When Was Chicago Written? A Tale of Murder, Mayhem, and Musicals
So, you wanna know when Chicago was written, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into a world of flappers, felonies, and fabulousness.
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| When Was The Play Chicago Written |
The Play That Started It All
Let's clear something up right away: when people talk about Chicago, they're usually referring to the musical. But before there were showstopping numbers and dazzling costumes, there was a play. And this play, my friends, was written in the roaring twenties, a time when short skirts were long, and bathtub gin was the drink of choice.
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The brilliant mind behind the original Chicago was a woman named Maurine Dallas Watkins. She was a reporter who covered the trials of some real-life murderesses. Let's just say, she had a front-row seat to some seriously juicy drama. Inspired by the scandalous stories, she penned a play that was as sassy as a flapper's fringe.
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From Page to Stage
Now, here's where things get interesting. The play was a hit, no doubt about it. But it wasn't until the 1970s that it got the musical treatment. That's when the legendary Bob Fosse, John Kander, and Fred Ebb decided to give it a jazzy makeover. And boy, did they deliver! The musical Chicago became a bona fide sensation, with its sharp wit, catchy tunes, and iconic choreography.
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So, When Was It Really Written?
To sum it up:
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- The play: 1926
- The musical: 1975
So, next time someone asks you when Chicago was written, you can drop some knowledge and sound like a total theater buff. Just remember, it's the play that's older, but the musical is the one that really stole the show.
How To... Chicago Trivia
How to impress your friends: Mention that the real-life characters who inspired Chicago were known as the "women in the death house." How to survive a trivia night: Know that the musical's iconic song "Cell Block Tango" is actually a six-part murder ballad.How to appreciate the musical: Pay attention to the sharp social commentary hidden beneath the glitz and glamour.How to sing along: Learn the lyrics to "All That Jazz." It's impossible not to tap your feet.How to become a star: Take a dance class and practice those Fosse-inspired moves.
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