton, and others, the musical revolves around murder, greed, violence, adultery, exploration, and corruption. Chicago was inspired by a play of the identical name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, which was based on real-life incidents.

storyline

The story begins with Roxie, a young and ambitious vaudeville dancer, who shoots her lover "Fred Casely" after he refuses to help her with her vaudeville profession, and dismissing their relationship. The story unfolds, and Roxie becomes aware of the attention she has brought as a female criminal. Like Roxie's desire to escape her mundane life, through time Chicago will bring you numerous like-minded characters, with comparable intentions. Including Velma, an veteran, confident, sharp-minded, and competitive vaudeville icon who killed her partner and sister after finding them in the same bed. However afterward, she begins to struggle with reclaiming her fame because Roxie has overshadowed her.

Chicago also features Billy Flynn, a manipulative, and charming lawyer who is defending Both Roxieand and Velma, and is also highly driven by wealth, and much less concerned about the justice he is serving. Chicago also turns attention to the other side to highlight that the desire for power isn't only for the privileged, instead it's in every one of us, circling back to Matron "Mama" Morton, a tough, sensible, and "a stone cold jail queen", who's not seen reaching the climax but yet isn't averse to exploiting situations for personal advantage.

history & awards

It's safe to say Chicago is the musical equivalent of "The Godfather", showcasing the game mankind plays to reach life's climax. The performance has won over 20 major awards including, 6 Tony Awards in 1976 for Best Musical, Book of a Musical, Original Score, Choreography, Featured Actress in a Musical (Gwen Verdon), and Director of a Musical (Bob Fosse), 6 additional Tony Awards in 1997, Drama Desk Awards, Olivier Awards, and a Grammy Award for its cast recordings, Additionally, the 2003 Academy Award for Best Picture for the film adaptation.

Chicago remains one of the iconic musical of our age, although it has raised numerous discussions on moral ambiguity, celebrity culture, justice and legal norms, and feminism and empowerment.

Eager to witness the spectacle of the criminal? purchase your tickets now before Chicago makes its storming appearance in Thousand Oaks, at the impressive Fred Kavli Theatre At Bank Of America Performing Arts Center, on Friday 7th November 2025 for as little as $210 per seat!