Chicago – The Musical at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

Inspired by the 1926 play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago is one of the most groundbreaking performances of all times. The musical unpacks the depth and lengths to which people will go to sustain power.

characters

Featuring leading roles like Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn, Matron "Mama" Morton, and others, the production centers around murder, greed, violence, adultery, exploration, and corruption. Chicago was based on a play of the same name of Maurine Dallas Watkins, which was based on real-life events.

storyline

The tale unfolds with Roxie, a young and ambitious vaudeville entertainer, who murders her lover "Fred Casely" after he refuses to support her vaudeville career, and disregarding their relation. The story unfolds, and Roxie becomes aware of the attention she has garnered as a female criminal. Like Roxie's desire to escape her mundane life, within time Chicago will introduce you to numerous like-minded characters, with the same or similar intentions. Among them is Velma, an experienced, confident, sharp-minded, and competitive vaudeville icon who murdered her partner and sister after finding out about their affair. However afterward, she starts to struggle with restoring her fame since Roxie has already taken attention from her.

The musical also features Billy Flynn, a deceptive, and charismatic lawyer who is defending Both Roxieand and Velma, and is also extremely motivated by wealth, and much less concerned about the justice he is serving. Chicago also shifts around to the other side to unveil that the desire for power isn't only for the elite, instead it's in every one of us, circling back to Matron "Mama" Morton, a tough, sensible, and "a stone cold jail queen", who is not seen reaching the climax but yet is not averse to exploiting situations for personal advantage.

history & awards

It's safe to say Chicago is the theatrical equivalent of "The Godfather", showcasing the performance mankind plays to reach life's climax. The performance has won over 20 major recognitions 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, And the 2003 Academy Award for Best Picture for the film adaptation.

Chicago remains one of the defining musical of our age, although it has provoked countless criticisms on moral ambiguity, celebrity culture, justice and legal norms, and feminism and empowerment.

Eager to witness the art of the criminal? buy your tickets now before Chicago makes its spectacular appearance in Minneapolis, at the magnificent Orpheum Theatre, on Wednesday 28th January 2026 for as little as $137 per seat!