All That Jazz: Smash-Hit Musical 'Chicago' Is Bringing Its 1920s Razzle Dazzle Back to Australia

Come on Australians, why don't we paint the town? With all that jazz, Broadway favourite Chicago is shimmying back onto stages around Australia from late 2023. Last touring the country in 2019, the record-breaking Broadway hit is bringing a healthy dose of 1920s razzle dazzle our way again on a three-city tour — so far — debuting in Perth in November, then hitting Brisbane in January 2024 and finally heading to Melbourne next March.

For musical fans in Sydney, cross your fingers that a Harbour City stop is also in the show's future. Chicago isn't any old musical — it's the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, as well as the longest-running production now currently playing the former.

Jeremy Daniel

So far, the original Kander & Ebb musical has reached the eyeballs of over 34-million people worldwide in 38 countries, playing more than 33,500 performances in 525-plus cities. It's also won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy.

Inspiring 2002's Renée Zellweger (Judy)- and Catherine Zeta Jones (Wednesday)-starring Academy Award-winning film of the same name, it tells the tale of Chicago housewife and nightclub dancer Roxie Hart. In the decadent 1920s, she twirls through a whirlwind of murdered lovers, jail time, fierce rivalries and tabloid sensationalism — all set to a toe-tapping soundtrack.

Paul Kolnik

"Chicago has everything that people love about a Broadway musical — a story of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping number after another; and the most amazing dancing you've ever seen. We are thrilled to bring the razzle dazzle of this New York institution back to Australia," said producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones, announcing the new Aussie run.

Who'll be taking to the stage for Chicago's next local seasons — following on from acclaimed all-rounder Natalie Bassingthwaighte and musical-theatre veteran Alinta Chidzey in 2019 — is yet to be revealed.

Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the production showcases music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and choreography by Tony Award-winner Ann Reinking.

CHICAGO 2023/24 AUSTRALIAN TOUR:

From November 2023 — Crown Theatre, Perth
From January 2024 — Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane
From March 2024 — Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne

Chicago returns to Australia from November 2023. For pre sales from Monday, August 14, general sales from Friday, August 18, to join the waitlist or for more information, head to the production's website.

Top image: Jeff Busby.