Has Chicago the Musical Moved Into Permanent Real Estate on Broadway?
Ah, Chicago. The Windy City. City of Broad Shoulders. And apparently, the city that just won't leave the bright lights of Broadway! Buckle up, folks, because we're diving into the delightful, and slightly unbelievable, tale of how long this sassy musical has been captivating audiences.
The Original Run: A Flash in the Pan? (Spoiler Alert: No)
Chicago the musical first sashayed onto Broadway in 1975. Now, some might say, "Hey, that wasn't that long ago!" Well, those people clearly haven't been counting sheep... or curtain calls. The original production had a respectable run of 936 performances, which ain't too shabby. But this was just the PRE-HEAT for the real magic trick.
Enter the Revival: From Chorus Line to Curtain Call Champ
Fast forward to 1996. The world is bumpin' to the Spice Girls, dial-up internet is all the rage, and guess what? Chicago the Musical is BACK, baby! This new and improved version, however, decided to defy all theatrical odds. As of today, it's STILL. GOING. STRONG. That's right, folks. We're talking over 27 YEARS and counting! This isn't just a show, it's a Broadway endurance champion.
So, How Many Years Exactly?
Here's the math, for those who like their jazz with a side of decimals:
- Original Run (1975-1977) = 2 years (approximately)
- Revival Run (1996-Present) = 27 years (and counting!)
Total Chicago Time on Broadway: Hold onto your fedoras, it's almost 30 YEARS!
Yes, you read that right. Chicago has been on Broadway longer than most marriages (and some presidential terms). It's a testament to the show's catchy tunes, killer choreography, and timeless story of ambition, manipulation, and all that jazz (see, I snuck it in again!).
The Future's Bright (Like Sequined Dresses Under Stage Lights)
So, will Chicago ever take a curtain call for good? Who knows! One thing's for sure, this musical is a certified New York City icon, right up there with yellow cabs and overpriced hotdogs. So next time you're in the Big Apple, keep your ears peeled for the sound of sassy saxophones and killer tap dancing. Chicago might just still be there, ready to shimmy its way into your heart (and maybe convince you to commit a little harmless murder... for the right price, of course).
